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Post by Charlotte on Mar 22, 2015 15:04:13 GMT -6
(So I put us in Santaruz since Audric was there with Merio and crew, but let me know if you’d rather him and Charl meet in Tania and I can edit).
Ah, Santaruz. The wonderfully bustling economic center was a welcoming sight for Charlotte, almost like coming home after being away for so long. Sure, her physical housing was in Laus, and she was born on the Isles, but - besides working with the various noble courts - Santaruz was a place that just made her feel alive. There was always a deal to be made, information to be traded, goods to be smuggled, and Charlotte loved to be in the thick of it.
The young woman - clothed in a maroon embroidered linen shirt, low cut and fitted, a tight brown leather vest with similarly colored linen pants and thigh-high leather boots - weaved through the packed and lively marketplace. At the heart of the bustling city center, at midday no self-respecting merchant or goods-peddler would risk not being available for the Lycians and foreigners alike who had coin to burn.
Running her hand through her hair, Charlotte patted a small pouch on her side with her other hand, making sure it was still there as people bumped into her left and right. She wasn’t buying or selling today, merely facilitating a goods hand off that she’d already completed the first half. So goods in hand, all she needed to do now was pass them to the next retainer and then she could be on her way, with a little extra coin to boot. It wouldn’t be much, but considering she was still recovering from her last job, something slow and easy like this was just what she needed to keep working without pushing herself over the edge. Not to mention, she needed to start building up a bit of coin so she could travel to Etruria once it was time - a distressing thought, but one that had to be remembered.
A small tea-shop at the edge of the market was the meeting spot Charlotte had been told to go to by her contact. As soon as she spotted it, she also saw the corner of the building she would need to stand by: under the cafe’s main sign, just next to a weathered-looking old barrel. So taking her position, the blond flicked a bit of hair out of her face - she was still getting used to the short length - and looked about, seemingly aimlessly. However, her eyes were meticulously scanning the crowd like a hawk for the man who was supposed to approach.
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Audric Tania
Soldier
Posts: 57
Profession: Royal Hothead
Affiliation: Lycia
Affinity: Fire
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Post by Audric Tania on Apr 5, 2015 10:38:23 GMT -6
Merio wouldn't have liked that Audric had slipped away. He couldn't help it though. Until the Marquess would see him, Audric would sooner spend his time touring the city and meeting the people. The red haired lordling moved through the town with an air of purpose about him. Adorned in ornate, heavily plated armor his movements had a bit of a presence to them with the noises made. However the large brown traveling cloak wrapped around him hid this armor entirely, so the quality was unknown and merely the fact he wore armor indicating he was someone of atleast some wealth. However the ornate spear at his back was more of an indication to his nobility. It was Buidhe, a weapon of House Tania. The unique ornate green polish along the solid shaft of it was a bright emerald. The bulky base of the spear tip belittled the ease of the weapon being held; and the tip was just as sharp as a normal weapon. The Strap running from the spear blade base to near the pole butt of the weapon shaft was equally as ornate, consisting of woven crimson threads. Armored digits twitched beneath his traveling coat as he looked to a group of unsavory brutish fellows leering at him while he passed. Something he should have expected, even in Santaruz was ruffians.
However the day was a beautiful despite some of the less so people he moved by, and no trouble actually followed him. Wouldn't Merio be pleased. Audric had a propensity of sorts for getting into trouble given his hot blooded nature as to taking injustice or moral wrongs into his own hands. The young lord smiled briefly as a group of children scurried by in a fit of laughter as they chased after one another. While he couldn't ascertain what it was they were doing the fact that it was a town where children could openly play about showed that it was a perfectly safe place for the most part.
Shops ran and stands worked their trade, a few vendors attempting to sell things to him as he moved by, and while he made nice with small talk he expressed no interest in purchases for the day. It was at this point he found himself stopping to examine the local patrol of Santaruz guards moving by. Similar to Audric, who had been tried no differently in combat than that of a standard soldier fighting style wise he could respect the modest choices of a shield and spear that they sported. Though they made their way quickly, Audric waited and leaned back slightly upon a solid log rooted into the ground that towered upwards and hoisted a sign for the Cafe above it. He would take a moment if possible to simply enjoy the day, and take in the sights. Santaruz was also much larger than Tania, so it was a bit of a change for him.
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Post by Charlotte on Apr 6, 2015 21:43:47 GMT -6
It was a sea of multi-colored heads and cloaks, but Charlotte was observant - it only took her a few moments to spot the retainer in question once he was in her line of sight. Tall, dark skinned, and muscled, he looked like he belonged in some underground gambling ring, protecting a scrawny noble’s son up to his neck in debt. His eyes were narrowed and beady as he looked for Charlotte; the blonde shifted her eyes away from him, knowing much better than to wave him over and potentially blow the deal.
