Lynessa
Manakete
"I am glad Ilia doesn't have summer..."
Posts: 92
Profession: Tavern owner, housewife
Affinity: Ice
Dragon Element: Ice
OoC Alias: Mana
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Post by Lynessa on Jul 8, 2016 16:14:13 GMT -6
OoC: I Plan this topic to be solo topic but I will probably open it later
IC:The sky was pretty clear tonight and the stars shone brightly in a calm night in Ilia. Unfortunately, it didn't help lifting the heavy anxiety in Lynessa's heart. The violet-haired woman took a stroll in the middle of night hoping that the silence and faint rustling of the trees would ease her mind. Her constant sighing was followed by heavy footsteps as her eyes stared at the distance. "What should I do...?" she asked herself. For the last few days, refugees and injured soldiers had been coming to her village. Even her inn was used as temporary hospital currently. Those people was the casualty of the recent Etruria's invasion. The border defense couldn't hold the force of the strongest kingdom in Elibe and fell eventually. The rumors said that even Fort Mordin had been taken and the invaders continued going deeper into Ilia territory while using the old fort as their supply line and base. Well...it wouldn't have been this easy if half of Ilia soldiers weren't preoccupied holding Bern. If the country's military was in its best condition the Etrurian would have never attacked in the first place. Unfortunately the small hole, a weakness, had been exploited well and now the home for best mercenaries in Elibe was in brink of being conquered. While she concerned about the refugees, what bothering the ice dragon the most was the letter she had been holding tightly in her hand. It had come this morning along with a group of refugees, delivered by a mysterious hooded messenger. The content was quite...disturbing. Lynessa's eyes was glued at the right corner of the paper where the name of the sender was written at. "Floki..." she whispered weakly. A familiar name... someone who had been a dear friend for Lynessa and her husband. Sadness...anger...regret...and affection was carried by her tone when she spoke the man's name. This person was too special for her...they had somewhat complicated and rocky relationship. "You haven't changed at all...still so cold even to an old friend. Still...I sympathize with your reason. However, I am not sure I can fulfill your request because it will demand me to make a too great sacrifice." Her voice trailed off as she looked down, smiling bitterly. Lynessa read the letter again... Dear Lynessa,
It has been a few years since our last meeting. How long it has been? 15 years? Or maybe 16 years? How I miss our interesting conversation about our exciting and silly adventures... How is Roy? Is he still as clumsy as he always been? Tell him to stop forgetting to put off the furnace. Can't imagine that warm inn of yours get burned off.
Alright, enough of this casual greeting and stuffs. I am going to move to the main topic...the real reason why I send you this letter.
You must have been informed about our kind neighbor...yeah, that damned Etruria. Well, it seems they are giving more than we can take. And while I and my fellow soldiers are doing our best to push them back into the border, I doubt we will last long. It might take only short time before they march into Araphen and when the city fall then Edessa will follow shortly. That's the worst case scenario, of course. I am not planning to give up soon and we has some solid plan to deal with this tricky situation.
While it pains me greatly to ask this to you, I must admit that I am at my wit's end. We need something to balance the power between us and our enemy, which I sadly admit we are lacking. However, a "Joker" might be able to turn the table and give us some advantage. Our enemies might have a way to deal with our cavalries and fliers...in worst case they probably even have a plan to deal with Richter and his army. However, there must be some things they aren't prepared for.
You are a smart woman, Lynessa. You know what I am asking for, don't you? I have refrained to write the details in this letter in case you want to talk about it first. But please understand, I am not asking for a favor, I am collecting a debt. You gave me your words and I simply ask you to fulfill that promise. You know me, Lynessa... For Ilia, I am and will always ready to sacrifice anything even if I might regret it later.
I expect you to visit me in Araphen in a few days.
Your friend, Floki Lynessa crushed the letter and threw it to the ground. Her usually cold expression was replaced by distraught. "I guess hoping for peaceful life is too much for someone like me... I should have known that foolish decision would only cause more problem sooner or later," she thought. gritting her teeth. "It seems I must answer his summon... There's no other way to protect my family," she whispered to herself.
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Lynessa
Manakete
"I am glad Ilia doesn't have summer..."
Posts: 92
Profession: Tavern owner, housewife
Affinity: Ice
Dragon Element: Ice
OoC Alias: Mana
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Post by Lynessa on Jul 13, 2016 15:02:04 GMT -6
Lynessa returned to her tavern, which also her cherished house. When she entered, she saw that half of the first floor had been used for temporary infirmary. Wounded refugees were lied on carpet made from bear skin, some were on sheets or blankets. People were running around carrying medicines, bandages, and water. It seemed they had used papers and sheets to make a wall that split the room into two sides, the infirmary and the bar. Half of the chairs and tables were pushed to a corner to make some space for these people. A sigh left Lynessa's lips as she walked toward the bar, where those who were still healthy but tired were resting and enjoying some drink.
