NationStates Jolt Archive

As they left the 'cabin', Marquis put his hands into his coat pocket and felt his two pistols (Viper R-90 and Stunt 12 WASP). "I wonder how the beaches are on this island," Marquis commented as they reached the top of a hill and started down the other side.

James walked casually. He looked around nervously. he saw Marquis reach into his pockets. He eyed him for a moment. What is he doing? James thought to himself. James at this point, had come to trust Marquis.

Marquis pulled his right hand out of his pocket and revealed two nutrition bars. "Want one?" he said offering it to James. "I don't travel anywhere without these..."

James accepted the nutrition bar and ate it heartily. "Danka schon, herr Marquis" he said. He looked up and scanned the treeline again.

"Lovely day... is it not?" Marquis asked as they walked into view of the beach. "The weather is quite pleasant in this area."

James kicked off his shoes and walked arouns feeling the sand between his toes. "Amazing" he said as he obsereved the white sands stretch as far as the eye could see. He took a deep breath and proceeded towards the water, but first, he glanced backward, toward the treeline.

"Tell me how the water is when you fully get in," Marquis said from the shore.

James felt the water at his feet. It was very warm. He walked farther into the surf. it was up to his waist now. He has no shoes, but he did not remove the bulky shirt he was wearing. It wasn't cold enough for that, he reasoned. It was now up to his lower stomach and paused, to look up at the bright sun.

"Well? How is it?" Marquis shouted from the shore as James got deeper and deeper into the water. "Does it get deep fast? Is it cold?"

It's very warm he siad to Marquis. "Come on in dude! I think I see a sea turtle!"

"No, I am fine," Marquis replied. "But you chase down that sea turtle," he laughed.

James walked deeper, as the water became cooler. He followed the turtle, but at the moment when it was right in Jame's grasp, it sped away. James laughed. He felt like a little boy again, back in New Ausha. He had never expierenced such a warm climate before (his home province of Zenzigton, has a coast of the pearl sea, one that would become very warm in summers, and bitterly cold in winter.) He looked around. He could picture, him and his brother David, trying to drown eachother as thier mother Jenine panickly called for them to stop. They answered, always, with simply hysterical laughter.

OOC: Hey DMG, Theao, anyone, do you think we could keep this going, this is a night that im finally able to force myself to stay awake!:D

Marquis watched as James walked farther and farther into the water. Any minute now...

ooc: sorry Jolt has been giving me problems

James felt the water at his chest, and the current became stronger. He decided it was dangerous to proceed any farther, and began to proceed back towards shore.

Any minute now... the poison will kick into effect and paralyze all of his muscles... Marquis stood on the beach waiting for James as he waded closer.

As James waded back to shore he felt stiff. His arms wouldn't move as easy. He felt woozy. The hell? james thought to himself. he looked up. Marquis was focused on him. What is he looking at? James remembered his training. A typical effect of poisons in general, was first paralysis. The nutrition bar! James thought.

"Is something the matter?" Marquis asked genuinely as James walked towards him with trouble.

"Y-you! James pointed a shaking finger at him. "Poison! Your the assasin!!!"

ooc: woh, thats a lot of deleted posts.
IC:

"That could be a possibility..." Marquis commented with his hands in his pockets, "Though I doubt you will ever really find out..."

OOC: Computer lag lol

IC

James stepped back. "No, Marquis, don't," James went for his 9mm in his pocket.

OOC: Wow Man that is a big leap of concept there. Getting out of the water to eke assasin, poison!!!!

Oh and Assaisin I realize that it would be cool to do more stuff as assasin but is killing off suitors a really smart thing to do?

OOC: okay.... whatever dude.

OOC: Wow Man that is a big leap of concept there. Getting out of the water to eke assasin, poison!!!!

Oh and Assaisin I realize that it would be cool to do more stuff as assasin but is killing off suitors a really smart thing to do?

ooc: right...

Yes it is smart to kill off the suitors. Here are a couple reasons:
1) If his goal is to kill Marina in the end, getting rid of her guards would make it easier to kill her.
2) Not that I need another reason than number one, but by killing one suitor, he could frame another... kills two birds with one stone.

Marquis saw James move for his gun, but was already ready for it. He whipped his hands out of his pockets, brandishing his two pistols and fired five shots a piece at James...

Kevin was presently listening to a techno rendition of Ride of the Valkyries at full volume as he ate a couple cookies he'd found in Holley's pantry and read from a novel. At the moment he was oblvious to most any external stimulant and thus remained ignorant of the sounds of gunfire from the beach.

James took a step back. He whipped his head up. Tearing off his shirt, he revealed a thick kevlar vest. The shots were evident. He aimed his glock and yelled with his full lung strength. He pulled off 3 shots.

From his concealed position Gunter had seen this happen. He held his breath, and fired a high-powered rifle shot, directly at Marquis.

OOC: ok... been on all day and half the night and thier have been only like 6 posts. Oh well, i'm done for the night.

A group of King Holley's guards hear from over the low dune, that is by the ocean, a group of gunshots. As they top the crest just in time to see James shoot off his volley.

As Marquis heard the rifle release its sound, he hit the ground, leaving James as its target.

As he landed, he saw the king's guards arriving over a dune, "Help!" he cried out to them. "Those two! They are the assassins, they are trying to kill me!"

The bullet pierced James's leg. He fell down with pain. Blood began to squirt out the wound. He couldn't think straight, as he saw several guards approach them.

Gunter saw this. "Godammit!!!!" He exclaimed. "Lieing son of a bitch," He withdrew from his location, and began to rush to James's aid.

Princess Marina had put down her suitcases and layed down on the bed, closing her eyes. She had been so exhausted that shortly upon touching the pillow she fell into a deep slumber and then she began dreaming...on her forehead, tiny little beads of sweat appeared as her small body tossed and turned. "No no...you can't please..." the woman eyes jolted open and she bolted out of bed. "What happened?! My God! Something's going to happen right now, I just know it!" she gasped.

Marina hurried out of the room and peeked over to where the men where. *Where's James and Marquis? They're not supposed to go in pairs!* she thought. The Princess turned and walked over towards an old armoire, her delicate hands opening it slowly and awkwardly. Inside was a whole stash of weapons some gleaming and others looking a bit rusted. *Just what I need!* Her hands closed in on a quiver full of red-feathered arrows and a sturdy-looking bow and quickly swung it over her shoulder. She saw a small door that appeared to be an exit and quietly turned the handle, being careful in making no noise. She didn't want to look like a fool in case her dream had been a false alarm.

It was still alarmingly hot outside although the sun was starting to set upon the horizon. The young princess ran over to the beach, partially led there by her own despair and by her instinct as well. "It's probably some stupid dream Marina...why are you making such a fuss over it anyway?" she muttered under her breath. Finally she heard some voices to her left and she decided to hide behind a huge boulder. She couldn't make out the men's words, but James' face seemed to express a certain pain and agony that left her frozen. It was then that the shots broke out.

Marina shot an arrow straight past Marquis and drew another. "Put it down Marquis..." she yelled audibly enough for everyone to hear. The Princess shot another arrow straight at him and hitting her target. Marquis stared dumbfounded at the young woman as he winced and grabbed at his shoulder. "I saw enough! It is you who is the assasin isn't it!" said Marina as she drew closer and drew another arrow. "You...who planned to kill them all off and kill me!!!" her face turned hard and cold, her voice low and menacing and her soft red lips into a snarl. "I can't let that happen, you see....you attempted to hurt my friends, me and worst of all my family! Bloody bastard! You'll pay for your sins!!!" Next she shot him in the thigh and drew another arrow and continued to stride over towards Marquis. "This ends noooooowwwwwww!!!!!!!!"

I wonder what the princess is up to?

Wondered King Holley looking up from his book. When he saw her open the door and takes out a bow he was equally puzzled.

Seeing the princess rush out of the door Holley jumped up and went after her.

Why on earth is she headed to the beach?

As soon as Holley crested the hill, he grasped the situation rather well. Marquis tried to take out James, James' buddy tried to shoot Marquis but hit James instead, and the Princess was turning Marquis into a pincushion.

Holley grabs the Princess at the same time his guards grab Marquis.

"Princess Stop you cannot get closer to him, he may still have means to harm you!!!"

"By God man! Haven't you already figured out that I know how to take care of myself?! Release me at once!" The Princess roared and thrashed her arms about. "He must die for what he's done!"

ooc: Okay that was pretty GM right there:
1) Having Marina have a dream that tells her exactly what is happening is quite GM
2) Having her know to go directly to the beach that they are at (remember it is an island... the whole perimeter would most likely have a beach)
3) Having her shoot him and say that she hit him over and over - when I get to decide what happens to him
4) From the situation that happened nobody would be able to tell that Marquis was the assassin. James went for his gun first and Marquis second (self-defense). And James' partener tried to kill Marquis also...

[Transmission Incoming . . . . Transmission Connected . . . . Please Proceed.]

From: The High Cabinet of the Dictatorship of Imperial Autokratie, Grand Empire of Righetousness
To: Chief Advisor I.K. Kerensky

Greetings from the mighty Dictatorship of Imperial Autokratie!

Our glorious and gracious leader, His Imperial Majesty, the Right Honourable the Grand Lord Marcus I of Imperial Autokratie has requested that I, his Chief Advisor, determine if Her Royal Highness Princess Marina Vladiovna Romanova is still eligable and unwed.

The Dictatorship of Imperial Autokratie would like to form a marriage alliance with the Divine Russian Empire of Flamazon. This will enable greater trade and military strength for both nations. This would also enable a safer and secure society.

On behalf of his Imperial Majesty, Imperial Autokratie eagerly looks forward to your reponse.

The Right Honourable Lord Octavo, Chief Advisor to His Imperial Majesty, the Right Honourable the Grand Lord Marcus I, and High Lord of the Upper House of Parliament

OOC: YEA flamazon! :)

James rushed to Marina. "I-I he pulled out the wrapper of the nutrition bar. "Test this." He pulled out a small piece ofit and handed it to a guard. "Test it for poison." He was shaking. "Thank you, Marina."

At that moment Gunter showed up, and grabbed James. He dragged him back to the cabin, focused intently on the wounded Marquis.

ooc: how is James rushing around if he is poisoned... it is a lethal poison... it doesn't take hours to take affect.

ooc: how is James rushing around if he is poisoned... it is a lethal poison... it doesn't take hours to take affect.

OOC: Thought you said it was only paralyzing? Plus i'm not exactly running, with a huge hole through my leg and god knows how much rat poison in my stomach. Anyway, say he limped over to a guard (who were rushing too him, might I add) And is now requesting the piece of the nutrition bar be tested for poison (God knows how)

OOC: Thought you said it was only paralyzing? Plus i'm not exactly running, with a huge hole through my leg and god knows how much rat poison in my stomach. Anyway, say he limped over to a guard (who were rushing too him, might I add) And is now requesting the piece of the nutrition bar be tested for poison (God knows how)

ooc: Call it Panucronium or Tubocuranine: It stops all muscle movement (except the heart) and leads to asphyxiation (death due to lack of oxygen).

