Carlisle "Hartmut"
Cavalier
Posts: 67
Profession: Lost Heir
Affiliation: Old Etruria
Affinity: Fire
Profile: Carlisle
OoC Alias: Vin
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Post by Carlisle "Hartmut" on Feb 13, 2018 15:15:30 GMT -6
Carlisle let out a large stifled yawn. “Aww, my neck and legs are murdering me. How far are we from the next town… or better yet, these Darrun Ruins we are supposed to meet everyone at?” Carlisle’s eyelids half shaded his eyes as his weariness threatened to consume him. “And you’re sure we can’t just camp out here for a night?”
“Milord, these lands are rumored to be littered with bandits. If we stay here we risk a run in with them.” Percival tried to sway Carlisle with practical reasoning.
“Yes, but if we don’t rest and have a run in with them we won’t be very well off to face them, now will we?” “… … … Sound reasoning milord, but I stand by my statement. Time is of the utmost import. You heard it, same as I back when we stopped in Badon, the Etrurian aggression has halted all at once. If we are to act and gather allies, now is the time to do so.” Carlisle lazily nodded his head in acknowledgement. “Yes, but I still fail to see why we are meeting in Bern and not Lycia. The knights, er, mercenaries are set up in Cornwell, yes?” “It is because it is a meeting with just the old guard, and once we announce your existence I don’t much suspect we will have time to return to Bern again.” Percival grumbled, “And, before the wars Bern’s might rivaled that of Etruria. Even if Etruria has turned to fanaticism and extremist ways there are many in Bern that still follow the ways of Elimine. The ways you yourself practice. If we are to find allies in Bern we need to take this chance for all it is worth.” “Even if we were to find sympathy among the nobility here I am doubtful we can move their councils to action. Bern has turned inward and they have no love for the ways of kings.” “You might be right, or you may have allies here. If we do not try then we do ourselves a disservice.” Percival tried to encourage Carlisle, knowing how easily doubtful he was of their mission. In fact there were many times Percival worried he was dragging Carlisle along on his own mission, using him as a symbol. “And, my name carries a modicum of weight among soldiers and knight, so here’s to optimism eh?” This got a small smile from Carlisle as he cast a glance with only his eyes. “Optimism will carry the day.” “Optimists and fools are we. Until the bards sing of our glory in triumph!” Carlisle laughed lightly, “Okay, okay, now you’re getting way ahead of yourself, but it would be nice. Our appeal is for more than a reclaimed Etruria, it is for a freed war torn Elibe… that is the true dream.” “Aye.” Night was setting in as the sun’s light waned among the treetops. The two spurred their horses onward hoping to be clear before nightfall. Carlisle desperately wanted to bask in the beauty of the trees but now was not the time. There was a sudden explosion of light and fire as a tree’s trunk cracked and toppled into the road. “By the gods!” Percival exclaimed in alarm.
The horses whinnied and reared as several armed men came running out of the tree line. “Hahahah! Looks like we got a blueblood! Tell Sharktooth the mines he gave us worked like a dream!”