"Why the long face? It doesn't suit you." Lynessa raised her face toward the voice. A blonde man smiled at her, leaning on the bar with a beer in his hand. This man was Roy her beloved husband and also this tavern barkeep, a quite resourceful adventurer his younger day but forced to retire after some serious injuries and old age. "Honey...I guess I am just tired. It was a busy afternoon after all. Maybe I need a little sleep," she replied to her husband, putting up a fake smile. But before she could went to the stairs toward the second floor Roy stepped in her path and looked at her. "Yes, you are tired...but not because of work. I can tell. I just...know... I've known you for more than 26 years, after all. What's wrong?" His question was followed with a short laugh and the dragon woman could only roll her eyes and feel bad for lying to her husband. She had lost counts how many times this man could see through her, she was almost never successful lying to him. Usually she would give up and spill the truth but this time she couldn't do that. Sweeping the snow off her shoulder, she shook her head and then gave the man a light punch at his chest. "Nothing like that...your guess is off this time. Rather than teasing me you should go there and help our workers tending them. It will be a long night." Lynessa woman passed Roy while avoiding looking at him. She then headed to their bedroom in the second floor.
After she closed the door, Lynessa threw herself onto the bed, lying there and staring at the ceiling. "My head hurts... What should I tell him tomorrow? I can't just leave without saying anything but I don't want him to know where I will go...so complicated..." she thought, questioning herself. It was rare to see Lynessa confused like this but this time she was torn between difficult choice. No...was there any choice at all? What made her uncomfortable was she knew that even if she wasn't threatened, she might agree doing what Floki would ask of her. Maybe the cunning man already knew this. Lynessa pulled dragonstone, disguised as a necklace, out of her collar and raised it above her eyes, fondling it with her thin fingers. It was her habit to play with her dragonstone when thinking, somehow it helped her relax most of the times.
"Lyn?" Roy called as he opened the door.
The call made the ice dragon surprised and she got up quickly. For a moment, there was silence as Lynessa said nothing and looked down while Roy walked toward the bed. She twitched when her husband threw himself onto the bed too, lying beside her. "This isn't how it's supposed to be...you know... It just feels wrong with you avoiding me and pretending you are alright. Last time, you were the one who got mad when I kept secret," he said. Lynessa kept silent for a while before she started chuckling. "What's this? You still won't let me off that one?" Her question was replied by a groan and a "NOPE" which forced a smile in her face.
"It has been along time since we met...since I wake up and began my new life..."
"Yeah, maybe around 25 or 26 years since that day."
"I am indebted to this land, to its people and to you as well."
"That sounds somewhat stupid coming from the smartest woman I know."
Lynessa lay down, resting her head on Roy's arm and then giving him a peck in his cheek. The couple was trapped in a silence as both hesitated to speak. The man wondered what his wife had in mind, having a good guess about what it was. The woman couldn't make up a good sentence to persuade...no...to ask permission to do something they both might regret someday. This situation continued for a few minutes, then hours, and then they eventually fell asleep in each other's embrace until the morning came.
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Lynessa
Manakete
"I am glad Ilia doesn't have summer..."