And you said he rushed over... that implies rather quickly.

OOC: The definition of"rushing" is to move with all the strength youposses, which is exactly what James did.

James was now back at the cabin breathing hard. He knew he was near death unless he recieved some proper medication. Gunter came over to him. "Here, a doctor gave me these." He helped James swallow 3 green pills. The swelling of his lungs immedietly began to cease. Still, breathing was hard. As for the huge gash in his leg, gunter had deduced that the bullet had fractured part of his calf bone. "I-, James I don't think you will be able to use this leg, ever again." James closed his eyes in pain. gunter applied more disinfectant. He able several large bandages, and bound them tightly. "We'll need to find you another doctor, one who can possibly re-constuct your calf bone." "Is, is Marina alright?" james asked weakly. "I don't k- yea, she's fine James." James laid his head back.

The guards had still gotten a hold of Marina as she continued to try and wriggle herself away. "Alright! Let me go! I command you!" said Marina roaring with anger. She stood right in front of Marquis and stared right into his eyes. "What you did is impardonable. For your actions you will go directly to the dungeon and your crimes will be investigated thoroughly. If I kill you now it will do me no good, but justice will be served in the courtroom...be certain of that." The princess turned to the guards. "Seize him immediately...with your permission of course King Holley." she nodded and lifted her skirts. "Now if you'll excuse me, I need to see James right away..."

**********************************************************

Princess Marina burst through the cabin door face all wet with tears. "James! Don't die on me...you'll make it!" She turned to glance at Gunter who looked worried. "Isn't there a doctor nearby? I've never healed something like this..." Marina kneeled next to the fallen man and kissed his forehead. "Don't worry, you'll be alright, won't you? Oh James!" She ran her hand through his hair and smiled sadly down at him, spilling some tears on his face.

OOC: I don't really think it was GM because of the fact that you had your chance to attack her when she was walking towards you. Also, you DO know that he had to be caught at some point or another don't you? I couldn't have allowed you to kill James!

ooc:
1) Just because I have my chance after the fact, doesn't mean it wasn't a GM. Otherwise I would have said, "Marquis raised his gun and fired there bullets directly into Marina's temple."
2) Yes, I do know he had to die at some point
3) You certainly could have let James die... part of the RP is not getting exactly what you want.
4) It is still a GM to get a dream telling you exactly what is going to happen and where.
5) It is also a GM to know exaclty what happened when by all accounts of anyone witnessing the events, it would have looked like James and Gunter tried to assassinate Marquis. They both went for their guns first... and nobody would be able to tell that he was poisoned from that distance.

6) Got to love how Gunter just magically happens to have pills that cures the poison...

The sounds of commotion and banging of doors was enought to jar Kevin out of the dozing state he'd fallen into after a meal and music. Finding out that Marina was with James, and that there were injuries involved, he rushed over to where the two where.

"What happened and who's hurt?" He asked when he reached the room.

ooc:
1) Just because I have my chance after the fact, doesn't mean it wasn't a GM. Otherwise I would have said, "Marquis raised his gun and fired there bullets directly into Marina's temple."
2) Yes, I do know he had to die at some point
3) You certainly could have let James die... part of the RP is not getting exactly what you want.
4) It is still a GM to get a dream telling you exactly what is going to happen and where.
5) It is also a GM to know exaclty what happened when by all accounts of anyone witnessing the events, it would have looked like James and Gunter tried to assassinate Marquis. They both went for their guns first... and nobody would be able to tell that he was poisoned from that distance.

6) Got to love how Gunter just magically happens to have pills that cures the poison...

OOC: Gunter had not recieved the pills from a doctor. As a new aushan intelligence agent he is equipt for anything. He was not with us, if you remmember, on the plane ride to the island. He snuck on via patrol boat, and kept in contact with James. he had a bckpack carrying, anti-venom, cold medicine, flu medication, disinfectant, painkillers, penicillin. The reason Gunter stated that these pills were from a doctor, was due to thier past expieiences. (Gunter had given James 4 pills of the wrong stuff, on an expeditionary mission, when James had been bitten by a snake. These put James in a coma for several days. if Gunter had enlightened James that the pills were from him, he would not have accepted them) Plus, Gunter is a spy, he knows his medicines.

James smiled. "M-marina. Thank god you are alright... He shivered. "I- I need a doctor Marina." He grabbed her hand and held it tight. "M-marina, i'll be fine. Thank you, h-he would have killed me. M-marina, I have something to tell y- James stirred himself from falling into unconciousnes. He mashed his teeth together in pain. He felt her tears on his face, and her lips kissing his forehead. "I will be f-....fin.....fine." James looked at her face, full of concern.

OOC: Gunter had not recieved the pills from a doctor. As a new aushan intelligence agent he is equipt for anything. He was not with us, if you remmember, on the plane ride to the island. He snuck on via patrol boat, and kept in contact with James. he had a bckpack carrying, anti-venom, cold medicine, flu medication, disinfectant, painkillers, penicillin. The reason Gunter stated that these pills were from a doctor, was due to thier past expieiences. (Gunter had given James 4 pills of the wrong stuff, on an expeditionary mission, when James had been bitten by a snake. These put James in a coma for several days. if Gunter had enlightened James that the pills were from him, he would not have accepted them) Plus, Gunter is a spy, he knows his medicines.

ooc: I don't believe I said he got them from a doctor... you did. I send "Got to love how Gunter just magically happens to have pills that cures the poison..."

Just because he is some super spy of the amazingly awesome New Aushan intelligence agency, doesn't mean he can diagnose a poison in less than a minute and have the exact remedy for it. There are thousands of diseases... you can't possibly tell me he has the exact cure for each one.

ooc: I don't believe I said he got them from a doctor... you did. I send "Got to love how Gunter just magically happens to have pills that cures the poison..."

Just because he is some super spy of the amazingly awesome New Aushan intelligence agency, doesn't mean he can diagnose a poison in less than a minute and have the exact remedy for it. There are thousands of diseases... you can't possibly tell me he has the exact cure for each one.


OOC: And who said he knew what he was doing? Remmember the snake bite? he got lucky.:D

OOC: BTW, DMG you are only posting OOC. Are you done RP Marquis?

ooc:
1) You don't have to make a new post when you think of something 30 seconds later. Just edit your last post.
2) well the pills clearly worked... so...
3) No... I am just ticked off about all the crap going on.

1)The reason I don't always edit my post is because I hit the submit button out of uncontrolable laughter at how you try to insult me at every turn:D
2) If you're still RPing Marquis than RP him!!!

ooc:
1) It isn't that hard to insult someone such as you.
2) I rped the assassin out of kindness for a friend and you are really starting to piss me off.

OOC: DMG, I'm so sorry about the whole thing. I've never been accused of Godmodding and I feel terrible! What do you suggest we do at this point?

OOC: DMG, I'm so sorry about the whole thing. I've never been accused of Godmodding and I feel terrible! What do you suggest we do at this point?

ooc: Don't sweat it, its not a big deal. What we could do is give Marquis a trial considering there were no actual witnesses to the event and if there were any they were much too far away to see anything of substance. After that the only evidence against Marquis would be James' word making the whole case hearsay. (As for the poison on the nutrition bar... I can deal with that... I just formed a clever plan). So, you can start from Marquis in the dungeon and bring him to trial and go from there...

"Oh my God, James you have to hold on!" Marina whispered as she continued to weep. "Gunter, do you have any sort of communications device with you? I need to make a call immediately."

"Yes, your highness, here..." Gunter handed her a small gadget.

The princess turned around slightly and saw a worried Lord Kevin near the door, who apparently had just noticed all the commotion. "Kevin, could you please start boiling some water?" asked Marina. "Don't worry James, help will arrive in no time!" The princess wiped her eyes and gave him a quick hug and a half-smile then began to push down several buttons on the satelite phone. "Alex! You have to come get me now! James is injured and he needs medical attention...yes...we're on an island...What? You know already, but how? Alright, but please hurry, I can't lose him! Yes, see you soon...bye."

OOC: Okay that works for me, how about he's charged and given trial over in Flamazon again...since that's where we'll be going back to. And I have to make sure that James will make it still.

:rolleyes:
OOC: I'm gonna make James survive this one. We should do a basic trail. prosecution, defence, a judge, etc.

James leaned back. The seering pain began to subside. I wounder if they are testing that nutrition bar? James thought to himself.

Gunter: "Heh, now the tricky bastard wants a trial. Can'tyou see he will just manipulate you into- ya know what, nevermind. It's our word against his, thus, a trial will be needed. Since he has not been proven guilty, as much as I hate defending this psycho, he will have too be releases. technically, he is innocent, for now.

James's fever wentdown. "Marina? Can I talk with Marquis, alone? I need to ask him something. At this point, I know that it would appear that either one of us is the killer. But before the trial, I must speak with him. Please, can I visit his cell? Privately?

OOC: Lol, you are really trying to walk me into a ban. Oh, well, not like you havent tried this for several pages now.:rolleyes:

"But James, you aren't well yet...you need to rest! I don't want you getting worse." Marina was surprised and uneasy about leaving the two alone, who knew what could happen. *But, what if...* "Very well James, but can't you have Gunter accompany you?" she finished preparing a tea and handed it to James. "Here, drink this...it will take much of the pain away for the next few hours."

'I like killing, I love breaking things...' Alexander pressed down on the motor of the boat he had commandeered. That is to say, he held a dagger to the head of the driver and indicated that if the driver wished to continue living he had better speed the fucking boat up.

It had not been Alexander's week. First that awful man had had him tackled to the ground by those brutal guards, then he had forgotten his radio when he had flown out and had to turn around. And then, horror of horrors, when he had arrived back at the palace the Emperor had immediately dispatched him to bring Marina and her friends home from some island or other, as if he was a courier service.

Not even the promise of a night with Talia made any of it better, though it had its enticements...

There, that was the accursed island up ahead. 'I wonder if I could kill them all and blame it on the 'assassin'. He had the boat pulled up to the dock, then waited.

James stood up. He was able to walk to Marina, though he was limping heavily. He accepted the tea, and drank. It was very sweet tasting. "Danka schon," he said. When he was able to comprehend that Alexander was on his way, he immedietly asked Gunter for his firearm. "Im not letting that guy touch me!" Gunter pushed his arm away. "There's no need for that James." He did not trust Alexander any more than James did, but would not let James be a complete hothead. "Marinia, may I speak with Marquis now?" James asked. She nodded. OOC: Let's just say James came to wherever Marquis is currently being held, with two guards outside the door, the door being soundproof.