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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 Feb 14, 2018 22:24:02 GMT -6
Since the war with Etruria had ended, Lynessa and Roy, her husband, had left Ilia and their beloved tavern to travel. Their sudden return to the adventuring life was mostly influenced by the recent event where Lynessa's true identity might have been known by some unwanted people in Ilia military. Although she hadn't made any public display of her dragonic origin, some mission she had taken to help the war effort had revealed herself more than she hoped. So the couple finally decided that living in Ilia might not safe anymore and then chose Bern as the beginning of their new journey. It had been years since they had settled down so their journey was a bit difficult for Roy who was a bit out of shape. However, the old hunter gradually got the knack of it in the end though and Lynessa couldn't be happier to see her husband still perform as if he was still in his prime. It was better than they expected, almost like a honeymoon actually. They had brought enough money for daily and travelling expenses so there wasn't any issue about fulfilling their need for food, water, and lodging. And then one day, when they were travelling down a certain road, the couple saw the most common occurrence in Elibe. Yes...some people getting attacked by bandits. Lynessa sighed wearily at this spectacle. If she had to publish a book someday, she would like to write about how bandits and monsters appearing literally everywhere as if they simply came out of a dark hole or something. The dragoness stopped her silly thought when Roy's elbow nudged at her side. "We won't just stay here and watch, right?" The blonde hunter asked, his hand already grabbing the bow that strapped on his back. Just as usual, he wouldn't take the option of ignoring strangers in danger. Maybe Roy was too kind for his own good but that was the reason he could melt the heart of an ice dragon. "Of course not, dear." Lynessa planted her rod to the ground as she put down her bag. The dragoness wasn't much of a fighter but she had learned some tricks with this simple weapon. Well, this wooden rod of hers was mainly used as walking stick but it could also smack bad guys pretty hard. Lynessa and Roy came from the opposite direction of Carlisle and Percival so they were actually in nice position to pincer the bandits. Hopefully it would be enough to make the bandits change their mind and retreat. "I am going to give them a warning first..." Roy whispered softly as he loaded his bow. The sound of an arrow slicing the air was like a gentle whisper for Lynessa. It was the sound she had been accustomed with for years. Her emerald eyes traced the arrow making its way toward the space between the bandits and the two knights, going between two bandits without even scratching them. It made a landing only a few feet in front of the bandit vanguards as if to stop them from advancing further. "Leave the two men alone, friends. His next arrow won't miss!" Lynessa shouted a warning to those lowlifes. They usually wouldn't listen but there was no harm in trying to stop bloodshed, right? OoC: This is how Roy looks
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Carlisle "Hartmut"
Cavalier
Posts: 67
Profession: Lost Heir
Affiliation: Old Etruria
Affinity: Fire
Profile: Carlisle
OoC Alias: Vin
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Post by Carlisle "Hartmut" on Feb 14, 2018 22:56:59 GMT -6
"Gah!" The lead attacker halted immediately in his tracks to look down at the arrow. The raiders had the slight advantage of numbers but they had little else. In fact while the fallen tree was a nice touch for stopping riders it did little else for them if someone was going to attack them from behind. "Damn it!"
Percival and Carlisle exchanged glances now that all of the chaos and action had suddenly halted outright. Who were the strangers? And well, if they did not have to fight anyone then the prince would much rather that be the path they took. "Excuse me, but you said your boss was a man called Sharktooth, yes? I have heard his name before. Who is he?"
The raiders looked and muttered among themselves as one of them managed to spot Lynessa and Roy, pointing them out to the others. A sniper and a mage, and two riders... no way could they win after all. If only they brought an archer or two of their own... lessons learned. Then feigning confidence one of them spoke up on the matter. "Yeah, Sharktooth is the big man in these parts. You let us go, we'll put a good word in for you. Maybe we let you and your business remain uninterrupted eh?" If Carlisle had any other goals he would be tempted to take that offer but alas he was not a man in a position to do so.
"I see. Percival, I think those pirates were under that man employ, no?"
"Now that you mention it, I do think they were. Not much of a fight though."
The bandits' faces turned crestfallen by their words. To them it was a playful and taunting banter but to the raiders it was a confession of murder. These men were on the ship that took out Sharktooth's brother!
"I'll let you go so long as you remain peaceful... but in return I will be counting on you to tell everyone that I, Carlisle, will be coming for this Sharktooth." His voice was calm and smooth but there was a glint in his eye that spoke of a predator. He offered them a charming grin. He was eager to meet with these strangers that swooped in at such an opportune time.
"Yeah... we'll tell 'em." The bandits slowly backed away before pulling the others along with them into the trees.
"Milord?" Percival asked after they were certain the bandits would not return.
"If we are to make a name and get attention, then we must advertise and boast." Carlisle urged his mount over the fallen trunk, leading his horse to the kind strangers. "Thank you for your intervention."