Eyes scanning over the crowds once more, though, Charlotte noticed something strange as she glanced at the man again. As he grew closer, the blonde noticed that two other men flanked his right and left, moving with him through the crowd and towards her. No, this wasn’t right. Charlotte had been told it would be a one on one hand off, not that the man would bring two lackeys along with him. No, deal terms were being broken, so something was wrong. Charlotte didn’t intend to stick around to find out what exactly it was.
Immediately Charlotte pushed off of the wall she leaned against, using it to give herself the momentum to slip into the crowd. But before she could disappear amongst the flow of merchants and customers, however, a strong hand grabbed her shoulder, turning her to face the contact who should have been alone. She should have taken the alley, of course one of his lackeys would grab her damn shoulder.
“Ay,” the man’s deep voice rumbled angrily, “Where dah yew think yer goin?”
Charlotte narrowed her eyes, trying to shake the lackey’s hand off of her shoulder as someone brushed against her other from the passing crowd. “Deal’s off,” the blonde hissed. “Now don’t make a scene and maybe we can renegotiate-”
The man laughed, though his thick brows remained furrowed over his beady eyes. “Oy, you don’ tell us the deal’s off! Yer just the delivery wench! Now where’s tha goods?”
Charlotte rolled her eyes. Goodness, if she’d known this was how the job would go she’d have never taken it. “They’re going back to the seller, since the rules of our meeting were broken. Now,” she spat, shaking her shoulder again, “tell your dogs to back off and I’ll be on my way.”
Instead of letting go, the brutish companion of the retainer tightened his grip on Charlotte’s shoulder as she tried to squirm out of his grasp. The other friend’s hands grabbed her other shoulder, holding her still as the retainer stepped forward, snatching two pouches from her waist: one containing the package, and the other being one of her coin pouches. She thought about yelling for a moment, but she knew better for now. Instead she bit her tongue as the brutish man’s hot breath hit her skin.
“Big words from a little girl,” he chortled. “Yew need tah learn when tah back off.” The retainer’s men released Charlotte’s shoulders just as the tall, burly man threw a hand out and pushed Charlotte, sending her stumbling back before falling to her rear.
“Oof!” Charlotte yelled, hands shooting behind her to break her fall. This was the whole reason she didn't take small-time deals like this any more! Her eyes were clenched shut as she made contact with the ground, causing her to lose sight of the damn smugglers just long enough to lose them in the crowd. Jumping to her feet, Charlotte did the only thing she could. She needed to get that pouch back hell or high water to get paid, and considering she spent and arm and a leg to heal, well, her whole damn body, getting burned like this was not on her agenda. Some do-gooder would likely step up and chase down the men to help her retrieve her goods.
“Help, those men stole my purses!” Charlotte cried loudly as soon as she spotted the big lug’s head amidst the still moving crowd. Pointing in his direction, she began to try and push past the other people in the crowd, the majority of whom either grumbled at her pushing them aside or ignored her completely. Damn, she needed to get closer!
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Audric Tania
Soldier
Posts: 57
Profession: Royal Hothead
Affiliation: Lycia
Affinity: Fire
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Post by Audric Tania on Apr 8, 2015 5:58:01 GMT -6
So far, Audric had to admit. Santaruz was a decent place. Being one of the most secure places in Lycia at it's current day and age with some of the fewest monster attacks and security from brigands Audric was quite positive that this could be reflected in the citizenry. His gaze shifting around, every seemed to have their own agenda. That was where he saw it most. They were able to go about what they wanted to do without fear of danger. No looking over their shoulder or keeping eyes peeled in the distance. Just focusing towards that task. Sure, every place was without troubles but he had a feeling that was anywhere in the world. Audric shifted his poise as he turned to look back to the Cafe. That was when he saw something that, while it didn't contradict his reasoning did make him realize no where was probably truly perfect. He saw a large man, admittedly taller than he; shoving a woman as they quickly began to make off. Yeah, not okay.
His blood instantly began to boil. A dark scowl crossed his visage so fast it could have been mistaken by some as a possession instead of a mood change. Audric's figure moved in a bustling of the brown cloak while he moved past the woman to chase after the ruffians. As he ran his cloak lifted upwards to trail behind him, his armor reflecting a bit of light and drawing attention to it as the red-headed lordling snarled and moved through the crowd. It worked to his advantage though, armor being revealed despite him not knowing it. People were quick to move out of the way of an armored running man with a spear on his back. Audric shouted in a furious booming tone over the crowd, in a tone that seethed in command; something his presence exuded heavily.