"Marquis, why did you try to kill me? I know you poisoned me! Please Marquis I beg of you, admit to your crime now, there is no need to spread intricut lies. This can be settled! James looked at him. There was nothing more James wanted, than to have Marquis confess. "Surely Marina will lighten your sentence if you are to confess now."

OOC: DMG: If you don't like this scene go ahead and make another one up.

Kevin proceeded to follow Marina's instructions. After he'd returned he set about attempting to console and confort Marina.

"Thanks Lord Kevin, you've been most helpful." Marina was sitting down at a small table and trying to figure things out. "I guess all I can do now is to wait for Alexander to come get us, he's supposed to take James to a hospital."

"I hope everything works out to the best, especially as Alexander and James didn't part on good company last time." Kevin replied

OOC: lol that was a mess :rolleyes:

James returned. He walked over to Marina. "I will not go anywhere with Alexander. That psycho will probably try to murder me, there's no way in hell!"

"I have no idea what you are talking about," Marquis replied. "In fact... if I remember correctly it was you and your buddy who tried to kill me."

A secret recording device hidden in Marquis' skin had been turned on and was recording their conversation.

Though Wershak had stayed pretty low-profile, he now made himself known.

"We will not accuse anyone of being a murderer until we have true proof, show me proof if you have it." he turned to Marina "I suggest you take cover my lady, this could get bad."

OOC: Can someone fill me in on what had happened since we got to the island please? Sorry I've been out of the thread awhile.

"I have no idea what you are talking about," Marquis replied. "In fact... if I remember correctly it was you and your buddy who tried to kill me."


"No, Marquis, James said sternly. "No games with me. I know what you- wait. Perhaps I have been all too rash about this. Maybe I was ill at the time. My god! Did we try to murder you over some stomach flu? James was filled with doubt. Had that been the case, James would feel he desereved the hole in his leg. But thier was doubt. "Marquis." James looked directly at him. "Tell me if you, or if you did not, have intenetions to murder me, on the beach." James looked sternly at him, awaiting a reply.

OOC: So I take it you wanna run with this scene, right?

"I don't have any idea what you are talking about," Marquis replied.

"Let me enlighten you to what happened and why I have been falsely imprisoned. We took a walk to the beach and when he arrived you decided to get in - I stayed out, citing that I was curious about the conditions. You failed to respond to me numerous time about how they were and when you finally came towards me... you looked different. I don't know why, but you went for your gun and tried to shoot me. I had no other choice but to defend myself... then your friend tried to attack me too."

James re-enetered the room after speaking with Gunter. "I don't beleieve any of this shit." James said. "I know that the nutrition bar was some sort of poison. James pointed at the guns on the table. "The guards stripped you of these. You were completely justified to bring a firearm with you, as I did. Gunter saw you, through his scope. He saw you smiling as I appeard ill. Some sort of twisted, wicked smile. I notced it too. Also, I drew my weapon, and had it aimed at you, but I did not fire. You pulled both your weapons at me, and fired 5 rounds.

I know it may seem like this was defence but first, why was your automatic reaction to fire? I did not fire my weapon. I aimed it at you, in hopes of your surrender, for a good 15 seconds. If I had wanted too shoot you, I would have killed you in 2 seconds flat. Secondly, why 5 shots? I would have fired twice at most, to subdue the enemy. It seems a little drastic. However, if you promise me that this was a mistake of mine and Gunter's accord, i'm willing to drop all charges against you."

"First of all, I don't care if you drop all offenses against me because I am completely innocent of your crimes and I am being set up to take the fall. Furthermore you still have the details wrong, though you can believe whatever you like... it makes no difference to me.

I did not smile once - I had no reason to as my life was in danger by you two assassins. You are quite right that you went for your weapon first... something only an assassin would have done... but you certainly did not point at me for fifteen seconds. Hardly! You never even got it pointed at me before I was able to defend myself and fire upon you. You ask me why my reaction to a gun is to fire... well... I don't think you need an explanation of how natural reactions to dire situations happen.

You could have done whatever you like - killing me though was not possible from your situation, no matter how much you wanted to - but I am not you and my reaction was to fire five shots... not two. Furthermore I would assume that given the results that my shots hit your vest, five shots was necessary if not less than enough to subdue you.

Now then... I am done answering your inane and repetitive questions. I think you have more to answer for than me in the present situation. You went for the gun first... not me. You had someone tailing us, armed with a high powered rifle and fixed on my head. You seem like the more plausible candidate as an assassin... something I will prove at my trial when my innocence is confirmed."

James smirked. "Lieing son of a bitch," James proceeded out the door. This tricky bastard will do everything an assasin would think of to prove his innocence, James thought to himself. He knew it were Marquises intentions to frame him. How could he have been so stupid? Defending himself from this maniac, and now he develops a clever misinterpertation on the actual situation. James attempted to find Marina. "Marina, when will this trail be held, and might I ask where?" "I will, of course, need a prosecution team."

Marina saw James come back from speaking to Marquis. "How did things go?" and she motioned to him to sit down next to her. "I hope the trial is held as soon as possible, and yes you'll have a prosecution team...but we need to get back to my country and at the moment, we're quite stuck here. I don't understand why Alexander isn't here yet and why King Holley hasn't exactly taken us back either..." she couldn't help but notice James flinch at the sound of her friend. "Don't worry about Alex, he's not angry anymore...I think and either way, I wish you two would get along."

"Ya, it would be better if you and Alexander worked things out." Kevin replied, "Also I'm not sure how much help I'd be in the upcoming trial as all I have is hearsay and conjecture as my evidence."

"And who, James asked "might this "team" consist of?" Jame sasked Marina. "And about Alexander, I don't want him near me! James stood up and began to limp to the next room. I hope the trial fairs well, James thought to himself. He began to speak quietly with Gunter. "Gunter, we need to get this guy exposed, for what he is." Gunter leaned back in his chair, and puffed from his cigaratte. "He's clever, it won't be easy." Gunter said quietly. James nodded in concurence.

Suddenly the door burst open and in stormed a team of lawyers along with ten armed guards. "Next person who talks to my client without me is going to be thrown in jail - got it!" the head lawyer yelled.

King Holley grabs the lawyer by the collar and throws him out of the room.

"Listen I will take us back right now if you wish...I will also allow you to hold this trial any court you like. But first," King Holley strides over to Marquis and puches him, "no one can bring harm to someone in my care!"

"Shall we return to the airplane?"

The ten armed guards raised their automatic rifles and took aim. "Touch him again and you will have an insurmountable international incident on your hands," the lawyer replied.

"You do know that threatening a monarch in his own kingdom is taramount to treason, which quite often has a death sentence attached to it." Kevin said to the lawyer. "Also, depending on how the laws are written, Holley could have every right to torture Marquis if he so wanted."

"Apparently you don't know anything about law so I would advise you as a lawyer, not to try to tell me about it. Treason requires that I have allegiance to the country I am 'betraying' so it is impossible for me to be committing treason. And while this nation may have some twisted laws that allow them to commit heinous crimes of torture, they would certainly be violating numerous international laws."

"It'd still be declared as treason, or perhaps sedition. Also international law is only as valid as nations accept it as of." Kevin replied, "And being a lawyer just means you're more full of bat-shit than other people."

"I am not sure where you are drawing these charges from. It is neither treaon nor sedition and in no way could be considered so. As for international law... you are correct that it is only valid if a nation follows it - BUT, it does give just cause and support of the international community if we are forced to take action... and I assure you we will," he replied.

"Now... considering you have nothing to do with this situation whatsoever and clearly have no idea what you are talking about... I would suggest your but out."

"And considering you're a pompous git who has no buisness here, I'd suggest you go sit on a cactus and spin." Kevin replied

"Call me what you like but I have all the business in the world here... and you do not."

"Actually I do. I'm visiting someone. Also, another crime you've commited is trespassing and this one you can't weasel out of. You are on private property without permission of it's owner." Kevin replied

"You may have permission to be on this property but you have no authority or reason to be in this conversation or talking about my client in any manner."

Boredom.

That was okay. It was the general state of Alexander's being. He liked boredom. It seemed like home. It meant that he could find something or someone to do to get rid of the feeling. But this wasn't normal boredom. This was pure, simple, dullness.

And the humming! By God and all the Saints, the accursed humming! First it had just been the one crew member, but now the captain and all the rest of this boat's damnable crew had joined in! He didn't even recognise the tune, but he was resolved to put an end to it before it graduated to fullblown singing.

"It's a small-URK!"

Alexander removed his cane from the back of the offender's head, then kicked him in the shins a little. "We'll have no more of that." The Grand Duke pulled out his pocket-watch and checked the time. "Nearly an hour..." His patience abrubtly snapped and he stepped off the gangplank. "Wait here." Alexander began to walk up the beach to find someone he could beat until they told him where his friend was. I should have brought Simon along. He's just the fellow for this kind of thing...

"You may have permission to be on this property but you have no authority or reason to be in this conversation or talking about my client in any manner."
"And you do not have permission to be on this property, and when people point weapons in my general direction, I have a very good reason to be involved in this conversation." Kevin replied as he turned to Marquis, "Frankly I have no idea if you are guilty of what James accused you of, but your choice of lawyer leaves something to be desired."

The two just ignored him.

James and Gunter exploded out of the kitchen, weapons drawn. "What the hell is going on? James yelled. "Why do you have weapons pointed at Kevin? Explain yourselves!!" James and Gunter took a few steps back, when they realized Marquis had 10 armed guards, with automatic weapons behind him. He felt he did not have the upper-hand in this situation. James retreated behind a wall, while Gunter held his weaponready. Jamesdialed a few number, and waited. "Intelligence Minister Dugene? Yes, ill- uh. Yes, ill need a lawyer." James listened to the Ministers suggestion and grinned. "Alright, ill need a defense team, and yes, Gunter will be there. Alright." James put the phone away, and drew his weapon.


OOC: How did marquis get armed guards on the island without King Holley's guards stopping them?

It had not been a good day for Alexander, and it showed no sign of getting any better as he heard the shouting from the house/palace (he was leaning towards house, because by his jaded eyes anything smaller than Saint Paul's Cathedral was just a structure of no more worth than an anthill). He heard the word 'weapons', and subtly clicked a hidden button on his cane. A bright blade sprang out, flashing blue in the light. 'This sounds...entertaining.'

After checking the surface of his sword for impurities, he placed it back into the stick (leaving the sheathe unlocked for easy access), walked calmly up to the front door, and delivered a sharp rap on the entrance. "Marina? Are you in there?" He called, seeming strangely impassive about the possibility of guards interfering with his mission.

ooc: it was not my intention at all for them to be with Marquis, unfortunately AndyTank decided to comment about Marquis being right there with them when I did not state that at all. It was merely a team of lawyers and their guards - they burst into the room where everyone was talking... not with Marquis.

