Aidan Lowell
Griffon Knight
Symbol of Rebellion
Ten years is far too long to be a stranger in your own home.
Posts: 265
Bern Fame: 4
Illia Fame: -4
Profession: High Consul in the Bernese Senate
Affiliation: Bern
Affinity: Thunder
OoC Alias: Elias
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Post by Aidan Lowell on Jun 29, 2012 16:17:10 GMT -6
"I told you to come with us, not to ask questions." The voice was biting, sour because of it's defeat no doubt. "Now come." The figure began to walk, and Aidan followed behind. In no hurry to see just what would happen if he didn't obey, besides this was the quickest path to their goal, if anything they should be grateful to such a timely stroke of luck. After all the bad luck Aidan had endured, it was almost a breath of fresh air. Still the air was tense, as if it was waiting for just the right moment to flip and cause this relief into more grief.
"Argyle is complicated." The other voice spoke up in the silence. This first simply let out a grunt of frustration but made no effort to stop him from speaking. "He is... like our father. But also our greatest friend. He helped lead us from our confusion. In the aftermath of the bandit war, we were lost. With the occupation by Ilia, our sense of a country was shattered even more then the way destroyed our defenses. Nowhere to go, nothing to do but settled down and pretend nothing happened, cursed to spend our lives paying recompense for some foolish false king's ideals. If not for Argyle, we would surely have joined Ilia and cut you down where you stand."
"He knew the truth, that the former king of Bern was nothing more the false idol placed there by the powers that be. For he used to be one these powers. He is a great man who rounded us up, true patriots of Bern. The sons and daughters of this great land, and sequestered away in our last bastion." He spoke and spoke, with a great admiration in his voice. Aidan knew this was a cult, in fact he was told right from the outset, but it still felt almost... creepy. Not to be bothered by such things and thoughts, he simply followed and stayed silent as the castle came into view.
"Argyle is a great seer of the truth, and it is by his grace alone that we are able to remain in this place despite attacks by Ilia's military. His incredibly strategic planning has let us fend them off every time, he is a man of utmost importance to us. He is in no uncertain terms, our leader."
By the time he finished speaking they had arrived at the gates of the castle, almost as if it was somehow timed. As heavily fortified gates opened, they found themselves in the courtyard of this impressive structure. It was odd, that Ilia had left such a strategic point uncaptured, perhaps this Argyle guy was as skilled as the robed man said, though everything he said simply must be taken with a lethal dose of salt. However... he could be useful for the rebellion.
"You will wait in the guest room until you are called, you are not allowed to roam the castle, if we find you outside of your room you must be aware of the consequences." The inside of the castle had torches, candles, chandeliers everywhere. Even in this, the dark of night, it was well lit. At least comparatively so when put against the forest they were in before, where one could barely see the one in front of them. The two characters that led them looked different in this light, the guard wearing a dark outfit that made them nearly impossible to see in the dark. They wore a mask over their face, nothing showing but a pair of dark brown eyes, at their belt was a blade, short like daggers but jagged and violently shaped, serrated and almost appearing specifically to rend and tear flesh. This killer weapon was thin enough that it could even attack the joints in Aidan's armor, meaning that for all his steel even he was not safe if they wished to end him. Not mentioning the almost insane glint of killer instinct that seemed to fill their eyes. The shape of the body was that of a man's, but a lithe and thin one. Ready to bolt at a moment's notice.
The other was unmistakably male. Wearing a long white robe that reached to his feet, with a thick beard of dark brown hair and a raised hood. Though something about this man made it feel as though he was not simply a clergy man, perhaps he used staves to heal those wounds, or he used the magic of light to slay others... or perhaps both. It was not a far guess that everyone in this castle was ready for battle at any time, perhaps even the children. With so few men, all of them needed to be ready for battle if the need arose. If the priests' words were true, many of these men used to be soldiers as well, meaning their experience were not to be trifled with.
The walk took a while, every turn felt like they were being lead deeper and deeper into a maze of walls and doors, people could be seen from time to time, but they all darted the moment Aidan's group came into view. This place was even larger on the inside then it appeared and it wasn't long until Aidan couldn't even keep track of how to get to the place they were. Undoubtedly on purpose, so they couldn't simply just escape. If they were to try to leave, they would get lost without a doubt, and be easy to take down. Eventually they came to a door, like every other, but the assassin that lead them stopped in front it. "Here, get in. We will call for you Aidan when we are ready. The rest of you stay inside, or face consequences."