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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 Feb 15, 2018 10:29:40 GMT -6
Lynessa and Roy exchanged glances when the bandit quickly surrendered. It wasn't what they was expecting. Usually these people wouldn't even realize if they were in disadvantage but maybe there were some brain in those muscleheads after all. Lynessa gave her husband a reassuring smile as she picked up her dropped bag. Her eyes wouldn't let any of those people escape her sight, not even when one of the knights addressed the bandits.
To be honest, Lynessa was at loss what to do next. Now that they wouldn't be killing the bandit, they still needed to do something about them right? Escorting them to the nearby garrison would be annoying and difficult but executing them here wouldn't feel right either. The thought made the violet-haired woman giggled. If she was still her old self, those bandits would be executed without doubt. But now she had learned about compassion so the most peaceful option will always be chosen if possible.
How the knight was handling the bandits made Lynessa question if those two would have been fine without help. The one addressing the bandit seemed to possess certain aura around him and his composure when making bold declaration to the bandits was somewhat graceful. The young knight could even easily intimidate the bandits, turning them into meek defeated mob that would serve as his messenger for this Sharktooth fella.
The bandits dispersed quickly after the young knight told them to do so. Despite his disagreement for letting this ruffians leave just like that, Roy kept his mouth shut and only made a weak grunt as he watched the mob disappearing into the tree. Lynessa shared her husband disagreement but she too chose not to interfere. The couple didn't really have good idea to deal with the bandits so they would let the knights decide what the best course of action. Besides, they weren't in range where the words Carlisle has spoken could be heard so they were still oblivious about his plan, if it's not only an empty threat, to hunt Sharktooth.
Both Lynessa and Roy watched Carlisle approaching them as they put down their weapons.
"Looks like you don't need it though... I dunno but for a second here the bandits looked scared of you or something." Roy was the first one to respond to the lost prince. The old hunter was lucky not knowing he was talking to a royalty...ex-royalty...or else he would have been stuttering. He simply couldn't deal with those kind of people from highest status. "Be careful next time...This road isn't known for its safety," he added.
"That's my husband way to say "You are welcome" so don't mind him." Lynessa made a small giggle before she joined the conversation. A small step forward by her legs took the dragoness closer to the blonde rider as she looked up to meet his eyes. "We're just passing through anyway. It's not like we can let someone getting robbed in front of us. Well, but he's right. I have a feeling that you could have handled them easily," she said.
"I am Lynessa Heartwater and he is..." Lynessa turned at Roy and tilted her head. "I am Roy Heartwater, just a hunter from Ilia," Roy introduced himself. The dragon lady returned her gaze at Carlisle and smiled.
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Carlisle "Hartmut"
Cavalier
Posts: 67
Profession: Lost Heir
Affiliation: Old Etruria
Affinity: Fire
Profile: Carlisle
OoC Alias: Vin
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Post by Carlisle "Hartmut" on Feb 17, 2018 22:10:17 GMT -6
As the introductions were being made Carlisle dismounted from his steed. He looked over the two strangers with a soft smile. So the hunter was a rather crass and blunt individual, but the woman on the other hand seemed to be the one with the smoother tongue. A husband and wife at that? The hunter had skill, of that his showing left little room for doubt, but it was Lynessa that seemed more interesting overall. Not for the talents she showed, but rather that she handled the conversation overall.
"I will take your advice into consideration. I would be loath to continue to engage with bandits. Next time I might not be so fortunate to have you two nearby." he placed his right hand over his chest and offered a slight bow of gratitude towards the couple. "To shoot an arrow so it lands in front of a charging opponent from behind them is a remarkable feat." Carlisle praised Roy's aim further. It was a tactic to soften them up with words as well as genuine praise. Most archers would have missed entirely and if not they would have hit someone.
"But where are my manners? You gave me your names, I should offer mine. My name is Carlisle." He closed his eyes a moment knowing he would need to offer his surname, regrettably Etruria was not a safe surname so he settled for "Cicero." It was far more clear than Percival would have liked. Carlisle Cicero Etruria was his full name after all.