OOC:None the less, i've got 10 guys with guns pointed at us. :eek:


James sheathed hisgun, as did Gunter. They understood, they were the lawyers bodyguards. James heard "Marina?" at the door, and he opened it. He was looking right at Alexander.

Marina rushed over to the open door and swung her arms around her old friend. "Alex! You finally got here, and just in time if y'ask me..." She stood next to him and faced Marquis and his guards, "I'm having a situation here, it seems that the assasin is indeed amongst us and won't confess to it...but of course, that's to be expected." she glared at Marquis.

Alexander stretched, and looked the 'assassin' up and down. "...Tell you what, Marina." The Prince said, smiling. "You give him over to my tender mercies, and I'll have him singing a different tune." He held up his hand at the armed men, indicating he had been joking. "Still, I must say that I'd like to know what the hell has been going on and why the blazes you all decided to come to this accursed island anyway."

OOC:None the less, i've got 10 guys with guns pointed at us. :eek:

ooc: considering all the GMing you guys have been doing... don't bitch about it.

IC:
Marquis stood there motionless waiting for someone to give their twisted view of what they think happened.

ooc: considering all the GMing you guys have been doing... don't bitch about it.

IC:
Marquis stood there motionless waiting for someone to give their twisted view of what they think happened.

James stepped away from Alexander. "Marina, are we to leave this island now? We will proceed to your country for the trial?"

OOC: Are you kidding me??? No posts all day??:eek:Every other day there is at least a full page of posts, and it takes me forever to reply, but the one day, im home all day and no posts?

(Murphy's law)*sigh*

ooc: oh well... hopefully I will be able to post a lot in the near future because I am on winter break.
IC:

"I do think the trial should remain here in the nation in which he is *wrongly* accused of his crimes," the lawyer said. He had now identified himself as Jacque Ludivine, a private defense lawyer who had graduated at the top of his class.

OOC: Lucky you. I have friday, monday and tuesday before break (great):( BTW could I GM real quick and say everyone got on the plane, to head somewhere else, this is taking way too long!

OOC: Lucky you. I have friday, monday and tuesday before break (great):( BTW could I GM real quick and say everyone got on the plane, to head somewhere else, this is taking way too long!

ooc: I would say no you can't do that because Jacque Ludivine (the lawyer) wants to hold the trial where his accused crimes were supposedly committed...

ooc: I would say no you can't do that because Jacque Ludivine (the lawyer) wants to hold the trial where his accused crimes were supposedly committed...


OOC: Ok, lets do this! Set up a court room, flags from each nation, have a judge be unamimously elected, and let's begin.

James whipped out his phone. "Change in plans. Yea. You'll have to come here. Okay. Hurry, the trial begins soon. 3 hours? Are you certain? Alright. We'll since this guy has 10 armed guards with him, we might as well play his game. That's right. 10 New Aushan intelligence agents. Yes. Fully armed. Umm, MP5's, James winked at Marquis. Auf wiedersein." James hung up. "Give me three hours."

Marquis only smiled back at James as he waited for everyone to gather up and the trial to commence.

OOC: I'll be on again in about 13 hours, see ya then.

OOC: You have to be kidding me........ That's it, im GM.

The room was now set. James attorney's had arrived, and there were flags from Flamazon, Andytank, Theao, DMG, New Ausha and Roania (sorry if I missed someone) The judge, had yet to be elected by unamimous decision. James spoke up. "Perhaps, we shall have this be random. He wrote dow names on paper. He wrote, Holley, Marina, Kevin, and, Alexander. "Shall we draw for a judge?"

"Not at all," the lawyer piped up. "The judge should actually be a judge who knows law and the proceedings of a trial."

"Not at all," the lawyer piped up. "The judge should actually be a judge who knows law and the proceedings of a trial."


"Then who do you suggest??" James was becoming irratated.

"It seems pretty obvious... get a damn judge here," he replied.

"It seems pretty obvious... get a damn judge here," he replied.

James slapped his hand to his head. "Okay, here are a few questions,

From where?

Expierince?

Should he/she have knowledge of the incident?

Political prefrences of he/she?

Age?

Height?

Race?

Foot size?

Preference to one of our nations?

"What the hell is wrong with you... just get a judge," the lawyer replied. "Have you no knowledge of how a damn trial works..."

"And where is the jury?"

This is a fiasco...

"alright, James began, "Someone with an IQ of over 30, please tell me who should be the judge for this trial?"

"You can try to insult me all you want," the lawyer replied.

What a fucking dumbass... he doesn't know anything about law and yet he tried to pretend like he does.

James hung up his phone, and adressed the idiotic lawyer. "I have a judge coming form Elryia-Lorain, he will be here in a few hours. He has no knowledge to the matter, making his judgements fair and balanced. He looked at the lawyer. "Understand? I can repeat it."

James could not help but smirk at the lawyers idoicy. He want a judge, but gives no information on the his specifications? According to his statements, I could throw an old shoe up thier, and waut for the proceedings to begin....

"No... but you can pick up the phone again and tell him not to come," the lawyer repeated. "You see this is how law works... the judge has to be a judge in the nation the trial is in, and the trial is in the nation that the supposed crime was committed. Should I repeat that?"

"Now... considering you have no fucking authority in this court or nation... shut your damn mouth and sit back in the gallery. You are not the prosecutor, you are not the judge, you are not even the bailiff. All you are is a witness with a big mouth and a bad story."

OOC: Yes, I would like to know that answer!


James and Gunter exploded out of the kitchen, weapons drawn. "What the hell is going on? James yelled. "Why do you have weapons pointed at Kevin? Explain yourselves!!" James and Gunter took a few steps back, when they realized Marquis had 10 armed guards, with automatic weapons behind him. He felt he did not have the upper-hand in this situation. James retreated behind a wall, while Gunter held his weaponready. Jamesdialed a few number, and waited. "Intelligence Minister Dugene? Yes, ill- uh. Yes, ill need a lawyer." James listened to the Ministers suggestion and grinned. "Alright, ill need a defense team, and yes, Gunter will be there. Alright." James put the phone away, and drew his weapon.


OOC: How did marquis get armed guards on the island without King Holley's guards stopping them?

ooc: please read the other posts before commenting.

"Fuck you!" James exclaimed. Stop sitting here whining like a little bitch and find a "local" judge. If you cannot in the next goddam hour, that judge, will be appointed to this trial." "Might I remind you, that you as well, in a foreign land, a- you know what? The person with the real authority here is King Holley. If anyone, he should appoint a judge. Just then there was a knock at the door. "Come in!" James shouted. 10 New Aushan agents came into the room with MP5's, loaded. "Freeze!" they shouted simoltaneously. James put his hands up, "Es ist toll, halt!" They immedietly obeyed. Suddenly, a tall, blonde woman walked in. She was very professionally dressed, and looked at everyone, with cool, green eyes. "James? Ich heiBe, Frauline Winters." "James smiled. "Excellent, my defence." She looked at Marquis's lawyer. "Nicht auch GroB ist er?" She looked at James. He began to laugh. The men, looked at the other armed guards with suspicion, and the room felt very tensious.

ooc: please read the other posts before commenting.


OOC: You never posted an answer. :confused: BTW, Holley, I am woundering, where are your guards? Where are you? What Marquisses lawyerc does not understand is that, this is a foreign land. If everyone had to where pink skirts, Marquis would be obligated. Marquis is obligated to your laws. I had to bring men in to protect myself. Take control of the situation, since this is your territory. (Suggestion)

"You are right, Holley has the authority here and you don't so shut up and sit down."

ooc: you realize you aren't prosecuting
ooc2: I thought we agreed no more foreign languages
ooc3: tensious isn't a word... its "tense"

OOC: You never posted an answer. :confused: BTW, Holley, I am woundering, where are your guards? Where are you? What Marquisses lawyerc does not understand is that, this is a foreign land. If everyone had to where pink skirts, Marquis would be obligated. Marquis is obligated to your laws. I had to bring men in to protect myself. Take control of the situation, since this is your territory. (Suggestion)

ooc: I actually gave two answers if you cared to read more carefully.

Marquis' lawyer completely understands that he is in a foreign land... what James doesn't understand is that he has no authority or reason to be there other than a witness... he doesn't get to decide the terms of the trial or who the judge is.

"You are right, Holley has the authority here and you don't so shut up and sit down."

ooc: you realize you aren't prosecuting
ooc2: I thought we agreed no more foreign languages
ooc3: tensious isn't a word... its "tense"


OOC: OMFG!!! Did you pass middle school? You come in here, make demands, say how everything should be done, and then you tell me not to think I have any authority! OMG!!!
OOC2: Why wouldn't I prosecute him? I got shot 5 times, and poisoned by this Jackass!!
OOC3:
"It seems pretty obvious... get a damn judge here," he replied." (I then got a local judge, you said no)

"just get a judge," (I then got antoher judge to fly in)

"You see this is how law works... the judge has to be a judge in the nation the trial is in, and the trial is in the nation that the supposed crime was committed. Should I repeat that?" (You said no to him, and then said get a local judge.

So.... First you want me too get a local judge, the you said no. Then you said to just get a judge again, so I get a one, to come.


Then you say no, and go back to what you wouldn't let me do in the first place, get a local judge.

Your train of statement:

http://clickworkers.arc.nasa.gov/graphics/thin-yellow-circle-256.gif

OOC: OMFG!!! Did you pass middle school? You come in here, make demands, say how everything should be done, and then you tell me not to think I have any authority! OMG!!!
OOC2: Why wouldn't I prosecute him? I got shot 5 times, and poisoned by this Jackass!!
OOC3:
"It seems pretty obvious... get a damn judge here," he replied." (I then got a local judge, you said no)

"just get a judge," (I then got antoher judge to fly in)

"You see this is how law works... the judge has to be a judge in the nation the trial is in, and the trial is in the nation that the supposed crime was committed. Should I repeat that?" (You said no to him, and then said get a local judge.

So.... First you want me too get a local judge, the you said no. Then you said to just get a judge again, so I get a one, to come.


Then you say no, and go back to what you wouldn't let me do in the first place, get a local judge.

Your train of statement:

http://clickworkers.arc.nasa.gov/graphics/thin-yellow-circle-256.gif

ooc: First of all, it is clear that I passed middle school, but pased on your lack of writing skills it is not clear that you have. You don't have any authority because you are not the judge nor the police nor are you in your own country.
ooc2: You wouldn't prosecute him because of how the law works. It is not your decision to prosecute him nor are you the one who does it. The state has prosecutors that do that...
ooc3: I apologize I did not realize that the place you referenced was from AndyTank's land.

ooc: First of all, it is clear that I passed middle school, but pased on your lack of writing skills it is not clear that you have. You don't have any authority because you are not the judge nor the police nor are you in your own country.
ooc2: You wouldn't prosecute him because of how the law works. It is not your decision to prosecute him nor are you the one who does it. The state has prosecutors that do that...
ooc3: I apologize I did not realize that the place you referenced was from AndyTank's land.