In no rush to disobey these strict orders, Aidan headed inside. The room was well lit, he could actually see in front of his self without straining the eyes. At the least, it'll be a break from hiding all the time. He couldn't imagine Ilia finding him and capturing him in a place like this. Couldn't relax though, needed to stay alert, in a strange place of people who may be allies or enemies. It might be a good idea to come up with some sort of an escape plan, if it came to it.
"Can't say I planned this..." Aidan muttered to his self looking at Saturos. "What's your take?"
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Post by Vince Altus on Jul 6, 2012 17:44:35 GMT -6
Vince plodded along behind Aidan and Saturos, holding his tongue not only out of training but also for lack of anything to say. The strangers...Argyle's men, it seemed, made him nervous. There was no balance in their composure, one seemed almost ready to throw himself off a cliff, while the other seemed as though he could serenely stare down the devil himself.
"It's unnatural," Vince started and looked up at Aidan and Saturos, he had meant to keep the words to himself, but he heard his words echoing off the stone walls. May as well get on with it, Vince frowned and expanded on his opinion. "From what I saw, the Illians were quite thorough in their domination of Bern, even the bigger cities." After a glimpse around the room, Vince lowered his voice anyway, it felt unnatural, "if they can conquer the capital, I have a hard time imagining how they missed this place."
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Saturos Prox
Swordmaster
The Wildcard
I'm almost incapable of lying. I'd be a terrible spy.
Posts: 351
Etruria Fame: 1
Profession: Undercover Operative
Affinity: Anima
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Post by Saturos Prox on Jul 9, 2012 21:35:51 GMT -6
“My take?” echoed Saturos as he ran a hand over decorative pillar. “My take is that this place was quite clearly built by some awfully skilled architects.” The Etrurian flashed Aidan a large, but quick grin, before turning his head back to the stonework. It was impressive, really, how well maintained this castle was. While the outside had looked drab and dreary, no doubt to keep the castle from gathering attention to itself and better blend into the surrounding mountain, the inside was decorated with an almost religious fervor.
Indeed, Saturos had noticed that the further they wandered inward, the more colorful the surroundings became. Large tapestries adorned the walls, depicting scenes of battles and figures that Saturos could only assume had to do with the legacy of the nation of Bern, and the floors were covered by impressively large rugs patterned with sanguine reds and deep shades of indigo. The room they were in, at least, had a massive, impossibly ornate chandelier that burned with at least fifty, thick, foot long candles that illuminated the room almost as if it were day.
But as impressive as it all was, it made Saturos uncomfortable. He didn’t take well to castles; their walls felt confining and their innards a twisting labyrinth of halls and corridors. It was like being in the belly of a beast that was ready to digest you and spit you out at any moment. He had felt the same way during Aidan’s rescue, but at least then there had been a clear plan in and out. Right now, however, their five man group was at the absolute mercy of these cultists, and Saturos had no idea whether that was good or bad.
“But to be frank, which I know is a rare gift from me, I don’t like this,” said Saturos, his demeanor souring harshly from the cheeriness of a few seconds ago. “I expected a cult, but these people sound like zealots, and seem just as ready to slice our heads clean off our necks as they are to take the fight to Ilia.” The swordsmaster licked his upper lip nervously. He felt no fear, but was definitely unsettled by the current uncertainty. It was like walking amongst a pack of hungry wolves, but worse. At least wolves were obvious in their intent.
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Aidan Lowell
Griffon Knight
Symbol of Rebellion
Ten years is far too long to be a stranger in your own home.
Posts: 265
Bern Fame: 4
Illia Fame: -4
Profession: High Consul in the Bernese Senate
Affiliation: Bern
Affinity: Thunder
OoC Alias: Elias
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Post by Aidan Lowell on Jul 10, 2012 8:26:41 GMT -6
"I agree Vince, it's quite odd. This castle, while not only very well decorated, is at an excellent defensive point, with the mountains and forest nearby. I've been here before, it's just a few hours ride in carriage to reach Caelin from here, perhaps they've been avoiding a conflict so close to the border? Or maybe this person is a skill tactician like they say? I sincerely doubt that no matter how skilled he is, he could withstand a full onslaught by Ilia and Bern's army, so there's some factor we're missing that is making them ignore such a place. Or, who knows, maybe they just lucked out. I have a feeling asking may not be the best idea however." Aidan thumbed at his chin, almost grateful that the long silence was over, it was all so eerie. This place bustled with life, but it wasn't a kind of life Aidan could recognize. It was all so quiet, it wasn't unlike being in prison. The cell was just much nicer. Though, to be fair, Aidan never was one for over elaborate decorations.