"Stay where you are, bastards!"
Despite the armor he had on, he would be okay to give chase for a few minutes before it started to tire him out. Merio had forced him to train in it to grow accustomed to the weight. It hadn't been an easy task, but here it was obviously paying off. Audric's mind drifted to weather or not he should have reached for his spear. No, not in open public. Not if he could avoid it. Not to mention he could already here Merio's tone of disapproval in his head. "Audric! This isn't the time to do that!" Technically...he was right? It would reflect poorly on Tania if Audric drew blood or killed criminals even within a territory not his own. He was a visiting lord, not lord of Santaruz. That..wouldn't stop him from beating them senseless if he got ahold of them. Hopefully they'd see that he was armed with a weapon and simply take that as a sign to stop. The one who shoved the blonde haired woman though? He wasn't getting out of it without a broken nose. That was for damn sure.
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Post by Charlotte on Apr 9, 2015 11:48:27 GMT -6
And just like that, a streak of red and brown shot past Charlotte and into the crowd after the ruffians. He was tall and broad-shouldered – though the latter could be attributed to the armor he was sporting under his plain cloak. It looked nice to the blonde, but in his haste she wasn’t able to see much more than that. Not to mention, a long, beautifully ornate spear was perched on his back, adding to his imposing figure - and also to Charlotte’s interest in the do-gooder who had decided to leap into action. The red haired man might not have been a burly as the nitwits who had taken the package, but there was something about his stature that also made the crowd part in front of him without any real provocation, while his pursuees were having trouble getting people out of their way short of throwing them aside.
Well, it helped that his voice demanded compliance, which the crowd was all too willing to provide the armored and armed man.
Charlotte did her best to follow after him, eager to see those knaves get their just reward. Sure, the whole deal was technically for illegal goods, so everyone was being dishonest, but they were still trying to take advantage of her! Unfortunately, though, the sea of people that parted for the red-haired stallion closed as quickly as it had opened, forcing Charlotte to give her best effort at pushing past the bustling crowd to catch up.
Ahead, the three men persisted in running away, but the leader of the rag-tag group - an unfortunate looking man named Ralfie - wasn’t prepared to get the package taken back by some kid looking to be a hero. Their pursuer was gaining on them, so Ralfie did what any weak-willed man being chased by someone who could clearly beat the snot out of him one-on-one.
“Keep ‘im back yeh louts!” As soon as he shouted, his two barbarians of friends turned on their heels; somehow they exuded a confidence in their ability to stop the charging force that was the amber-eyed soldier. They drew no weapons since they were still amidst passing civilians, but they didn’t hesitate lunging themselves towards fists up and at ready to swing the moment the gap between them and the do-gooder was closed.
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Audric Tania
Soldier
Posts: 57
Profession: Royal Hothead
Affiliation: Lycia
Affinity: Fire
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Post by Audric Tania on Apr 11, 2015 18:35:38 GMT -6
It was almost exhilarating. As if he had missed it. The thrill. The rush, or high even that filled him with a specific euphoria when fighting someone or hounding them. That tension and risk to one's safety that sent their body into fight or flight. It was obvious which mode Audric was fond of; oh so obvious. The same could have been said for the thieves as the burly brutes struggled through the crowd to evade them. When the two men were ordered to "hold him off" he felt it. That surge that caused a grin to spread upon his lips, and an actual laugh of exhilaration fill him as he sprinted to them. Really, they had turned so abruptly they would have lost all their force. Audric was full sprint and adorned in plated armor. He might as well have been a catapulted boulder to them. However that didn't mean he could just run them over effortlessly. They were fairly large boys, and it wouldn't be so simple as "keep running Audric" by any means.
He tucked himself a bit, lowering his heads like a bull might as he outstretched both his arms. Every muscle in his body was tense as he braced himself and continued sprinting. He held back only slightly to catch them off guard, and as the men lunged for him Audric lunged forwards with his head tucked and shoulders popped up to better shield himself as he crashed against them at full force. Each arm pressed to them lariat style as he attempted to use their momentum against them while surging forwards. It was a trick Merio had often instilled in him.
When unsure about the enemies power, save your own. Use theirs as effectively as you can; let their weapon also serve as yours. His robe billowed behind him now, as his armor caught the light and reflected brightly to reveal Audric's armor baring the seal of Tania designed into it. Armor made expressly with him in mind it would have appeared. As he shouted in exertion he knew that he had to catch that man. Every muscle in his body fueled him forwards in hopes that he could burst through the two lackeys and knock them aside to waste as little time as possible; allowing him to continue his pursuit to chase down the thief. Not to mention it'd look bad, especially for him if he did anything too foolish. Once again he could hear Merio's voice lecturing into his own mind. "What were you thinking? Have you any idea how bad this could reflect upon your house!?" along with some other poorly planned escapades no doubt being dredged up from his rep-sheet and listed off to further dig his own grave.