OOC: So we can agree to disagree? Alright. In the end it is Holley's land. Shut up, and wait for him to post something.

ooc: Fuck it. I have had enough with you. I quit the RP.

Marquis gives the signal and his guards starting shooting their weapons... killing everyone in the room.

OOC: Okay, this dick quits.

Heres what happened. marquis orders the men to open fire. However, James saw it first. He ordered his me to fire first, killing all of marquis's armed guards. Everyone is shaken, but okay. James draws his weapon, places it to marquis's forehead, and pulls the trigger (Oh you don't know how long I have been waiting to do that:D )

OMG! I leave for one day...ONE day and this is how it turns out to be?! I have no clue what to do, this is driving me insane now!

ooc: I'd suggest taking it something like this.
At the trial, Marquis pulls a gun and attempts to assassinate Marina.
Either one of the suitors or bodyguards sees him and shoots him.

So the scene is along these lines:
Holley, Kevin, James/Gunter, and Marina are alive and in court, Marquis's corpse is in the witness box, and as the accused is dead and it was a clear case of self-defense(that prompted whoever killed Marquis to do so) the whole thing was thrown out.

Sound good?

ooc: I'd suggest taking it something like this.
At the trial, Marquis pulls a gun and attempts to assassinate Marina.
Either one of the suitors or bodyguards sees him and shoots him.

So the scene is along these lines:
Holley, Kevin, James/Gunter, and Marina are alive and in court, Marquis's corpse is in the witness box, and as the accused is dead and it was a clear case of self-defense(that prompted whoever killed Marquis to do so) the whole thing was thrown out.

Sound good?


OOC: I'll agree with that. Now I say, let's return to Flamazon, to deliver Marina safetly home. Alright?

Oh yes by all means! Let this be a thing of the past! *looks distressed*

With the assassin successfully rooted out and eliminated, Kevin broached the topic of returning to Flamazon to Marina, and to a lesser extent to James and Holley as well.

OOC: Good idea. Let's go back to Flamazon soon.

OMG! I leave for one day...ONE day and this is how it turns out to be?! I have no clue what to do, this is driving me insane now!


OOC:More like 2 1/2 days. This thread is getting pretty boring, thier being like 1 post every 2-3 days...

OOC: Yes it is getting extremely boring. Let's pretend we're back in Flamazon and have just gotten off the airplane. Sound good?

IC: After many hours on the plane, Marina finally awakened and slowly opened her hazel eyes just in time to realize that all that bumping and rattling on the plane meant they had just arrived. "Lord Kevin?" Marina asked. "James?"

"Yes, Marina, I'm right here." Kevin replied as he'd been woken by the change in air pressure.

"Yeah?" James said waking from sleep. He opened the door of the plane for Marina. "Good to be off that dreadful island!" Said James.

"Oh James you have cut me to the quik. I love that little island of mine you must come back when there is less drama so that you might appeciate its many virtues."

"Bitte schon, Herr Holley," James said, wheeling around. " I spose i'd like to return one day. James proceeded over to one of the palace's security captains. "Captin, these New Aushan guards will aid in providing security, they are under your command now." The captain looked over the men, with great pride. "Yessir!" He almost shouted. James proceeded into the palace. The assasin nightmare was over. But, now, he thought, was the time. Marina would be choosing a suitor soon. Am I even eligible? he thought frantically. James, by now, was very attracted to Marina. She probably doesn't even see me as a suitor, he thought.

Marina laughed at James' comment. "Oh I think that island was beautiful! If all those horrible things hadn't happened though, it would have been a lot better." The princess locked arms with Lord Kevin and walked towards the limosine that was waiting for them. "I'm so glad to finally be home though! Although...father will be wondering what happened and who I'll choose now." she sighed.

"I'm sure he'll be relieved you are safe and the assassin was dealt with." Kevin replied, "And while I'd be overjoyed if you selected me, I hope you choose the one who is best for you."

James followed them to the limosine, and opened the door for them. Before he got in he got Marina's attention. "Marina, the mission is complete, there is no need for me too stay." James paused. "Unless, of course, you wanted me to stay?" James waited nervously.

Marina turned her head up slightly to look at Kevin and smiled sweetly. "I...I'm sorry for being so indecisive about choosing so far. It's just that-" she paused. "I want to make sure that this is the right person to spend the rest of my life with. It's not an easy decision by all means!"

They were about to get in the limo when James caught her attention and asked the princess whether she wanted him to stay. At this sudden outburst Marina was taken aback. She stood up full height and looked James in the eyes. "My question is, do YOU wish to stay. I know that your original mission was to protect my family...but if I'm not mistaken it's turned into something else." Aware that Lord Kevin and King Holley were watching them intently Marina blushed and whispered. "James could we speak about this in private...sometime today. We'll meet in the garden, the one next to the fountain okay? I don't know what my father will think about this..." her voice trailed off. She turned around and got in the car.

"Absolutely! He whispered back to her, let's meet around 3, ill be there. He smiled broadly, and she got into the limo. James phone rang violently, as the limo drove away. "Guten tag?" "James, the mcolnel wants you back in New Ausha. Elyria-Lorain is under attack, and we need spies. James hesitated. Please, just a few more hours? Maybe another day? .....Ok James, 2 more days." James hung up and smiled.

2:50 the garden

James waited by the fountain, looking back and fourth, observing the beauty of his surroundings.

Marina walked towards the garden outside. Her hair was in an up-do held in part by her emerald encrusted tiara and was richly dressed in a long burgundy gown. She approached the fountain to see if he had arrived yet and grinned when she saw him sitting there. "Hello James, I'm glad you've come."

"Well, arent you elegantly dressed!" James said, beaming at her. "M'lady?" He said, making a gesture to the seat next to him. "You look absolutely splendid," he said, observing her beautiful clothing.

The young woman smiled and took a seat next to him. "Thank you James...now about the umm suitor bussiness...?"

"What of it?" James asked politley. He could not help but notice the beautiful plants, and the beautiful lady, around him.

*This is just too much for me!* thought Marina as she began to feel her face burn. "You were sent as a spy were you not? Sent to protect me and my family and yet you asked whether I wanted you to remain here. Why? What clearly speaking, are your intentions as to me is what I'd like to know."

He grabbed her hands and looked at her. "It is true, I began this as an intelliegence agent. I thought I would be protecting old, eccentric generals. How could I have expected a beautiful, young girl like you, Marina?" He looked at her. "The reason I asked you, is, I am obligated to leave, but I simply cannot. If it takes me revoking my status as an intelligence officer, than so be it." He looked down, towards the ground. My intentions- I-I would like to be your husband, Marina......" His face became very red.

Marina let out a long sigh and gently stroked James' cheek. "I don't know what to say James. I feel myself torn between you and..."she blushed. "...Lord Kevin. You both are good men you see and he is a lord..." her voice trailed off. Suddenly she buried her face in her hands and began to softly cry. "Give me a good reason for defying my country's traditions and tell me why you think you would be a better candidate than Kevin."

"I may not be able to offer gold, jewels, palaces or any of that, but I can offer you my love, protection and care Marina." He gestured for her to not speak. "Go, and think." He smiled. "Announce your decision, whenever you please." Just take time to think it over." He smiled, felt her cheek, and walked towards the palace.

Marina cast her eyes down and sat deep in thought. His words burned in her mind. "I don't care about the jewels or gold or any of that, I've got enough of it myself. What I need is a good husband who will be here for me." she stood up and took a stroll through the garden. "How am I to decide? This is awful! Why did I have to be the eldest?!" Marina walked towards the Palace after a good while.

"Marina, my daughter come." said Vladimir Romanov when he saw her enter. "I'm so glad that awful assasin business is done with. Now you must decide who you want as your husband..."

"Father, I don't know. I've narrowed it down considerably but-" Marina looked into her father's eyes urgently. "Do you care about wealth or lineage? As you may have guessed already, James is no longer just our protector. He has expressed his desire to be a suitor. Now, I know that he does not have a title or a fortune...but he did so many good things for us...for me. Papa will you permit this?" the young Princess closed her eyes and waited for a response.

The Emperor turned around and began walking towards his study. "I have to think about this Marina...he is not a noble and such a thing has never happened in Flamazon. I will consult it with Ivan Konstantinovich."

Princess Marina walked over to the Great Room and sat down on the couch moping and thinking. *I need to get to know them better, and fast!* she thought.

James sat on a large lethery couch, reading a book with great content, "The turning point of WWII: The battle for Stalingrad" He sat with a smile on his face, reading through the endless pages. But his thoughts kept drifting to Marina. He could not keep his mind of her. He was very nervous, not being of royal heritage. "I wounder what Marina is thinking......" he thought to himself.

Kevin wondered what Marina and James had been talking about. As he wandered the palace, he decided he needed a chance to unwind from the stresses of the assassination attempt and headed to the courtyard. Once there be began doing a tumbling routine on the soft grass.

Marina threw her hands up in the air. "Oh I can't let myself be brought down like this! Maybe some practicing will do me well."

she walked into the arms room and brought down her favorite sword a very lightweight broadsword similar in weight to a rapier or a light katana. The Princess hurried downstairs again and went out to the courtyard where she caught a sight of Kevin. "Oh Kevin there you are! Practicing I see...?" said Marina beaming.

James proceeded to the kitchen out of boredome, where he met a chef, who was a retired army officer. Minutes later they were laughing and exchanging stories.

Marina threw her hands up in the air. "Oh I can't let myself be brought down like this! Maybe some practicing will do me well."

she walked into the arms room and brought down her favorite sword a very lightweight broadsword similar in weight to a rapier or a light katana. The Princess hurried downstairs again and went out to the courtyard where she caught a sight of Kevin. "Oh Kevin there you are! Practicing I see...?" said Marina beaming.
"Yes I am, occasionally I like to get away and just work through a few routines to clear my mind of stress and all that." He replied, "But I see you've also come out to practice or do you use practice like I do?"

James proceeded into a large hallway, in which many flags of Flamazon hung, and many portraits of men and women, dressed quite elegantly hung. "Previous kings and queens," james thought to himself. As he got towards the end of the hallway, he noticed a portrait of a pretty, young woman. It was labeled "Princess Marina" James smiled.

"Yes I am, occasionally I like to get away and just work through a few routines to clear my mind of stress and all that." He replied, "But I see you've also come out to practice or do you use practice like I do?"

She thought about if for a moment and then flashed a smile at Lord Kevin. "I practice to get better at it. There's always room for improvement, don't you think? Although I also practice for pure enjoyment, that goes for archery as well, which if I do say so myself, came quite in handy on that island!"

OOC: I have been working non-stop and been doing a lot of shopping lately so I won't be able to post much during this week until Wednesday or Thursday. :( I'll stop by at night to check on the thread and do some posting though! Merry Christmas guys!