"When people have nothing, they will cling desperately to whatever they can..." He muttered, looking around their room. "At the least we don't have to worry about being captured at the moment. I don't like this either Saturos, but it might be our only chance to get some rest. We might not get another opportunity like this for quite some time, and I do not think they'll try anything until I talk to this Argyle fellow. We would never have entered if they didn't want me to speak with him, so until then we are safe. Or as safe as you can be in a situation like this." Which is not very. He wasn't sure what exactly was in store for them, but he did know that they had been running since this morning. Take the chance to rest wherever you can find it, especially in their life as fugitives. "Just keep an eye out everyone. You can never know what to expect from a place like this."
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Post by Vince Altus on Jul 10, 2012 21:50:39 GMT -6
“My take is that this place was quite clearly built by some awfully skilled architects.” Although the swordmaster spoke half-jestingly, Vince couldn't help but agree. He had never seen such fine decorations even within Ostia! The whole setup stank of pretentious snobbiness and ignorance...On the bright side, the tapestries and rugs might burn nicely if it came to a fight.
Rest...It was a concept Vince hadn't thought of with recent events. Although he was a trained soldier, just hearing the word reminded him of how heavy his armor and shield were...I wouldn't mind a night's rest...Vince shook the thought out of his head vigorously. They would be lucky to get a night of sleep in a creepy place like this, it was better to be on guard, as Aidan had said.
OOC: Blatant filler post, sorry!
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Aidan Lowell
Griffon Knight
Symbol of Rebellion
Ten years is far too long to be a stranger in your own home.
Posts: 265
Bern Fame: 4
Illia Fame: -4
Profession: High Consul in the Bernese Senate
Affiliation: Bern
Affinity: Thunder
OoC Alias: Elias
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Post by Aidan Lowell on Aug 24, 2012 18:08:58 GMT -6
It was silent. Deadly so, the only sounds the filled the room were the soft scuffles of faraway feet. Ever reminding them all just where they were, and just what kind of situation they had found themselves in. Aidan had told them to rest, but how could one rest when it was possible to be killed in the morning? When you are surrounded not by your enemies or your friends, those where the most dangerous foes. You can never know, as with enemies it was atleast possible to prepare yourselves. These people could be their allies, or they could put their head on pikes to send a message to the rebellion, and the absolute worst part was that they were completely powerless either way. They weren't guests, they were prisoners.
His armor creaked in the worst possible way. He wanted to remove it all, but he could not. It was incredibly difficult to relax in such a suit, his body had grown accustomed to the weight long ago, and he could move in the steel better then some could completely unencumbered, that didn't mean it wasn't a hindrance at times. Not to mention incredibly uncomfortable. Not that he was a dainty maiden, who needed to be pampered at all opportunities, he had long grown used to being uncomfortable both physically and mentally. Still one can not call this relaxing.
A soft tapping in the distance, the creaking of metal, the clanking of plate upon plate. It wasn't just Aidan, Vince was just as heavily dressed in iron. Saturos was silent, which worried Aidan, but there was little place to worry about such a thing when there were other things to worry upon. Heaps of issues piled themselves higher and higher upon the surface of his mind, stressing it beyond levels it should logically be taken. Still, Aidan appeared just as calm and in control as he ever had. Even at his absolute worst, he appeared completely in charge on his self. Even in a hopeless situation such as this, there was a feeling that Aidan was still somehow at the head of it.
At ever movement, there was a small thought that maybe now it was the time for this to be all resolved. The shuffle of feet, the mindless muffled quiet chatter from what felt like miles away, the sound of door nobs turning and doors shutting. The minutes were stretched into hours, the silent air suffocating any hope they had at 'rest'.