Posts: 92
Profession: Tavern owner, housewife
Affinity: Ice
Dragon Element: Ice
OoC Alias: Mana
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Post by Lynessa on Jul 20, 2016 12:03:18 GMT -6
The dim sunlight spread into the room as soon as Lynessa opened the curtain and then the window, welcoming the famous Ilia cold morning breeze. Her hairs were tied into ponytail so it wouldn't get in the way when she was doing house chores. The woman chuckled when she heard a weak groan, probably intended as a protest, that came after she opened another curtain that was quite close the bed. Roy kept his eyes closed and rolled his body while covering his head with blanket. "Wake up, honey. It's morning already. Don't you have to go down and clean the bar?" She couldn't really blame her husband for wanting a little more sleep. After all, they barely had had any sleep last night. Seriously, the soft and warm bed looked very irresistible right now. Her husband figure's was reflected clearly in her green eyes as she continued staring at him with a smile in her face. She sighed. "The usual morning I see... He is never a morning person anyway. It has never changed even after years. Someday he has to learn to wake up by himself..." Despite her complain, she gently shook her husband and whispered into his ears, finally forcing him to wake up. The man sat lazily on the bed, giving a hand gesture that everything would be okay and he would be ready in a few minutes. "Thank you..." Lynessa whispered as she sat next to Roy. Her words caused the man to frown and look confused, rubbing his chin while pondering what his wife meant. "Alright...for what exactly?" he piqued. Her statement got rid of his sleepiness but also bothered him a lot. "For not asking anything or pushing me to explain... You were waiting for me," she replied, feeling a bit embarrassed for showing her weak side. "Seriously, I should have been honest with you. Maybe I were afraid...maybe I still am." Lynessa gasped when Roy's big arm went around her and pulled her into his chest. The man didn't say anything and only looked down with serious expression. Lynessa snuggled into her husband as she continued telling him what she should have said sooner. Lynessa told Roy about the letter, about who had sent it, and about what she thought about Floki's intention. Although she managed to keep calm as she spoke, the dragoness hesitated and stumbled a few times especially when speaking about sensitive topic. Roy's reaction didn't fall far from her expectation. The man had mixed expression of anger, bewildered, worried, and sad. Like Lynessa, he was hurt by how Floki asked. Collecting debt or asking favor, whatever he called it, he shouldn't have slipped a threat in a letter for a friend. The couple had known the man for a long time so they easily understood that Floki had implied he was prepared to force them or take another extreme measures even without him saying it directly. "Since the war began, I have always had a hunch that he would get in touch with us sooner or later. However, I always expected him to do it better. I wonder how busy he was that make sending letter was the best thing he could do, he should have come here personally and then we would talk and drink maybe a few glasses of beer," Roy said, snorting. He looked disappointed somehow. "Still...the situation is probably worse than we thought. Otherwise, he wouldn't have resorted to this." His conjecture was agreed by his wife, who made a weak nod as she spoke, "Maybe, but...well...it has been years since that day. He has never mentioned the debt. Never at all. I must admit I have come to believe that he has already forgiven me or at least forgotten about it," she said. Part of her believed that Floki had forgiven her and let her live a peaceful life but now she had been awaken from her silly dream and had to face the harsh reality that an old friend had just asked her to pay and make a sacrifice. It was her fault, anyway. She didn't really have a right to protest. "And now what? You are leaving?" Roy asked, staring at Lynessa's green eyes and then finding the answer within them. "Seriously?" A short remark full of disbelief came from the man, who then buried his face in his palm to hide his expression. "Of course, I am going... It's something I have to answer to. I will be injustice if I break my promise." Her voice was filled with determination. Lynessa then spoke again. "After all, I was me who killed his brother..."---------------------------- Three days later, in ArphenFive carriages passed the gate of the fortress after thorough inspection by the guards. Well, the guards recognized that it was the usual group that always carried visitors, mostly family members, friends, or lovers of the soldiers in this fortress, but they were still obligated to do inspection and body-check. A hooded woman sat with the other passengers inside the carriage, this person had been quiet since the departure and she brought only a small bag with her. She, like the others, had cooperated with the guards and let her belongings checked. After a short trip, the carriage arrived in the main courtyard. Some soldiers quickly surrounded the carriages in search of their friends or families. Joyful laughter soon followed as these people happily greeted their visitors and the masses eventually dispersed after a few minutes. The hooded woman jumped off the carriage and looked around. This wasn't her first time coming to Arphen but it had been quite awhile since her last visit. The last time was...when her son had received his promotion. "Excuse me...May I help you?" A soldier noticed that the woman came her alone and didn't have anyone expecting her so he then decided to help. The woman looked at him and smiled. "Please tell General Floki that his friend, Lynessa, has arrived. He should be expecting me..." she replied.
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Lynessa
Manakete
"I am glad Ilia doesn't have summer..."
Posts: 92
Profession: Tavern owner, housewife
Affinity: Ice
Dragon Element: Ice
OoC Alias: Mana
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Post by Lynessa on Aug 11, 2016 14:15:03 GMT -6
Lynessa was heading to Floki's office in the left wing of the fortress, escorted by three soldiers who looked stoic and didn't even respond when she tried to start conversation. Oh great...she hoped not all of the soldiers in Araphen were like these people. Sure, soldiers should look strong, disciplined, and maybe even intimidating but these people really gave unfriendly vibe. Lynessa suspected that Floki might have been specifically told them to be careful around her. After a little walk through the long corridors, they finally arrived in the front of the general's office and the soldiers let Lynessa entered the room alone, probably following their commander's order, while they stayed outside and kept watch.