James finally proceeded to the library where a woman was reading a book titled "Socialism and communism, what's the differnce?" James politely asked, "Excuse me, what do you think of that book?" She told him with great vigor, and they began to discus the political systems.

OOC: Merry christmas to you too!:)

She thought about if for a moment and then flashed a smile at Lord Kevin. "I practice to get better at it. There's always room for improvement, don't you think? Although I also practice for pure enjoyment, that goes for archery as well, which if I do say so myself, came quite in handy on that island!"
"Likewise, thought when I practice I put in more effort than when I do it to relax or center myself. While I've never been good with the bow, I do enjoy watching it." Kevin replied as he did a forward roll into a hand-stand. Flipping himself up right he asked. "You are alright, right?"

ooc: Likewise Merry Christmas

"Yes, I"m alright. So..."

OOC: What do you mean by asking if she's "alright"? Sorry kinda confused with that one. :)

"Yes, I"m alright. So..."

OOC: What do you mean by asking if she's "alright"? Sorry kinda confused with that one. :)
"Do you want to talk about anything in particular?" He asked

ooc: He's asking if she's alright and recovered from the stress of the assassination attempt.

OOC: That's what I thought.

IC: "Oh nothing in particular really..." Marina walked around him slowly and twirled the strand of hair in her hand. "I actually didn't expect to find you here. I was just planning on practicing but seeing as how I've come across you, would you like to go for a horseride?"

"That sounds like a very nice idea. What kind of horse do you prefere?" He asked as he watched her play with her hair.

The young woman had revealed herself as Tatyana, a retired army officer, who now is a librarian for the royal palace. They laughed and talked throughout the afternoon. James began to think. I wounder where Marina and Kevin are? He shrugged, and began to discuss Tatyana's involvement in the battle of Blood gultch. James listened intently, with great satisfaction at every detail of army life. He looked out the large library window. He saw Marina twirling her hair, and kevin speaking to her. He shrugged and faced Tatyana. "Do continue."

"I prefer riding Arabs, I had a few horses imported and bred so we have several now. Let's go to the stables shall we? My mare ought to be there and you can pick out a horse there."

"That sounds like an excellent idea." He replied

James burst out in laughter. "So, so then, Tatyana said fighting tears, So then the general leads his men to the sunfire cliffs, 40 miles in the opposite direction!" James nearly fell over with laughter. When the mood had setteled she said that she had to be getting back to work. James nodded and wondered off. He proceeded around the estate, eventually, making his way to the stables. As he reached the stables, he saw Marina and Kevin approach. "Pardon me, am I interupting something? James said politley.

OOC: Sorry I was gone! I switched providers...

IC: "No not at all! Would you like to join us? We were just going for a ride. You can take any horse you'd like." Marina smiled. "You don't mind the company do you Kevin?"

"Not at all." He replied

"Well then! Let's saddle up and go!" she exclaimed. The Princess gave the mare a sugar cube and got on her horse.

OOC: Sorry I havent been on, got a bad case of the flu :( anyway, ill start posting again by tommorow. See ya then! :)

Kevin found a good horse and swung himself up onto it. "I'm ready."

James got up on a horse uneasily and steadied himself. He looked forward and breathed hard.

OOC: Aww sorry to hear that...hope you feel better soon!

IC: "Well then, let's go!" cried the Princess. "Haa!" the mare was well trained and did not require the usual kick to start. Upon hearing her mistress's cry she bolted from the stable and raced against the eastern wind with her flowing white mane. Marina turned around to see if the others were behind her. She let out a tiny laugh when she saw the two men still a ways back. "Absu, I think we're going to wait for them a bit." she said to the mare and had her stop and turn around to face in their direction. The white beast neighed and stood on her hind legs. "Whoa there girl! haha this will be fun. I had missed riding you."

Kevin lightly squeezed his horse's flanks with his knees, causing it to head off at a trot after Marina's horse. He was a naturally skilled rider and could usually get a horse to behave well.

Marina smiled sweetly at both suitors. "Shall we race till we get to that hill over there?" she pointed towards a green hill in the distance, maybe 350 meters away.

"Sure." He said with a grin.

"Well then...on your mark, get set, go! Haaaaaaaa!!!!!" Marina and Absu were off leaving behind a trail of dust.

OOC: I'm getting sooooooo bored with this thread, any suggestions on how to make it more interesting? And yes I am well aware that I should have chosen someone already but I'm stumped as to whom. :(

Kevin squeezed his horse's flanks and took off after the princess. As he watched her, he smiled at the beautiful sight he saw of her, with her hair flowing back as her horse galloped under her.

The two horses were neck in neck and it seemed that their speed was equally matched. Marina turned toward Lord Kevin and grinned. "We're almost there we're almost there!" she cried out to her steed. All of a sudden a little spurt of energy burst from the Arabian mare but Kevin's horse was so close. Finally, the princess's mare claimed victory but only by as much as a meter. "Woah girl..." Marina quickly got off and petted Absu on the nose as she waited for Kevin to dismount as well, but where was James she wondered... "Well that was quite a race!" she remarked.

Kevin swung down off his mount, and rubbed the horse's flank. "I agree, a most excellent race indeed." Kevin replied, "And it seems that James has gotten lost."

"Oh well," she shrugged and smiled. "He'll catch up eventually I'm sure." Marina took her mare's lead in her hand and gave Kevin a huge smile. "Now, let's go, there's a place I wanted to show you...it's really great and it's gorgeous!"

"Lead on princess of my heart." Kevin said with an equally big smile as he guided his horse with him.

OOC: mind if "the warmaster" my nations leader watches this whole series of events, so as to get back in touch with his human side, as he has lived as a demigod for 1,000,000 years and has forgotton all about love, he would like to see it in ints infancy through to its maturaty, to regain a little knowledge of the peacful aspects of humanity.

OOC: mind if "the warmaster" my nations leader watches this whole series of events, so as to get back in touch with his human side, as he has lived as a demigod for 1,000,000 years and has forgotton all about love, he would like to see it in ints infancy through to its maturaty, to regain a little knowledge of the peacful aspects of humanity.

OOC: WoW lol okay sure...

IC: "Great!" exclaimed Marina as they kept on walking uphill at a steady pace through a semi-thickly wooded area. "My father used to bring us all when we were kids. I remember we had so much fun! Now it seems that my siblings have forgotten about this place or maybe they're too busy to come but it's my favorite place and I often come here to meditate. It's so very beautiful!" Marina tied the horses to a tree and then suddenly she giggled and stepped right behind Lord Kevin, covering his eyes. "Okay, we're almost there!"

"Whoa...what are you doing Marina?" stammered Kevin. "I can't see where I'm walking!"

The princess laughed heartily, "Trust me a little will you? Alright...look..." she said as she drew her hands away from his eyes. The scene in front of them was breathtaking. They were standing on a very small cliff overlooking crystal clear waterfall sorrounded by exotic looking plants and flowers of many colors. The pool that was at the bottom of the waterfall was very tranquil and steady. And while the cliff overlooking this masterpiece was small, it was high enough to be able to see a river in the distance that glittered like gold, reflecting the brilliant sun. Marina stood next to Lord Kevin and watched his face smiling all the meanwhile. "Isn't it beautiful?"

As Marina covered his eyes, he protested slightly but when she told him to trust her, he replied, "With my life."

Once she'd released him, he looked at the scene and marvelled at the almost eden like beauty of it. "It's gorgeous."

the warmaster watched on, entranced by the Severity of these young human's level of emotions, he wondered, had he ever felt this way? maybe once long ago, before he was the warrmaster, but it was actually making him feel gopod to watch the humans be so nice, rather than war, this was...this was the opposite, and it made the warmaster think,
"so the world is filled with beuty, but you must look to the Souls if humans to find it, almost poetic" he said aloud, enthralled.

"Yes, it most definitely is." sighed Marina at the sight of her hiding place and refuge. "But that's not all, there's something that my father didn't quite find but that I did..." Marina smirked and put her hand on Lord Kevin's shoulder. "Are you adventurous enough to find out what it is? You are going to have to dive in though..."

"Let's find out." He replied with a grin, "Buff, skivvies or as I am?" He asked as he made a motion as if to remove his shirt.

Marina laughed at Lord Kevin's question. "I guess that's up to you, but clothes do tend to weigh you down." she said and began taking off her shoes and stockings. "Can you unlace my dress from the back? I swear! These antiquated dresses are so fussy!" Kevin helped her unlace the dress from the back and the Princess took it off and layed it on top of a rock. She proceeded to take off a few other unnecessaries like her hoop skirt and was left with her corset and pettycoat.

"Great!" exclaimed the young woman, glad to be rid of so much weight. "Alright, there's an underwater cave at the bottom of the waterfall. You do know that we are close to the Ocean right? Well, there's a whole bunch of caverns that lead to it. It's kind of scary at first but also great fun." she whispered. The princess walked to the edge of the cliff overlooking the waterfall and looked back at Kevin. "Take a very deep breath, and just follow me okay? Are you ready?"

Kevin blushed slightly as he helped her 'stripdown'. After he'd helped her, he stripped down a pair of black boxer/briefs.

"I'm ready." He replied as he began taking deep breaths in preparation.

After hearing the lord's okay, she smiled and looked back at him. "Good luck!" she said.

Princess Marina took a deep breath and leaped from the edge of the cliff and plunged with her arms extended, parting the water. A shiver went down her back when her skin touched the wetness of the crystal surface. But she did not stop and instead submerged herself even deeper into the water and dove down until she reached the bottom, for it was not too terribly deep, perhaps only 20 meters or slightly more. Then, swimming through the waving underwater plants of crimson and green, she came upon what looked like a dark deep hole that seemed to be directly below the cliff wall, an underwater tunnel. Here it became a little difficult since the waterfall's pressure was tumbling and whirling the water near the entrance and so she swam around it and slipped through and into the dark.

Kevin followed a few seconds after, and was chilled by the temperature of the water. As he dove down, his ears popped to equalize the pressure. Seeing how Marina entered the tunnel, he trailed after her, thought was buffeted somewhat more as he was unuse to dodging the water.

As she entered and swam through the tunnel, Marina began to feel slightly lightheaded. *Damn* she thought *I haven't been here in a while, I feel like my lungs are going to burst!* and finally when the princess could breathe no more, her head and shoulders burst out of the watery depths and rose to the surface. Gasping for breath Marina waded there waiting for her companion to come up to meet her.

Even thought Kevin had taken as large a breath of air as he could, by the time he breached the surface, he was coughing and spluttering like a man just this side of drowning.

Marina was still catching her breath and wiped the little droplets of water from her face and waded in the water waiting for Kevin to stop coughing. She looked around and above, it was sure a long way up it seemed. "Are you okay now?" She asked the man.