Aidan stood with his back to the wall. Eyes shut and ears intently listening. He wasn't sure if he was the first one to notice it, but they caught a sound in the distance, like every other. Quiet footsteps the echoed the halls. This time, however they ever grew louder. Not substantially, but evenly. They became more and more pronouced, like the already silent hall ceased everything only to have the silence shatter and reform after every step. It wasn't even one person, but at least three moving in unison. Their footsteps almost perfectly synched in a way that any commanding officer would love. There was a stirring, a small commotion almost as they grew closer. It wasn't audible, but Aidan could feel it in the air.
"We have come for Aidan Lowell." He spoke outside the door, reminding a world that forgot a man had been stationed there the entire time to watch the room. They never forgot, but it was as if he was never there. They could not forget, not when he was the gatekeeper to hell, guarding them and preventing any hope of escape. These people, they were surely incredibly skilled in the art of stealth. Perhaps this was the key to their survival? If you cannot defeat an overpowering foe... hide from them.
The door's nob turned, without a word from this silent sentry. Aidan's eye's popped open, taking the room in once more, watching the door's frame as it swings open and revealing the small entourage that had come for him. "Aidan, it's time. The rest of you wait here." It was the priest looking man from before, one with a kind smile that was almost more sinister then the most overpowering bloodlust. Of the two men Aidan had spoken to... he was the one who scared him. The other was foul tempered, angry, upset at the very idea that they were dirtying this ground. This man however, was understand, he had a kind voice that almost sounded like it was a tarp covering countless daggers. Aidan pushed his self off the wall and approached the doorway where the man waited.
"Alright, I'll be back everyone after I speak with Argyle." He craned his neck to look at the small ensemble that he had assembled. Saturos in particular. Wordlessly turning and following the man, he left and was once again in the hallowed halls of this castle. A castle that almost felt like a sanctuary.
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Aidan Lowell
Griffon Knight
Symbol of Rebellion
Ten years is far too long to be a stranger in your own home.
Posts: 265
Bern Fame: 4
Illia Fame: -4
Profession: High Consul in the Bernese Senate
Affiliation: Bern
Affinity: Thunder
OoC Alias: Elias
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Post by Aidan Lowell on Aug 31, 2012 13:28:41 GMT -6
Aidan walked with the small entourage, his steps noticeably heavier and out of rhythm with the others. It was almost admirable, if not a touch sinister. They were all lightly armored, chain mails and leather plates, they wore the garbs of those who fought with speed and strategy as opposed to brute force. A tactic that appears to have worked for them. Hopefully they had been overthinking this all as much as Aidan has. How woefully depressing it would be if this was all spontaneous. Perhaps they were playing cards to pass the time, or maybe Aidan was just so busy mulling it over it felt like it was hours when it was merely five minutes.
He made the trip in silence, partially because Aidan didn't like needless words in the first place and partially because he was sure that they wouldn't respond. Well the robed man would, but something about him just unnerved Aidan. Aidan instead took the time to scan the halls, trying to get a handle on the navigation of this castle. It was impossible, mostly, since it felt like it was nothing but corridors and doors. It all just blended together and made him feel like he was simply walking by the same background over and over. Was this on purpose? To confuse intruders? If so, it was working like a charm.
"Aidan, you're being silent. You can relax, we aren't going to hurt you." That man spoke, his voice even and calm, but not particularly calming.
"This is an impressive structure. I find myself getting lost even as you lead me." Aidan replied with the thing on his mind at the moment. "So quiet, clean, it feels like some kind of church instead of a castle."
The man was silent for a moment, stopping for a moment in his tracks, causing the rest of them to stop moving as well. A tense silence filled that air, but Aidan didn't retract his words. Suddenly a light chuckle filled the air, the answer to his statement. "I suppose it does, doesn't it?" It was all he said before he started walking once more.
"This castle was designed for the purpose of defense, as opposed to a throne for a king. So you are partially correct, the interior is designed very similarly for that reason. It's easy enough to learn, but we live here. Someone without any prior knowledge, such as yourself would be hopelessly lost."
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Aidan Lowell
Griffon Knight
Symbol of Rebellion
Ten years is far too long to be a stranger in your own home.