Percival trotted up at this point. "To say that they were frightened is not wrong. They recognized their disadvantage and were smart enough to let things be." He grumbled. He knew Carlisle was eager to reveal himself but did he have to play things so dangerously? "Now, it would seem that we are traveling opposite directions? We are heading to the village of Darrun. So named for the ruins that neighbor it in the mountains. Pray tell, are we still on the right road?"
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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 Feb 18, 2018 9:16:29 GMT -6
"You get years of shooting deers and rabbits then it won't be remarkable anymore. Any proficient hunter should be adept to hit moving target, and just saying...not hitting the target will be even easier," Roy didn't show much expression at the praise but he averted his gaze when answering the lost prince. Lynessa had lived with this crude hunter for years so she immediately realized that the praise had actually gotten through him and now Roy was feeling a bit happy. She then put a hand on her lips to contain her giggling. Roy had always been awkward with showing his genuine feeling so he couldn't really show appreciation to Carlisle's kind words.
"Carlisle Cicero..." Lynessa muttered the name in her mind. There was a certain charm with his name. It was a good name indeed.
"We are not locals so our knowledge about this land isn't adequate either but..." Lynessa replied first, stopping Roy who was just about to open his mouth. She took out a small paper from her pocket, looking at some drawing and notes written on it. "Did you pass an intersection on your way here? The one with a duck-shaped boulder in the middle of it? We are heading to the same village as you and we are supposed to turn left in that intersection," she continued explaining. Really...who put or make such odd-shaped boulder as a landmark. Lynessa herself had had difficulty believing that the boulder would really look like a duck. Roy had even joked he would send the merchant who had given them direction some money if the boulder would really look like a duck. "Duck or not...Was there any intersection from the direction you coming from? Because we have been walking on straight road for half a hour," Roy added his question to the conversation.
"By the way Carl...who is this other guy?" Roy asked. He didn't mean to be rude. The old hunter was just being himself and shortening the name of someone he had just met was one of his habit. Perciva might or might not be angry with his prince addressed like that but Lynessa was the one who took initiative to reprimanding the hunter with a light elbow strike at his ribs. Not that it had much effect though, her light bow felt like a gentle caress against Roy's old but still toned body.
"But yes...we haven't had the honor of knowing your name, Sir." Lynessa smiled gently at the loyal knight.
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Carlisle "Hartmut"
Cavalier
Posts: 67
Profession: Lost Heir
Affiliation: Old Etruria
Affinity: Fire
Profile: Carlisle
OoC Alias: Vin
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Post by Carlisle "Hartmut" on Feb 25, 2018 16:19:47 GMT -6
At the mention of an intersection and a duck Carlisle and Percival exchanged a brief glance. Carlisle grinned cheekily at the elderly knight. "See there, I TOLD you it looked like a duck!"
"It was hardly a duck! It looks like a pelican I tell you!" Percival retorted sounding far more serious than intended.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever you say..." Carlisle looked at the pair of travelers. "As you can see, we did pass that way. The road past the intersection there is incredibly old and ill traveled I'm afraid. But if that is the only route I suppose the slow and rough path is worth it. And there is safety in numbers." And numbers would be all the more necessary in case the bandits decided to show up for some vengeance again.
Then the man called Carlisle Carl. Percival visibly winced with an angry fire in his eyes. Such disrespect to his lord!!! Carlisle was not fond of that name himself, the harsher sound of the l was far less soothing than the flow of his full name but he would not make a scene over it and it appeared that Percival had also reconsidered his righteous anger. Sometimes it felt like Carlisle was really just Percival's chaperone.
They asked his name and called him sir? So they could tell he was a knight regardless of not carrying any sort of symbol of loyalty. "You may call me Percival." His response was short and gruff. He prayed they not decide to call him Percy.