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Post by Charlotte on Apr 12, 2015 22:12:36 GMT -6
Though large and clearly experienced in brawling, Audric was right to assume the shift in momentum could be the two goon’s undoing. While they knew how to punch something until it stopped moving, the two weren’t keen on actually using strategy when it came to taking on a challenger. The thrill of the fight, plus the fact that they were used to being able to purely overpower their opponents, superseded using actual tactics in a fight.
So while fists were outstretched, ready to attack, Audric’s extended arms paired with his momentum caught both burly brigands off guard, sending them straight to their backs on contact. The sight of it evoked a gasp from the crowd as they watched the teen floor the attackers, though it was also the firebrand teen’s ornate armor that elicited a response.
Being big guys, while the wind was knocked out of them they usually would still jump back up and show the teen a proper pounding. But even louts like the two Audric had clotheslined were no fools, and they recognized the brilliance of a young noble’s armor when they saw it. Maybe if they had been in a dark alley or an abandoned field they’d keep at the young lordling, but in the midst of a crowded market, the two simply scrambled back, knowing the consequences for lashing out against a noble would be severe for no-names like them.
While the goons were backing off, Charlotte was finally able to catch up, pushing through the now stationary crowd to finally break through into the small circle that had formed around the three. She gathered very quickly that her do-gooder was a higher-class noble, very likely directly related to the Marquess of Tania, considering the territory’s seal was emblazoned on his chest. She didn’t have much time to observe anything else, though, as a booming voice more commanding than the young lord broke the gasps and shouting around them at the fight that had broken out.
“EVERYONE FREEZE! IF I SEE ANYONE MOVE, IT’LL BE STRAIGHT TO THE GALLOWS!”
In an instant the crowd froze, including the brigands who had lunged at the Tanian noble. They all watched as four of the town’s armored guards marched to the center of the circle, one of them with the fleeing Ralfie in tow. crap, Charlotte thought, wishing she could disappear back into the crowd behind them. The guard were no more intimidating than the noble teen was, but the difference was if Ralfie didn’t keep his mouth shut, Charlotte would be getting dragged off to the Gallows whether or not she stayed still.
And of course, as soon as the guard guiding Ralfie, pushed him into the Circle, he spotted Charlotte.
“Tha’s her, I’m tellin’ yah!” The almost incoherent man shouted, pointing directly at Charlotte. “Only reason I’m runnin’ is ‘cause she tried to screw me!” Charlotte would have slugged the man if she could. They had a strict "no snitching" code in this line of work, but this man didn't seem to comprehend that. How had he made it this far without being black-listed was beyond Charlotte.
The guard dragging along Ralfie elbowed him in the stomach. “Keep quiet, you!”
Meanwhile, the remaining guard’s eyes locked directly on Charlotte, who threw up her hands in her defense. “I have no idea what he’s talking about! I was just making my way through the market when he and his two rapscallions for friends decided to steal my purse!” She hoped the man who'd stepped in to help might chime in for her, but Charlotte was plotting her escape into the crowd if things went poorly.
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Audric Tania
Soldier
Posts: 57
Profession: Royal Hothead
Affiliation: Lycia
Affinity: Fire
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Post by Audric Tania on Apr 13, 2015 10:32:13 GMT -6
Feeling the two men give way as he knocked them aside, Audric grinned with a grim sense of satisfaction before standing back up as the two fell with respectively loud thuds. No longer in motion and with it not trailing behind him the red headed youth's cloak came back to a resting point covering his body again so only the ornate spear was alluded to his noble status of birth. Temporarily. The sudden shout of the guards arriving had him turning to gaze at them. Perhaps it was due to his upbringing, but guards had never stricken fear within him like average citizens. He had always been in a standing of higher authority. While he didn't challenge their command he did turn to gaze at them, having with them in tow the man who had stolen the woman's bag.
What was this? Some lie the man was spouting out? Audric had seen it with his own eyes, the man grabbing her bag and running off. Perhaps there was more to the tale than he knew? He had jumped into the scene pretty much reacting on instinct albeit; yet he had a feeling he would have acted this way even if the situation had more telling to it than he knew and he were to have known it prior. It was then he noticed the blonde woman trying to defend herself from the accusations. He was directly involved in the situation wasn't he? Perhaps it was best if he spoke up as well.