Posts: 265
Bern Fame: 4
Illia Fame: -4
Profession: High Consul in the Bernese Senate
Affiliation: Bern
Affinity: Thunder
OoC Alias: Elias
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Post by Aidan Lowell on Sept 5, 2012 21:51:34 GMT -6
There was a sudden stop, and even Aidan could understand why. The halls grew more and more similar, but suddenly there was a shift. This room was different, the hallways and corridors had been spacious but this room was far larger then all the others. His mind couldn't remember the steps to get here, involving both ascending and descending stairs several times. Honestly, he couldn't help but think they took a specific route solely to confuse Aidan on the trip. He wouldn't put it past these people, their only defense was their trickery and their cunning. These are the kind of men who would not shed a tear poisoning a water supply simply to defend themselves.
"Mind yourself Aidan." The man said, completely devoid of emotion but showing a calm smile. It did not betray his tone, the smile was every bit as cold and emotionless as his words could ever be. Aidan was not one to be deterred by such things, however. He was Aidan Lowell, and even if he hadn't wanted it, he was leading this group of men. It was up to him to get them all out alive, no matter what he'd have to do. What he'd have to agree to. If it came to it, he'd have to take Argyle as a hostage to negotiate. If you can't win by force, win by tactics. With a nod, Aidan took a few hesitant steps forward.
He was right, this wasn't a castle. It was a sanctuary.
He understood what that man meant when he said his steps dirtied this land, he felt as if his very presence was tainting the air around him. Even he couldn't suppress the small gasp of wonder as he stepped forward. His eyes looking up and trailing the room up and down. It looked less like a throne room, and more like a church. Tall limestone walls with colored glass embedded into them, light streaming in a rainbow of colors and painting the floor in it's hues. Pillars of marble decorated the room as he stepped forward, staring at the many windows, each telling their own story that Aidan could only wish he could understand one day. Golden designs were attached to the pure white walls and a vivid red carpet stood in the middle. He had forgotten where he was, anyone would forget such a thing. Why would such a place exist here? This was no castle.
In the room were men, who looked as part of this place as the ornaments hanging from the walls. Standing as still as stone, but their eyes traced every single of Aidan's movements. At the end of this holy land was a man, sitting. Even this didn't look out of place, it was as if all the beauty radiated from him. He was an older man, but Aidan was almost suffocated by his very presence. It felt larger then life, and made the soldier almost forget himself for a moment.
"Come Aidan."
A voice spoke up from the silence, it was then Aidan had realized he stopped moving. As if he was waiting for the command, he stood at the base of a small set of stair that elevated the man above all else. His voice was quiet, but powerful. It pushed aside the overbearing silence and sliced right through the air. It was as if the air itself respected it.
"I wish to speak with you."
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Saturos Prox
Swordmaster
The Wildcard
I'm almost incapable of lying. I'd be a terrible spy.
Posts: 351
Etruria Fame: 1
Profession: Undercover Operative
Affinity: Anima
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Post by Saturos Prox on Oct 2, 2012 17:52:02 GMT -6
"A crisis looms over us, Aidan."
Argyle's unwavering locution emanated from the throne like a charmer's song, subduing the senses with its sheer gravitas. But like a statue he remained still and unchanging. His eyes, great pearls of stone, remained fixated on Avidan. There was nothing else in his vision. He had been waiting for this conversation.
"Do you know what this crisis is, Aidan?"
The men standing along the sides, previously motionless, stirred. In unison, each took one large step away from the throne, before dropping to one knee and bowing to their master. To one unfamiliar with the sight it may have seemed rehearsed, a ceremonial display of honor. But in truth there was no ceremony. These men respected, no, adored Argyle. He was their master, their teacher, and they were loathe to show him disrespect.
And yet, Argyle, like a stone, did not move.
"Can you hear the voice of Bern? Her cries?"
But as stone-like as Argyle seemed to be, he too was man, and interrupting the immaculate stillness of his throne he stood. There was a long pause in the air, as Argyle rose to his feet, but nobody seemed to be in any hurry. Slowly the man straightened, and slowly he began to walk, wafting down the steps like an ethereal avatar of a god. His form, old and frail as it was, carried a great power, and with each of his steps his attendants in the room seemed to shrink, unimportant in the face of such grandeur.
"I believe you can, Aidan. And I believe that you care. That is why I have allowed you entrance here."
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Aidan Lowell
Griffon Knight
Symbol of Rebellion
Ten years is far too long to be a stranger in your own home.