There wasn't many decorations in the room . Maybe it was unnecessary to make the room pretty since this place was military building, simplicity and organization were more important than looking good. Well, it actually matched the owner's personality well, Lynessa thought to herself. "So here I am. Just like your requested." The dragoness turned to face the man standing near the fireplace and greeted him with calm tone. Both had been aware of each other presence since she had entered the room but words were stuck in their throats. It wasn't easy for them no matter how they had prepared themselves for this meeting. The man, who was called Floki The Beast by his soldiers, turned around and faced his old friend with a wide grin. "Then I guess I must conduct a proper welcome as a host," he said. The man walked toward the small table near the fireplace and seated himself on one of the two sofas. Lynessa joined him shortly afterwards as she watched Floki poured wine for both his guest and himself.
Lynessa refused to touch her drink while Floki took a quick gulp before before they continued sitting across each other without saying anything. The silence was suffocating as they both felt the rising tension between them even without words. They were old friends, and at one point had shared romantic affection, but their current circumstances had made it hard to rekindle their friendship. "So...How are the boys? Are they doing well? I heard Aran was promoted last month?" the man asked. For a moment, Lynessa's mind ran through a few scenarios as she ascertained what he could possibly mean with that question. It might sound like a normal question but that was only in normal circumstances, and now they definitely weren't in such ideal situation. Lynessa feared that bringing the topic about her children was his way to threaten her. No, she wouldn't allow it. He should have known better than trying to make such foolish threat. "They are fine and probably still heading back to Ilia. It seems their squads were instructed to take care of a few things after the total retreat. It probably made them a bit late," she replied. There was a bit hesitation before her reply came out. And thus both became silent once more and avoided each other's gaze.
"So...I am not going to beat around the bush..." Floki was the one who broke the silence, gaining Lynessa's attention. The man seemed to waver a bit when the dragoness looked at him with cold and sharp stare. "You read my letter...and you must have been aware of the situation in western Ilia. I know you don't like attention but this matter is beyond our selfishness. Too important that I can't allow our...my personal feeling to get in the way." Lynessa made an sarcastic giggle, very unusual of her, and held her hand up to make Floki stop talking. "What you requested to me...is very big and I am not sure I am mentally ready for it. To be honest, I don't even want to do it." She wanted to say more but Floki interrupted her. "You had many battles... I know it because I was there. You have been exposed a bit in the past, some by your own choice, so what make you feel that this time you can't do it," he said, his tone starting to sound forceful. The man might have a point with his argument but the look in Lynessa's face should have told him that they were having a big disagreement. "How could you compare fighting a few monsters with a war between nation? Once I go there and cross the line, I will never be able to return," she argued again.
"If you don't cross the line, you might lose your home. Maybe I am going to force you using your childr...." Before Floki could finish that sentence, freezing air quickly filled the room as Lynessa's body was emitting visible blue aura. Her eyes, which had turned slithery, intimidated the man and made him push his chair backward a bit. For the first time since she had entered this room, Lynessa showed extreme rage and killing intent that was enough to make her magical energy leak from its source. However, a seasoned general like him wouldn't lose his composure for long. With a deep breath, he then regained his courage and composure. "I know you won't like it. But I am going to do anything to stop my home being trampled and converted," he said as he secretly moved his hand toward the hilt of his sword, jut in case he needed it. "And you also owe me. That time you swore to pay it someday so here I am collecting the justice left from your crime," he said. "I do. And I am sorry." Lynessa's rage subsided a bit as she spoke, looking sad after being reminded of her sin. Memories flashed in her mind, scenes from the past she wished to forget and a mistake she wanted to redeem.
Long time ago, there was a difficult battle against an ancient monster in one of her past adventures. Floki, Roy, and Jay, Floki's brother, are there. It had been a impulsive and foolish adventure into secret temple which held ancient treasure. Of course it had been full of challenge, they should have known better. There had been a moment where Lynessa had to draw her full power and took the battle to next level, which unfortunately left great catastrophe around the area and accidentally killed Jay. Folki had been furious that time and had almost avenged his brother if Roy hadn't stepped in to stop his best friend from killing his lover.
"I only said I don't want to do it, not I won't do it. I have made up my mind. i just wish this will end quickly so I can....think something to save my normal life." Lynessa trembled, both in anger and fear, as she announced her commitment. Seeming pleased with her answer, although he showed a moment of hesitation, Floki raised from his chair and walked toward the depressed dragoness, placing his hand on her shoulder. "Nice decision. I will arrange something to test if you are totally committed or not," he said firmly. The man gritted his teeth and clenched his fists as his expression distorted into dissatisfaction. Despite what he had said, he couldn't totally agree with how himself had dragged an old friend to a war that would destroy her life.