The sound of his plated boots contacting stone road while he approached the guards distinguished his arrival, lifting a hand slightly to rest on one of his hips as he gazed at the apprehended man with a look of exasperation. The cloak now draped partially over his extended elbow revealed his armor once more, also showing that Audric's concept of stealth towards his identity needed far more work. Something Merio had insisted countless times. He'd work on it...eventually. Audric spoke up once again, his tone deceptively assertive as his gaze lingered upon the captured male.
"This man is lying. I saw him grab her bag myself, I attempted to retrieve it but he had two thugs attack me. Those two infact.."
Audric turned to point at the two men who had attempted to hide in the back sides of the crowd when the guards first arrived. In the back of his mind Audric suppressed an urge to grin. Attacking nobility was a grave crime, and he could only imagine how bad it would look if he, a visiting lordling was assaulted by two thugs and they simply let off with a light sentence. Though he didn't play the game of Lycian politics well; he understood it's workings. Though while traveling Merio insisted Audric's identity be kept a secret it was merely to prevent ambitious discontents from trying anything. The Marquess of Santaruz had already been informed of his intended visit. Whether or not he conveyed that to the guards would have been entirely on his own merit; however he would take a leap of faith.
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Post by Charlotte on Apr 14, 2015 11:57:20 GMT -6
Of course, even though Charlotte tried to refute Ralfie’s claims, she had no sway with the town guards, especially not in Santaruz. One approached her, a short, stocky man with a braided robin’s egg blue beard, taking her arm in his hand. The thief scoffed at him, an incredulous look overtaking her features.
“Oh, so you’ll believe him but not me?” She huffed, shaking her head and trying to loosen the guard’s grip on her arm.
The guard maintained his steely grip. “There’s a whole crowd here and no one’s sayin’ a word, miss, I’d say that’s eno-“
"This man is lying.” Just then, the red-haired noble stepped forward, much to Charlotte’s relief, eyes set on Ralfie as if his gaze alone could condemn the man. Charlotte noticed how the man – intentionally or not – flashed his armor from underneath his cloak, again in a show of dominance towards the town guard. “I saw him grab her bag myself, I attempted to retrieve it but he had two thugs attack me. Those two in fact…"
Charlotte could have burst into laughter as the fiery young man pointed out the two lugs, who had been fruitlessly attempting to blend into the back of the crowd. The look on their faces was one of pure terror as they were singled out, which resulted in the two unoccupied guards diving into the crowd to fetch them. Anyone who wasn’t dumb or blind would know they were in a whole hell of a lot of trouble, considering they’d made an active attempt at attacking someone who one could only assume held some noble title. Not a crime you wanted to be accused of, especially in Lycia.
Technically the young Tanian had no sway in influencing the guards of Santaruz, especially since he had not directly announced his title to them – which further confirmed to Charlotte that the man was likely of higher birth than an Earl or Viscount, outside of the territory of course. Sure, he looked like he might be in his late teens, but that wouldn’t matter to the guards. They simply saw a noble confirming that, yes, these ruffians had indeed been causing trouble. It honestly made the guards’ jobs easier to simply take him for his word, which if they were found to doubt and be in the wrong, could make hell for them as well. Lycian politics never slept, after all.
The guard holding onto Ralfie finally spoke up. “Alright, sir, thank you. Barret, you can release the woman; go help with the other two.” Blue-beard gave a swift nod in response, releasing Charlotte’s arm and diving into the crowd himself. Charlotte rubbed her arm for a moment before flicking a bit of hair from her face, sighing loudly as she did.
The remaining guard directed his attention to Charlotte. “Ma’am, you’ll have to come retrieve what was stolen from the guardhouse after we process. Was it just the one purse?”
Charlotte’s eyes glanced angrily to Ralfie, as if commanding him to remain silent, before jumping back to the head guard and smiling. “Yes sir, just my coin-purse was all. Thank you.”
A swift nod was all the response she received directly before the guard ordered the crowd to resume business as usual. Surprisingly Ralfie stayed quiet, though it was likely he realized now why he should have kept his mouth shut and followed the correct hand-off procedure. Maybe some time in a musky, damp cell would teach him how to properly handle situations like this in the future. Whatever the case, Charlotte was certain this would be the last hand-off like this she’d be doing for a while. She was much better at consulting with the lower-echelon nobles and coordinating these sorts of hand-offs from afar. Thankfully she’d grown out of this stage it seemed.
With the crowd back to its usual hustle and bustle, Charlotte brushed off her front, approaching the Tanian directly. She was curious to know who he was and why he was in Santaruz, but first things first. She was grateful the man had helped her out of a tight spot, after all.