Kevin coughed once more, and ran his hair throught his water-laden hair. "I'm alright now, but that was a long swim."

"Yes, it was." she spluttered. "It was a bit too long even for me this time! But lets get out of the water for a bit. The ocean is about five miles from here. Now I just have to fully remember the way. It's been a while." she sighed.

"So you like to come here but don't often get a chance to?" Kevin asked

The Princess got out of the water and sat down for a moment to just focus on catching her breath again. She shook her hair out and looked at Kevin with a sad expression. "Precisely." she said. "When I was younger I would come all the time. But then when I began to show interest in the politics of my nation and was given responsibilities, I just didn't find the time anymore." Marina gazed off and placed her hand on her head. "There's also the fact that I'm supposed to be a proper lady now. And on top of that, being a princess and heir to the throne, you're always being followed by cameras. It's so exasperating! Doesn't it happen to you?" she asked and got up with anger. "The whole nation it seems is trying to find a flaw in me and the slightest excuse to get my father to name my brother Prince Viktor as heir even though he's younger. The people should realize that we are in different times now...according to custom, the next Emperor should be the eldest and male. I'm not certain as to why I was chosen exactly. But I feel as though I'm always being compared and Viktor and I are always competing...it's just..."

Marina sighed and smiled at Kevin. "I'm terribly sorry, it's just that I felt I needed to "spill it out" so to speak. This is why I love this place. It's my sanctuary and it helps me forget about my world..."

Kevin listened to Marina explain about the place, and the stresses she faced. As she finished, he looked at her, "If you ever want to 'spill it all out' again, I'll be there to listen." He said, "Do you want my suggestions?"

The Princess hunched her shoulders and sighed. "Yes of course...what do you suggest?" asked Marina.

"I'd suggest doing what you knew was right, and ignore the gossip mongers." He replied seriously.

"Ahh I wish I could do that! Then life would be so easy. But see here, when you're royalty, you are expected to act a certain way...at least in public." She got up, put her hands on her hips and smiled. "But I should really be used to it by now. Anyhow, let's go. Follow me, I think I just remembered the way."

"Alright." He said as he got up and followed Marina.

Marina walked only slightly in front of Kevin and kept close while winding through caverns. The only sound that could be heard at this point was the sound of their own footsteps and the dripping of water in some places. It was dark and hard to see and a musty kind of odor was prevalent. After some time, perhaps an hour of walking and occasionally crawling through some tight spaces, the Princess stopped and sat down for a moment. "Sorry, let's take a break shall we? So are you tired so far?" She joked.

"That sounds like a great idea. I'm not overly use to exploring caves." Kevin replied as he took a seat beside her.

"My lord, if I may be so bold as to ask a question," she blushed. "If you were in deed chosen as my future husband, what would happen? Would you wish to go back to your land, or would you stay here in Flamazon? Before anything formal, would I meet your family as you have met mine?" At this point Marina was a deep crimson and avoided looking at the silent Lord.

"I would stay with the woman I love." He replied, looking her in the eyes so she could see the truth in his words. "As to my family, I know they'd want to meet you."

Marina gazed up at him looking quite surprised. "Oh yes." She held out her hand to him. "I am going to tell you the truth," whispered Marina. "about why I took so long in deciding for a suitor. I figured I would stretch out the courting as much as possible until there was only one suitor left. In this case it was you." The Princess looked embarrased and slightly ashamed. "I thought that if he was willing to wait this long, longer than all the others as they began to lose interest, he was the one who obviously cared the most." She sighed and turned to look at his reaction. "I hope you think this was a cruel test to put you through! But it is you who I choose...you were the most loving of all and I know that you are sincere. Do you accept our engagement then?"

Kevin's heart surged, his eyes glistened, and his general contenence seemed to light up at her question. He took her hand in his and replied, "With all my heart, soul and being. I understand why you did what you did. You did it to ensure you would find the man who cared the most about you."

Marina had not expected this sort of reaction and lifted her eyes off the floor to look into his. Her lips formed into a little o and she looked quite surprised. "I...I didn't think you'd-" she stammered but slowly she smiled instead and threw her arms around him. "Yes! That is why I did it and now that you know and you understand, it makes me realize that it was you all along! Oh Father's going to be so happy when he hears this! Thank you so much Kevin!"

"No thank you, my love." Kevin replied, seemingly to float on air he was so happy that he was engaged to the woman he loved.

Marina was beaming with happiness and jumped up. "Well then, let's go! It's getting late and we have to get out of here. Once we get to the ocean, there ought to be someone there that will take us back to the palace." The Princess took hold of her fiance's arm and walked further into the caves.

*********************************************************

Quite a bit of time had passed and they both were a little tired of walking for so long. Finally, a small beam of light shined through as they got to the end of the caverns. "Finally the sweet light of day!" the young woman yelled out.

Kevin smiled at the sight of sunlight, "I wonder how your family will react when we announce our engagement." He commented

Marina laughed "They'll be happy for the both of us of course!"

She continued walking along the shore. "I don't know about Viktor though, the engagement and later on the marriage will cement my position as first in line for the throne. He might not like that at first, but he'll eventually come around. What I wonder though, is how YOUR family will react! They haven't even met me have they?" The princess stopped walking and turned to face Kevin. She smirked, "You DO know what this means though? Someday you'll also be Emperor of Flamazon, Marxinborough, and Altostratus which I am glad for! I'll need help managing such a large empire."

"No, they haven't, thought I know they'll like meeting you." He replied as Marina stopped to face him, "And I'll be glad to help you managing the empire, if it means being with you."

Crown Prince, Ëf Romanov Gaius Julius Caesar- first born son of Her Excelency Lord of the Crown Empress and Paramount Ruler C. Monique de la Garimal Romanov Gaius Julia Caesar, Queen of The Most Serene United Kingdom of Bordoria, and of the leader of the House of Romanov Prince Consort Caesar A. Romanov- too has reached the age of suffarage (17).

His interests are Fencing, music (he is a violinist, and plays for the Imperial Philharmonic Orchestra), polo, and paelontology. After his military service, he shall be attending university, where he shall seek his degree in paleontology. He currently serves with the 1st Battalion, the Grenadiers, Royal Marines and holds the rank of Vice Captain (equal to Lieutenant).

He is witty, of athletic build, good humoured, and expressed interest in this offer.

Please telegram the Foreign office.

OCC: Anyone wonder where I dropped off of the world to?

OOC: Yes actually...where did you disappear off to?

IC: "Mhmm. I hope they do. When should we go to your nation?" Marina asked. She could see a small boat in the distance and they both began towards it.

"When would you like to?" Kevin asked

Occ: You started paying way more attention to the other suitors! I sorta read the writing on the wall.

OOC: Sheeshes Andytank, I did that for a reason. I started paying "more attention" to the ones who were trying really hard to get Marina alone to try and get to know her. Did you notice that? :D In any case, would you like to come to the wedding? We'll throw a big party right Theao?

IC: They had finally reached the boat and saw that there was a man in there. He recognized the Princess and bowed. "Your Highness," he blushed a little at her and her companion's appearance since they were both still in their "swimming clothes".

"Good evening sir, you may rise." said Marina. "Could you take us back up the river where we left our horses to graze? If you would, I would very much appreciate it."

The man nodded and all three of them got in the small boat. Marina sat across from Kevin as the man rowed. "Hmm I don't really care about when, why don't you ask your parents and let them decide when they can receive me? I mean, I don't want to come as an unexpected surprise! You know, you could call them, when we get to the palace." She smiled. "Tell me all about them! I want to know what they're like before I meet them!"

Kevin blushed slightly himself when he realized the state of dress, or rather undress that he and Marina where in, as well as to the gossip that would quite likely arise from their appearence.

"I'll be sure to ask them when we return to the palace." Kevin commented, "Well my brother Uri is involved in Theao politics. He's a bit stuffy in my opinion. My father was a councillor, actually the same seat Uri holds presently, as well as serving as the Minister of Internal Intelligence for a term. My mother is a bit of an oddball," Here he smiled, "As she came from a neighbouring nation and holds some unusual, to Theao, values and traditions."

OOC: Blame me for not playing the game fast and loose hun?

OOC: What is THAT supposed to mean? :s

IC: "Hehe I'm sure she will be interesting to talk to. So what exactly did you do in your country? Were you involved in politics, ran your family's estate...?"

Marina turned around towards the man and asked, "Are we almost there sir? It's getting dark."

"Yes your Highness, not much left to go."

OOC: Wa--at??? I completely lost this Rp. I honestly could ot find it. Flamazon, can we plz throw James in here somewhere?

James had heard the news from an extatic maid. Kevin and Marina were to be married. His heart sank. To make matters worse, he had recieved a letter from New Ausha. Karvania had declared war with New Ausha's allies, and he was now pressed into espionage service in Karvania. He sighed, and proceede out the front door of the palace. I-I want to see her, one last time hes thought, fighting tears. James remmembered all the warm feelings he and Marina had shared. He missed her immensly. Well he said, into the army then? Or perhaps the Ministry of Intelligence? He grinned at this casual conversation with himself.

"I did some running of the familial estate, as well as motorcycle racing on a semi-professional level, and working at a local Dojo." Kevin replied

OOC: Moving kinda sl............ow......... can I just say that you are approaching the palace now? (Kevin and Marina.

James stood up quickly as he saw Marina approach. He saw her several yards away. As he opened his mouth to speak, he found he could not. She was firmly in Lord Kevins arms. James was disheartened. He looked away. He proceeded into the palace.

He approached his room. As soon as he enetered, his cell rang crazily. James slowly reached for it, and gingerly answered it. "Ja? Wie ist das?" James was met by a shaky voice.

"Ill give you 10 million to finish off the family, or 4 million for the girl." "Excuse me?" James almost shouted.

"You heared me boy. Neutraulize the princess, and I will pay you 4 million credits."

"Who are you representing?" James asked suspicously. "Heh, the voice was shaky. Bloodmoon...you have 3 hours to give us an answer.." the line clicked dead."

James entered New Ausha's Ministry of Intelligence, and proceededthrough all security processes. Bloodmoon.... BLoodmoon.....Aha! James had found a group named the Bloodmoon, began in 1968. It was started by immigrants from the Flamazon, feeling that the unjust emperor had mistreated his people. Thier numbers were estimated at anywhere from 500-4,000 members.

James could not belive this. His immediate thoughts were to call Gunter, but he stopped. ......4 million New Aushan Credits (a new Aushan credit at 4.5x the value of a US dollar) His paycheck was a mere 160,000 credits a year....this was a lifetime of pay...right in front of him. James struggled to displace the evil thoughts, but found he could not.

He slowly eyed the 9mm glock, at the edge of his bed. He began to sweat perfusely.

OOC: Hey Flamazon... maybe at least 1 post a day ok?