Carlisle looked from Percival to the travelers in a moment of silence to make sure it was safe to talk. "So, yes, if you too are traveling to Darrun I propose we should make the journey together. Are you visiting family there perhaps? I'm told no one goes there unless they have a desire to see the ruins."
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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 Mar 6, 2018 6:37:27 GMT -6
"I am glad we are still on the right track, dear," Lynessa spoke to Roy, smiling. The two men had just confirmed that this was the correct path.
"So Carl and Percy..." Roy said, nodding at them. "I guess we can go together. We would like so have some companions to chat with..." Another elbow strike from his wife hit Roy's torso but he didn't even feel the impact. This made Lynessa wondering if she would need to draw out a bit if her real strength just to reprimand the old hunter. Oh well... she just hoped the two men wouldn't mind Roy being over friendly and giving them unwanted nicknames.
"No, we don't have relatives in that village. We are heading there for the ruins." Lynessa answered Carlisle. "Roy and I are from Ilia actually. We simply like...adventure. Now that our children have grown into responsible adults and can take care of themselves, we find ourselves with a lot of free time so why not returning to our old adventuring life?" Lynessa said, chuckling happily. It wasn't entirely the truth but explaining the real reason would be difficult and undesirable so the dragoness decided to skip some part in her explanation. "We don't really know much about this ruins but that's what make it more exciting. Don't you agree?"
"By the way, our eldest son is probably on the same age with you, Carlisle. Although I hope he can be more relaxed and not so uptight all the times...just like you I suppose," Lynessa let a bit of her private life slip out. There wasn't any meaning behind it, just her making small talk. But remembering her son made her giggle a bit, especially when she remembered the part when her sons always joked about how their mother look as young as them. Well, it wasn't her fault that she didn't age like a human do!
"Are you here for the ruins as well? If so, maybe we can even visit it together later..." Roy offered.
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Carlisle "Hartmut"
Cavalier
Posts: 67
Profession: Lost Heir
Affiliation: Old Etruria
Affinity: Fire
Profile: Carlisle
OoC Alias: Vin
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Post by Carlisle "Hartmut" on Apr 12, 2018 8:18:38 GMT -6
Perhaps more than anything else about their meeting Carlisle was stunned not by Roy’s skill, nor the supreme coincidence that they were walking the same path, his surprise was that Lynessa was old enough to have a son his age! She looked as though she could maybe be an older sister to himself not twice his age! Regardless of looks the fact remained that they too wished to visit the Darrun ruins. But why? For the sake of adventure? They came all the way from Ilia and thought to make that place a detour on their trip. Percival seemed to be ruminating on this information which meant that Carlisle did not need to.
“The two of us are indeed looking to visit the ruins, but more importantly we have friends in Darrun that we are planning to visit for a while.” If the two of them were to travel all the way with the husband and wife they might want to look into sending word ahead of themselves that meeting in the tavern would be better before going to the ruins to hold their planning meeting.
The more Percival thought about the two strangers before them the more suspicious it made him, but he was always a rather gruff and sceptial man. “You two are from Ilia... you would best not go around advertising that information too loudly, especially since you have no family here. While Bern IS their own power once more they are steeped in ill feelings towards the north still. Honestly, Bern likely had reason to hate everyone outside themselves, except maybe Lycia. Etrurian hostility, Ilia occuparion, and Sacae responsible for their current state and death of their former monarchy. Wow, was it really such a good idea to look for allies here?
Carlisle mounted his horse once more, “well, if we are to travel together, I would be loathe to make the two of you continue to walk as we ride, if it pleases you, the front of the cart there has seats for two.” Normally anyone drawing a cart would have sat in that seat instead of atop the horses but Percival and Carlisle expected attacks and so had the cart rigged to quick release themselves. This system was far from perfect and created at least three events where they needed to stop and fix the cart but it worked well enough.
Ride or walk the two would begin to lead their horses and carts back around in order to continue to travel and this time, take the duck.
[End Thread]
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