“Thank you for helping me back there,” the blonde started, smiling. She didn’t extend her hand for a shake like she normally would in Santaruz, since, well, the man wasn’t from here, and she wasn’t as familiar with Tanian nobility pleasantries as she should be. However, she didn’t mind being a bit forward, though she wasn’t going to poke and prod about being a Tanian noble just yet.
“To whom do I owe the pleasure of coming to my aid?”
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Audric Tania
Soldier
Posts: 57
Profession: Royal Hothead
Affiliation: Lycia
Affinity: Fire
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Post by Audric Tania on Apr 15, 2015 6:13:32 GMT -6
There was a satisfaction in the responses of the two worms trying to crawl down into the dirt upon noticing they'd been spotted. It made Audric grin to them as they were apprehended, knowing they'd damned themselves gave him no small comfort just in a small almost cruel way. They got what they deserved. His armored hands shifted as he crossed them over the plated chest with an approving nod. Though as the woman was informed she could receive her stolen goods later Audric frowned internally. What was the difference between that and simply..handing them to her now? He would remain quiet, knowing when not to push certain topics but keeping it in mind to ponder at a further point.
As the guards began to move their newly obtained prisoners, Audric turned to gaze at the blonde haired woman as she questioned into who he was. A hand shifted as the armored digits rested upon part of his hips where the armor plating linked together. The other lifted to rub lightly at the back of his neck while the red haired teen chuckled a bit shaking his head. He wasn't good at the whole being thanked thing, nor ironically was he good at the whole "hiding his identity" thing. Honestly, it was best he was out with it. If Merio took an issue with it later that was something he'd deal with. Audric shifted himself so both hands rested at his sides, letting his cloak shift back down to cover his body entirely.
"No need to thank me milady. "
Dismissively waving off the notion of thanks he turned his gaze back to the direction the four guards had come from.
"If people are so brazen as to steal in broad daylight, their dull-witted notions warrant someone equally brazen in apprehending them. As for me. I'm.."
His gaze rested briefly on a soldier moving by. He had a lane. First name done. Lance. Second name? Duke? Horrible idea. Err..rivers..Lance Rivers? No, lame. What if...Oh hells with it. Stealth be damned.
"I am Audric Tania, son of Marquess Tania. Yourself Milady?"
He did not exchange a hand to shake purely off the fact that he was wearing heavy gauntlets. Shaking ones hand in armor seldom happened, for good reason. However he would atleast be courteous and return the gesture of learning her name as she had just received his own. The Tanian lordling let his gaze fall back onto her as he waited her answer.
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Post by Charlotte on Apr 17, 2015 19:32:08 GMT -6
A chuckle bubbled from her lips as he commented about the men being careless enough to steal in broad daylight. His observations were spot on, obviously, but it was ironic as often times she did just that, though it was never by pushing anyone around. There were plenty of less tangible ways of stealing she partook in, something that was much harder to track of course.
Charlotte watched the young man carefully as he moved and responded to her, fully expecting to have to infer his relations, title, et cetera, from what she presumed would be a very layered, evasive response. Nobles tended to be very indirect and euphemised a lot, especially if they were looking to avoid speaking about their rank. Sure, a lot liked to parade their rank, but a visiting noble who was involved in a scene in the middle of another territory’s market? Charlotte could only assume he would make her work for a straight answer.
But apparently not, it seemed. Charlotte’s jaw nearly dropped as the man introduced himself as the son of Marquess Luisella Tania herself. Sure, he’d seemed cautious about revealing his name, but he still did in the end. It was as if a gift had been dropped from the sky, the universe’s apology for preventing her job from being completed. Here Charlotte was, a consultant who prided herself in having ins with some of the most influential mid to lower rank nobles, and she was talking to who she could only assume would be the next Marquess of Tania? Oh she could kiss the man for stepping in!
Charlotte was determined to make sure this introduction stuck, especially since if she was lucky she could walk out of this job gone wrong with a potential in with the Tanias. That was, of course, if she managed this interaction correctly. The boy was a teen, sure, but those at the heads of the territories received the finest educations and training. Someone self-taught like herself could come off very poorly, so she selected her words carefully. She also determined she couldn’t lie about her name, not like she did with her other clients. She didn’t want to come across as dishonest, though much of what she did toed or crossed that line.
In proper form, she smiled and half curtsied when asked for her own name, though not wearing a dress made the action more respectful than anything. “Charlotte Myska, sir, of Laus. We’re both away from home, it seems,” she commented casually, resting her hands on her hips.
“But, ah, I won’t tell anyone if you’d prefer that,” Charlotte reassured him in reference to their crossing of paths, as she shifted her weight and moved to her left as someone bustled past her.