Posts: 265
Bern Fame: 4
Illia Fame: -4
Profession: High Consul in the Bernese Senate
Affiliation: Bern
Affinity: Thunder
OoC Alias: Elias
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Post by Aidan Lowell on Oct 4, 2012 23:10:31 GMT -6
His words tore through the air, a quiet voice that carried the weight of a thousand worlds. It was hard to tell just why it was like that, was it charisma? Did he have the grace and cantor of a holy man? Was it sheer fear that seeped into Aidan's mind to make him believe all of this? The honesty was it was all of this. This wasn't an equal conversation, far from it, but the man still spoke to Aidan like he wasn't a hostage. It was a sudden jar from reality that shook up existence itself.
He rose from his throne but it was not a man leaving a throne, it was the throne leaving the man. He did not need such a chair to impose an importance upon the world. His words were short, concise, and far from impartial. He spoke of Bern's cries, it's pain, and that even darker days were looming ahead. Despite all of the claims of impartial existence, and tolerance of the Ilians, it seemed that these people realized the pain of Bern.
"I do, Argyle." Aidan took a step closer, he could not simply shrink away from fear. "I know Bern cries, and I know that I cannot simply stand aside while it does." It was odd, he was against the rebellion at first. Perhaps he got wrapped up in all of this? This nationalistic fervor? He knew almost nothing of the rebellion, being roped into it by the powers that be. That wasn't important, Bern was suffering. Bern is suffering. It cries, begs for its freedom. A freedom that has been stolen away from it.
"I know not of your followers, of your rules and ways, but I do know how it is to listen to the pain of a land and not be able to do anything to save it." He quickly shook his head and looked right at the man he spoke to, knowing that even one cross word could have him killed. "Our beliefs may be different, our methods at odds, but I believe what we both want is the same. What is best for Bern."
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Saturos Prox
Swordmaster
The Wildcard
I'm almost incapable of lying. I'd be a terrible spy.
Posts: 351
Etruria Fame: 1
Profession: Undercover Operative
Affinity: Anima
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Post by Saturos Prox on Nov 8, 2012 20:52:31 GMT -6
"Indeed."
The old man stopped at the bottom of the stairs, and peered at his one man audience with his hard, grey eyes. He paused, as if not sure what to say next, but when his mouth next opened, he spoke with surest confidence.
"We are an old order, Aidan, founded by Hartmut himself. You have never heard of us, because we do not want to be known, but since the beginning we have remained steadfast in watching over Bern. We have had a strong hand in guiding it to prosperity."
Argyle then strode towards Aidan, sliding across the floor like a specter, before stopping in-front of the much larger, much younger man. But what he lacked in size, he made up for in presence.
"But as of late, our role as the shepherds of Bern has been taken from our hands. Usurpers from Ilia try to lay claim to our beloved land, and try as it might, the rebellion remains largely powerless against them."
The older man reached inside his robe, and after a long moment of rummaging, pulled out a small bundled cloth. The cloth itself seemed ancient, and one keen enough to notice would see a slight shimmer in the space around it. But seconds after drawing the bundle out, Argyle placed both hands behind his back, obscuring it from view.
"But that was before you again chose to reenter the world. After Bandit King Hargus ravaged our lands, we tried to find a worthy successor, but none were up to the challenge of driving out the Ilians and restoring our nation to its former glory. But you are different. You have stood up to the occupiers and triumphed."
Argyle paused, rubbing a finger over his chin.
"Adian, have you ever heard of the Fire Emblem?"
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Aidan Lowell
Griffon Knight
Symbol of Rebellion
Ten years is far too long to be a stranger in your own home.
Posts: 265
Bern Fame: 4
Illia Fame: -4
Profession: High Consul in the Bernese Senate
Affiliation: Bern
Affinity: Thunder
OoC Alias: Elias
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Post by Aidan Lowell on Nov 18, 2012 21:47:53 GMT -6
His heart jumped a beat, but his face remained as steady as stone. He had long since made his self able to hide such things as surprise, or even intrigue. One could say it was simply him trying to be more introverted, but the happy truth was that his self induced exile into Lycia taught him more then a little for when it comes to hiding things. Things like how he felt, the truth, and how he actually felt about things. It's funny how easily such things transit into politics and leading, almost depressing really. Still, when he saw that bundle of cloth, even if it looked absolutely ordinary, his mind jumped to conclusions all the same. The following topic the man chose was only agitating his thoughts. Could it be? Was it the Fire Emblem? Did this man really have it?