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Lynessa
Manakete
"I am glad Ilia doesn't have summer..."
Posts: 92
Profession: Tavern owner, housewife
Affinity: Ice
Dragon Element: Ice
OoC Alias: Mana
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Post by Lynessa on Aug 30, 2016 13:27:22 GMT -6
Three days had passed since Lynessa had arrived in Araphen... The violet-haired dragon stood in the balcony, arms crossed and leaned on the railings. Her gaze went far into horizon, seeking for something in Ilia sunset. The reddening color in the sky was reflected in Lynessa's emerald eyes as she continued staring. She was looking for an answer to her own question. Had she made a right choice? Would it be harder than she had predicted? Her eyelid closed as she felt the cold breeze caressing her face as if telling the dragoness that everything would be alright. When the door creaked and someone's footsteps entered the room, Lynessa turned around. She was putting calm expression but there was mixed feeling hidden behind her icy stare. The guest was Floki, which shared complicated relationship with her. The man walked casually into the balcony and joined Lynessa in enjoying the sunset. "Your new outfit suits you well..." he remarked after taking a short glance at her. The Ilian soldier wasn't the type who spoke flattery and empty praised but he wasn't a flirt either so Lynessa guessed he was saying that she looked like he wanted to be. "I don't see why it is necessary. I still like my own robe." While this new clothes definitely looked better than her old robe, Lynessa still felt uncomfortable with it, especially with the shoulder pads. "Maybe. But you are one of us now and I need you to look like a...important and high-ranked officer." Alright, if he wouldn't give in to her protest then Lynessa would just stop it and resign herself to wearing this uncomfortable garment. And to be honest, it was easier to move with this lighter but sturdier top and pants so it wasn't that bad actually. "So what is my role in this little game of yours?" Lynessa said while looking uninterested. Floki's brows twitched a bit when his plan was referred as a game by the woman. It was clear that he didn't like it but the commander then decided to let it slide. "Nothing changed. Just like what I briefed to you yesterday. I am going to put you into my new team, which mainly consists of selected soldiers and mercenaries, that was tasked to disturb our enemy supply line. I just need you to act like an army officer until I...or maybe you...decide that we need to use your power for something bigger. The Etrurians definitely won't expect it and it can be deciding factor in this war. But until then you should play your role as a "normal" soldier perfectly." Lynessa glared at Floki. They had talked yesterday. The Ilian man didn't even try to smooth the fact that he had intended to use the dragoness as a weapon of mass destruction. At least he had said that he wanted to keep her identity secret as long as possible. Sad long sigh left Lynessa's lips as she reminisced the time when they had belonged to a close-knit group who liked adventuring and exploring the continent. Clearly things like grudges and responsibilities had drifted them apart now Lynessa wondered. If it was up to her...would she lend her power willingly to fight the invaders? This land, this country, was her home. She had lived in two very different eras and this country called Ilia had become as irreplaceable as her pre-Scouring home. This time she had been forced before she could have come up with her own decision. If she thought logically, what she would do was understandable. Her sons were in military and she knew they would fight the invaders until their last breath to defend their homeland. Her husband might have old injury and was out of shape now but he would definitely raise his bow against Etruria as well if needed. And what about her? Sure she had taken a great risk by joining this battle but was doing nothing and leaving the fight to the others actually the right choice? Maybe she was still bitter by how Floki had forced and demanded her, using her debt to him, to take part in this silly war. "I can do that. No problem..." Lynessa muttered as she left the railings and started heading back to the room, seeming uninterested to continue the conversation. However, she was stopped when Floki put his hand on her shoulder and turned her around. His hands going through the dragoness' left bangs as they exchanged gazes for a short moment. It was only a few seconds but by looking at his eyes Lynessa was reminded that if things had gone differently in the past, she could have loved this man instead of Roy. "What?" she said coldly. The general gave no reaction to her cold response and simply lowered his hand then walked passed her. He never turned back again until he left the room and closed the door. "Why did he come here for? Don't tell me he came here just to tell me that?" Lynessa said to herself, putting her hands on the waist. There was no need to come to her room just to comment about her new outfit or remind her about her duty or stare at her eyes. Did he possibly...try to reconcile? It was difficult to guess his intention so Lynessa decided to forget it, although she was powerless to stop herself from smiling when she was thinking about Floki. -Thread End-
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