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Audric Tania
Soldier
Posts: 57
Profession: Royal Hothead
Affiliation: Lycia
Affinity: Fire
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Post by Audric Tania on Apr 21, 2015 6:20:06 GMT -6
He could just imagine it. Vividly. Was it wrong, that in the back of his mind his conscious often took the form of Merio nagging at him to a degree? The older man had all but branded his lectures and over-protective ways into Audric's brain. Literally. The red-headed lordling shook his head lightly as if dismissing a rogue thought; in reality liberating himself mentally of Merio's berating words. Lifting an armored hand upwards to lightly rub the back of his neck; carefully making sure no strands of crimson hair got caught in his armors plate links while he chuckled loudly. For that was another setback to the notion of stealth. Audric was not able to remain quiet. Ever. He inclined his head and moved the hand idling behind his head to a forwards cross over his chest as he nodded to her with a smile and half bowed. Lowering his hand Audric commented a moment later with a partial grin as one hand lifted to rest at his waist."That we are, Charlotte Myska of Laus. That we are. I suppose one can not predict the souls they'll encounter upon the road. "
Hadn't he read that in a book somewhere? Perhaps overheard it in a lecture; not sure. It felt a bit....cliche even if the comment was true. He almost felt like he had to focus better and change his wording. Couldn't risk people lotting him together with most of the other lordlings and being too proper. Might ruin his self-perception as a bit more down to earth compared to others that would hold his stature. He spoke a moment later as he walked beside to and briefly past to a few feet away, resting his forearms upon a wooden post belonging to part of a fence running along the road. "Aye, I would if you could madam. I don't mind others knowing who I am; but my err...vigilant companion Merio would probably lecture me until blue in the face and my ears had turned to sand. That or I to dust; which ever came first. "
Though he chuckled again he stretched a bit and gazed around Santaruz. That was when he thought to inquire to her; having heard Laus was in worse a shape than most of the other territories given it's location. His gaze fell onto her as he spoke, the armored lad showing genuine curiosity for the first time. "How has Laus fared these past few years? If I'm not mistaken creatures have plagued it worse than other territories have they not?" True, monsters were a terror all had to face; but he also knew some territories had their own unique issues. Similar to a particular territory suffering under the host of a Bael nest within the forests, or Ostia's general inhospital nature.
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Post by Charlotte on Apr 22, 2015 11:46:16 GMT -6
Charlotte followed Audric to the fence along the side of the path, out of the crowd and mostly away from prying ears. People would still pass them, sure, but the market was loud enough that their conversation wouldn’t be ill held here. Charlotte also wasn’t surprised that the man accepted her offer to keep his identity between them, though he made it clear it was for his handler’s benefit, not his. Merio... that name sounded familiar to the blonde, though she didn’t know why. She made a mental note to figure out where she knew that name from later.
For now, the young consultant wanted to focus on their conversation. The state of Laus was a fickle subject, especially, as he’d mentioned, the territory was indeed plagued by monsters that had come north, from Ostia. But lucky for her, she was fairly in tune with the state of affairs there, especially since she’d met with a few of the nobles there just before taking off for Santaruz.
“Well,” Charlotte started, leaning against the fence just a few feet from the lordling, “I never thought I’d have to hire a guide to return to my own home, that’s for one.”
A chuckle escaped her, thinking of the poor lout trying to help her dodge revenants in her prior condition. It was still a wonder that she’d made it back home alive.
“It’s certainly not going perfectly,” she continued, “but Marquess Revelin’s doing what he can to keep the territory safe, and from falling apart. I believe he’s doing right to rally the knights of the area to action. Thria, Ryerde, and Worde – they’re all dealing with the same threat as much as Laus is, but they haven’t done more than build up walls around their major cities.”
Charlotte paused, mulling over her thoughts. “You know, I can’t say I make it down to Tania too often; have you had to deal with the undead at all? Or just typical Lycian politics?” She smiled after her last statement, more than familiar with Revelin’s power plays to try and gain territory and establish himself, essentially, as the new figurehead for the Lycian League, considering Ostia was no more. She was also very in tune with the mutterings and whispers of the lower nobles, trying to gain more power over the other houses within their respective territories. But again, Tania was one of those whom she wasn’t up to speed on, frankly because she didn’t often travel south.