"This order is as ancient as Hartmut his self..." Aidan muttered to his self. Scratching his scruffy chin, thinking quietly to himself. The original founder of his family, the first Lowell, Armand, who was one of the first to train the Wyvern to battle, an old comrade of Hartmut himself. It was how his family gained it's status as nobility. It was why, despite being dukes, his family was full of generals and warriors instead of statesmen. Aidan was only the youngest of the family, along with his twin sister, but his family had been this way since all the way back in Hartmut's time. The family spear that Armand was said to have wielded laid with his old home... back in Bern. It only filled his heart with more fire to free Bern. "My ancestor fought with Hartmut during the scouring..."
"I know the Rebellion has not been able to stand against the Ilians. I cannot stand it. That is why I am going to do absolutely everything in my power to drive them from my home. I am but one man, but my heart burns for the freedom of my home. The rebellion may not be strong, but I believe in them. I believe that we will succeed. We will make Ilia leave our home, we will make Ilia regret trying to stop us. I swear my life on it." His words sounded like simple false and empty promises given by politicians looking for support, but that wasn't true. Aidan believed this, he believed he would drive Ilia from this land or he would die in the process. The rebellion was small, weak, but only a foolish man underestimates a cornered beast in their own land.
This wasn't like Hargus, whom Aidan shamefully once fought under. This wasn't like that at all, he didn't care for his cause. He only followed orders, but he wasn't going to simply follow orders any longer! He had his own will, his own drive, and he would use this to save Bern or die in the process.
Still, to think this was all decided for him and he still felt such a way. It was almost scary, was it really his will? Or was he just being manipulated into thinking so? Was he really a player? Or simply a pawn? The honest truth was... even if he was a pawn, he would be the best pawn he could be as long as it brought him closer to his goal.
"Every child of Bern has heard the legend of the Fire Emblem. It is the symbol of Bern, of the royal family. Whoever holds it is to be the rightful ruler of Bern. To have such a... powerful icon. We could rally the people who had forgotten their first duty. We are Bern. It is our duty to fight for our homeland. They have ignored her cries, falling into the comfort of Ilia's rule." His eyes narrowed as he spoke, sad perhaps. Or maybe simply disappointed, maybe even in his self for being such a hypocrite. His stony face bore none of that. "To have the Emblem could be Bern's victory. I will not lie to you Argyle, I have come for the Emblem. I would do anything to save Bern, even put my own life at risk."
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Saturos Prox
Swordmaster
The Wildcard
I'm almost incapable of lying. I'd be a terrible spy.
Posts: 351
Etruria Fame: 1
Profession: Undercover Operative
Affinity: Anima
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Post by Saturos Prox on Dec 16, 2012 21:44:40 GMT -6
Argyle's stone-like eyes gave a sly glance as Aidan made his intentions known. A true hero of Bern stood before him this day; a man who would rid their great country of corruption and lead it into a new, golden era.
"Those pure, noble intentions are why you still stand. If you had come here for any other reason, I would have killed you where you now stand."
With a motion swifter than what his old form would seem to allow, Argyle pulled the cloth swaddled object out from behind his back and held it out in front of him. He made no further motions, merely staring up at the taller man in front of him. The cloth around the trinket could not dampen the intense sense of importance it radiate, an aura so grand it seemed to dwarf even the imposing Argyle.
"It is for you. A man of noble blood and noble intention; the destined ruler of Bern. If you take it, it will be your sworn duty to rid Bern of its oppressors and care for the throne that our previous king so carelessly disgraced."
And then, Argyle stood still. He said nothing, merely looking up at Aidan with a peculiar look in his eyes.
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Aidan Lowell
Griffon Knight
Symbol of Rebellion
Ten years is far too long to be a stranger in your own home.
Posts: 265
Bern Fame: 4
Illia Fame: -4
Profession: High Consul in the Bernese Senate
Affiliation: Bern
Affinity: Thunder
OoC Alias: Elias
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Post by Aidan Lowell on Dec 17, 2012 10:42:58 GMT -6
It was unreal. This whole situation had a huge surreal quality to it, impossible to define. Like it was a strange dream, one of delusion and grandeur. This small, almost insignificant item had the power to dwarf them all with it's magnificence. Such a proud, storied item never looked so small. Not only did these men have the emblem, but they were going to give it to him, of all people. It was madness, madness to think he could ever possibly be worthy of it. It wasn't about his ego though, it was never about that, it was something so much bigger, something so much more. It was about Bern. This small item had the power to unify Bern, this he knew.