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Audric Tania
Soldier
Posts: 57
Profession: Royal Hothead
Affiliation: Lycia
Affinity: Fire
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Post by Audric Tania on Apr 23, 2015 13:06:02 GMT -6
Audric gazed to the sky while she spoke of the state of things. Laus, as it was no mystery had it virtually the hardest. Close to Ostia, and under intense pressure no doubt politically from other ruling territories. Laus had been a military presence prior to the disaster at Ostia. Compared to the other territories it was almost certainly still one of the strongest...but that might had to be used for preservation. Tania was different. Being so far east and south of Ostia they were one of the furthest territories. Though occasional creatures stumbled into their territories...it was primarily other Lycian Lords or Brigands that posed the greatest threats. Ironic...that the two most socially opposite positions could be of equal threat. Quiet for a moment, Audric seemed in thought before the red haired teen spoke up. A sigh preflighted the words that left his lips. "Tania's had it rough..but not because of Ostia. We seldom see monsters, to the point where people almost consider it a myth closer to inner Tania. That isn't the issue though. We were a weaker territory, and in the presence of threats like monsters for their own estates other Lycian lords started seizing our land. Through force. Our trade routes grew dangerous because we had less soldiers, less guard..and brigands roamed rampant. Until Merio showed up that is."
He had already mentioned him before, but Merio was like a one man savior to their small territory. he had come in and rallied the guard they did have. He had trained village guard, helped better train soldiers and the few knights they had left rallied behind him. The man had caused a ripple of change.
"When he showed up, most of the knights loyal to Tania had died, or were unwilling to leave Tania castle for fear of our safety. When Merio showed up he was able to train more men, and serve as a field commander. He started killing the brigands. That established trade, and got us the means to trade with other territories safely. Which meant better weapons and armor for our border and village guards. When territories trying to take our land noticed us defending themselves better, they tried harder only to see us able to reclaim our own lands once again. Our people grew bolder. Spirits rose and we even gained alliances. More knights joined us. Our economy and Military started to develop better. Merio now holds the title of Knight Commander for Tania and we stand to become a larger power in the Lycian League." Audric scoffed slightly after speaking the very term before crossing his arms over his chest.
"If it can even be called that anymore. Araphen goes into lockdown. Territories steal and fight one another. For a "league" we do alot of infighting outside of the political realm. It's a load of rubbish. Ever since Ostia it's become every man for himself, and that's not what a League does." Audric held strong opinions on the matter, and had a hard time keeping his blood from boiling just at it's mention.
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Post by Charlotte on Apr 27, 2015 12:04:16 GMT -6
As Audric explained his territory’s rise to notability within the league, Charlotte recalled where she had heard Merio’s name before. A handful of the her noble clients in Santaruz had mumbled about the territory’s bold moves to reclaim some of their territory, and Merio’s name had also been mentioned in many of those conversations, largely in a skeptical or even negative light. One man arming and instilling that much confidence in the territory in that little time was troubling to the League, especially with the more prominent members. Even as Laus pushed to be the center of a League without Ostia, it technically was anyone’s game.
Charlotte found it interesting to hear the native Tanian’s opinion on a changed Lycia, post Ostia. She herself had started doing business in Lycia just before Ostia fell to Etruria’s Prophet, so she really hadn’t had much of a chance to experience a League not riddled with infighting and political treachery. To be honest, Charlotte preferred it this way as it meant she was never out of a job, but she could see where Audric was coming from. He wished to see a united Lycia, which was a very noble cause. It just unfortunately wasn’t a cause that made Charlotte very much coin.
It didn’t mean she couldn’t sympathize with the young man’s hopeful ideals, though. “I couldn’t have said it better myself,” Charlotte replied, “but unfortunately there’s a reason the League is like it is. How else could you react when you see your capital absolutely devastated by enemy forces? Uniting may have been the nobler and morally right response, but when your farms and forests are being destroyed by monsters, bandits, and mercenaries alike, it makes sense to draw inward and protect your own first.”
Charlotte gave a light shrug, looking her nails over for a moment before looking back to the lordling. “Don’t get me wrong, a united League would be nice, but for it to happen, one of the territories is going to have to use its influence to take Ostia’s place, and to do that, they’re going to have to convince every other territory they have what it takes to make sure their people, trade, everything will be protected. It’s been three years, and no one has been able to get close to doing that.”
The blonde shook her head, mulling over everything. She realized she was a bit of an unknown with the young lord, but considering Charlotte had the unique opportunity of conversing with someone who had at least enough influence in his territory to be travelling with Merio on its behalf, she didn’t mind giving her opinion on the state of the League. After all, it affected anyone with dealings in Lycia, no?
“Honestly, it’s probably going to take someone like Merio who can rally not just your Tanians, but all of Lycia into being confident in the nobility and the League again, and that’s a rough road to walk down,” she paused. “Some of the Marquesses are making those moves, but I’m not certain all of Lycia will accept them, especially with them being so militaristic. Like Marquess Revelin: he may be doing right by Laus to mobilize so many knights, but is that what’s best for all of Lycia?”
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