Gingerly he reached down. He almost felt like someone was about to fall from the ceiling and impale him, going 'ha ha you fell for it' or something. Like the curtain would fall and his sister would be snickering, mocking him on his admittedly melodramatic words. 'We will make Ilia leave our home, we will make Ilia regret trying to stop us. I swear my life on it.' It was what his heart felt, and he had to admit, he was never good at putting what he felt into words. He spoke honestly, without the deceitful double talk that is oh so intertwined with the name of noble. Perhaps that's why people trusted him, and perhaps that's what made him such a good little pawn.
He took the cloth into his hand, and it was still so warm. Strange, to think it would be wrapped in such a way. It still felt so... impressive that it could be felt through a brick wall. Slowly he unfurled the cloth, the emblem sitting inside just as he was told. He looked down into Argyle expecting eyes, they almost speaking louder then he ever had. Beckoning him to touch it, to take it for himself. If this cloth had been wrapped around it for so long, he would be the first person to truly touch it in years. It was a soft touch, he moved so hesitantly as if the emblem would shatter within his hands.
Argyle stayed silent. What he had to say was done. There was no more need for any words, the simple act of giving the item to him was more then enough. He trusted Aidan, trusted him enough to give him the key to Bern. There was no words that could ever capture what he did in such a simple act.
It was warm to the touch, like it had been warmed in the sunlight. It felt nice, a sort of accomplishment filled his heart, feeling as warm as this fire emblem itself. He never wanted to let it go.
He bowed deeply to the elderly man, but never said a word, the silence between the two being a show of gratitude in itself. As he turned to walk away, it almost felt like the whole world was shifting around him. Anything felt possible. He could not hide the grin on his usually sour face.
The walk back to the room was devoid of any noise. In the silence, Aidan could only feel eyes. Like everyone in this place was watching him, many would stare as he passed and he felt almost buried by the countless gazes. Still he strode with a sort of confidence he lacked before, an easy look on his face, a calming one that was different then the forced calm he had held this entire time.
The man who escorted was the same as before, and he especially seemed noticeably silent. His smile looking wrenched, like he was puzzling something very difficult. "I can't believe it. I was right there, I heard every word and I still cannot believe it." The once emotionless man showed a rare moment of surprise. "You, of all people. You were lucky we didn't kill you at the gates, but not only did you enter but you were given the greatest treasure we have. Just... who are you?"
"I'm just a soldier." Was all the knight told him before returning to his room.
The door shut behind him as he looked around the room he had left before. It felt so long ago, days, months, but it couldn't have been more then an hour or two. Everyone was still there, and still accounted for. Even if they could all still be killed at the drop of a hat, it almost felt like they were invincible right now. "We did it." Was all he could say, struggling to keep his smile down. "We got the emblem." He held the bundle of cloth in his hand, the small emblem shining in the sea of fabric.
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Saturos Prox
Swordmaster
The Wildcard
I'm almost incapable of lying. I'd be a terrible spy.
Posts: 351
Etruria Fame: 1
Profession: Undercover Operative
Affinity: Anima
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Post by Saturos Prox on Dec 21, 2012 23:33:15 GMT -6
Saturos smiled back at Aidan, easily being able to tell that the other man was himself stifling one of his own, and clapped the larger man on the shoulder. He really had no idea what had happened in that room, and the scene immediately jumping to his mind probably involved more angels and heavenly beams of light than were realistic, but its result had been nothing but great: they had the Fire Emblem.
With his noble blood and now with the emblem in his possession, Aidan could declare himself a rightful heir of the Bernese royal line, and it was no doubt that the news of a rising heir would help Aidan rally the full support of the rebellion around him. The simple thought made Saturos's fingers tingle with excitement. He felt honored to be part of the beginning of something as momentous as this, and was even more honored that he could call himself friend of the man at its center.
"Congratulations," said the Etrurian, releasing his grip on his comrade and taking a step back. "There's nobody I'd trust with it more than you."
"So how was Argyle?"
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