OOC: Hey New Ausha! Yes, we were wondering where you went. :D Sorry about the slow posting I took a surprise weekend trip to the ocean and we didn't have internet over there. :( I'll be posting more now though.

Ok, we'll pretend we got to our horses and rode back to the palace.

IC: "Well, wasn't that fun Kevin?" The Princess beamed. "It's getting so cold though and I want to change into respectable clothing before my father sees me in these rags! Meanwhile go ahead and call your family okay?" Marina slipped her hand out of his and ran up the staircase. "I'll be right back!"

"Alright." Kevin replied, as he headed to his room, both to change and call his parents.

After changing as well as informing his parents of what had gone on, Kevin headed down see if he could find Marina and give her the good news.

Marina had secretly gone to her bedchamber to get dressed. It was late, apparently they had spent the entire day together. She was just about finished when she heard a knock on her door. "Who is it?" asked Marina.

"It's me Marinushka, open up." replied a young man.

The Princess groaned and opened the door. Her younger brother Viktor was leaning against the wall. "Where have you been sister? We were looking for you to eat dinner with us." He added in a more serious tone, "And where are those suitors of yours? I haven't seen Lord Kevin or James around today."

"I was out. I went to the beach. I'm going to have to have a family reunion tomorrow morning by the way. I have an announcement." Marina smirked and finished doing her hair. She then turned around and faced her brother again. "I'm sorry, I have to go see Lord Kevin right now. If you'll excuse me?"

"Certainly Princess." Viktor moved out of the way and bowed mockingly.

Marina decended down the long staircase and smiled at the sight of Kevin waiting for her.

Kevin smiled up at Marina. When she reached the bottom stair, "I've just finished telling my parents the good news, and mentioned about coming over for a visit. They said they'd be both overjoyed to meet, and I quote, the woman who's stolen my son's heart." He said

Marina's face was drained of color and her hands turned into ice. "That's umm..." she giggled and blushed profusely. "Oh that's great! Although I wonder what you told them to have them say such a thing!" Marina put her arm around Kevin's and began walking towards the dining hall. "So when should we leave? And I'm announcing it to my family tomorrow morning by the way..."

OOC: ok lol, that makes since, anyway, back to the RP.

James stood up and shook his ragged blond hair. He was tired. Bloodmoon....assasination....it seems these words almost demonically repeated themselves in his mind.

James went out of his room, and walked down the hall. He was meeted at the top of the staircase but his long time friend, Gunter.

Guten tag mein freunde! Gunter beamed as they embraced. "Good to see you, where have you been?" Oh, I have been uh-, "Drinking?" James interupted with a smirk. Ginters face turned bright red and he changed the subject.

As they approached the library, Gunter suggested they take a walk. James nodded in agreement.

As they walked through the darkness, exchanging laughs, they were approached by a tall man, with a thick german accent. "Guten tag, gentlemen. If you would be so kind as to follow me?" He motioned towards a tinted black car parked about 30 yards away.

"Wie?" James asked curiously. "You have been summoned to New Ausha, we have a Kravanian assigment for you. James looked at the man's wrist. A crimson moon was tatooed on his wrist. James motioned for his weapon. The man was quicker. He delivered James a swift blow to the face, dispatching him to the cold ground. Gunter was able to kick him directly in the ribs stunning him, but was met with submachine gun fire from the car.

James struggled up, and drew his M9. He fired at the tall man, right in the stomach. He fell to the ground. 3 men, armed with MP5 machine guns fired rapidly. James and gunter ran for the palace.

James felt a sharp sting in his leg, as he fell to the ground. "Ahhh, jesus!" He looke down, his pant leg was covered in blood. Gunter fired 5 times, taking out one of the gunmen. The others, seeing Palace guars running towards them, ran for thier vehicle.

Gunter helped James to his feet, and to the infirmary.

James was very pale, as he was administered another dose of morphine. "Ahhhhhh." James was worried as the doctors examined his leg. "Well....the lead surgeon began, its not bad, but well have to surgically remove the bullet. James winced.

In surgery prep, James brought a guard to him. "Can, I see Marina?" The guard nodded, and proceeded down the hallway, to fetch Marina.

OOC Naturally after atleast 45 posts i'd assume shes been married but could you verify this please?

Princess Marina and Lord Kevin had been tranquilly eating dinner and discussing plans when all of a sudden gunshots were heard outside. The young woman dropped her fork and gasped. "What on earth was that?!" she yelled.

Minutes later a servant came running into the dining hall. "Your Highness, there has been a violent attempt on Master James' life. He was wounded and has requested to see you immediately."

"Where is he right now? Is he all right?!" her eyes went wide with worry and she bolted out of her seat. "Kevin...will you come with me?" she asked and they both ran to the palace infirmary.

Marina threw the doors open and halted at the sight of a bloody James. "Oh dear God! James, what happened to you?!" the princess rushed to his bedside and wept softly. "How do you feel?"

OOC Naturally after atleast 45 posts i'd assume shes been married but could you verify this please?

Nope not yet, but she is now betrothed. :D

OOC Dam, too late. Ah well.

Dear Imperial Princess Marina,

I thoroughly apologise for missing both your birthday and being unable to introduce myself when the call for suitors was announced, as I was caught up out of my country and word has only reached my ears now. I have heard that you are to be bethrothed to a Prince, so I shall not imply on your marriage but would wish to meet you in person to build connections with our Nations.

Yours sincerely,

His Grace Dimitri Maltan
Royal Family of Nevadski

OOC: So James doesnt have a snowballs chance in hell, basically? :(

OOC: Well in the rp, both Theao and I were waiting for you remember. And since you didn't show up anymore we moved on. He was the only one left and his character really nice. I waited for you and you didn't come! I have already semi-announced the engagement and to undo it all right now wouldn't be fair for him. I'm sorry. But you can still rp here since it would make things more interesting. Go ahead and do whatever you want (except kill her of course) kidnap, try to woo, become their friend, etc. Sorry! but meanwhile go ahead and post, she's worried about James.

Kevin quickly followed Marina to the infirmary. Seeing the state James was in he asked, "What happened?" Before moving to confort Marina.

James got out of his bed. "I am fine." He clenched his teeth as he put weight on his leg. He stumbled out of the infirmary. "Auf wiedersein Marina." Kevin" he nodded at the prince.

As he entered his room. "Gunter." "Ja?" "I want you to leave for New Ausha. Ill be fine. See you in a few days." "James, are you alright? Gunter asked." James smiled. "I am." Gunter shrugged and left the room.

James eyed his M9. On his bed, 6 million marked New Aushan credits sat. James sat down. "God, am I really going to do this?" "Am I doing this out of jealousy?" "No....For the money.." He finally convinced himself. "She will die...."

James strapped on a bullet proof vest, and loaded his pistol. He dialed his cellphone. "Yes? I request an invitation to Lord Kevin and Princess Marina's wedding. I am not on the list? Let me assure, she prefers my attendance. My name? Klaus Hendross. He smiled.

He proceeded out of the room and walked down the hall. He left the palace, met a man wearing a black suit. "hallo." "Hallo." James was handed several packets of c4 explosives and a detanator. He smiled and shook the man's hand. He stuffed the explosives in his jacket and ran to his room. He hid the explosives. He dialed his phone. "Yes? at the wedding. Alright."

James did not seem to notice that Marina was genuinely worried about him. When he got up and left, the Princess was left standing and speechless. She turned around to embrace Kevin as she cried. "He hates me! There's nothing I can do to help him now though, I chose you...and I don't regret it but still..."

Night finally came with both Marina and Kevin curled up on a couch in front of a fireplace. She had cried for a long time and no one could make her feel better about the incident. The Emperor had spoken to the guards to find out who had shot James. He had locked himself in his room and no one saw him come out. Her entire family had attempted to console her but to no avail.

The next morning, Marina woke up and began to remember the past day's events. So much had happened. Despite the day's violent event, something wonderful had happened: she was now betrothed to Lord Kevin of Theao. Her nana helped her get into a lovely pink dress, all the while smiling since she sensed that something had happened between the youth.

"Why so happy this morning Marinushka? I don't recall hearing you sing like you are doing today. Could it be that my little girl has finally chosen a suitor?" she teased.

The young woman laughed heartily. "That I cannot say nana, but everyone will be getting a surprise this morning." she winked and continued to hum as she pinned up her hair and brushed it. *I wonder what James and Kevin are doing right now?* she thought and finished by spraying some perfume. "Well nana, it's time to go. Would you care to accompany me to the Great Room?

"Yes dear child, of course." responded the old woman and walked behind Marina down the grand staircase.

The butler, Petro was stationed at the bottom and greeted the Princess.

"Good morning your Highness." he said cheerfully.

"Good morning Petro, how are you this morning?"

"Excellent, your Highness and yourself?

Marina beamed. "Wonderful, thank you for asking." Marina leaned in a bit closer to the man and whispered, "Petro, could you please ask the entire family to assemble in the Great Room?" The man bowed and began to leave. "Oh and Petro please get Lord Kevin to come before they do."
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There was a knock on Lord Kevin's door. Petro was standing in front and knocked harder. "Master Kevin?"

Kevin had been in the process of tying his tie when he heard a knock on the door. He was wearing clothing that was closer to the formal that he'd been wearing when he came to the ball. Opening the door, he saw Petro, "Hello, I'm guessing that Marina asked you to get me?"

"I can knock off the whole godamn family now." James grinned. As the guards continued thier patrols, James was able to sneak past them, and place the explosives. He grinned. "The whole fucking place is going down." James walked, as if demonically possesed, into the Great Room. He froze as he saw Marina. He tried to go for his M9, but he noticed 3 guards in the room, and he was able to resist. "I was just.....I....I was going....to um...check out some books...from the library.."

OOC: Hey can we all agree on a time to like IM this thread? that way I think we can wrap up James's part in this story. Im sure Marina and Kevin still have things to do. there are only 3 of us so lets just do an hour or two IM session. Im pacific time, you guys?

OOC: Umm he's not really going to kill everyone is he? :o And I'm in Pacific time as well, Theao does that work for you? You guys try and set a time in the evening k?

Marina stared wide-eyed at James. "You're...still...here?" she asked. "If you're looking for a book I suggest you look in the library. How are you feeling?"

Petro nodded. "Yes m'lord. Her Highness has requested your presence in the Great Room." At Kevin's response, the butler went to alert the whole family.
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Marina's sister Natalya had just received news that her sister needed her downstairs. She frantically rushed to get ready and then quickly went to the room where her boyfriend was staying. "Alexander...come and hurry!"

OOC: Now that would spoil the plot wouldn't it? :rolleyes: And how bout... say... Friday 10 pm- whenever. Sound good? BTW I swear to god for like 3 weeks I could not find this thread in the forum. I should probably have saved the URL but lol I didn't think i'd have to.

"Expected me to leave already? I apologize. But
don't fret Marina, I know how important my departure is to you. This nusaince will be out of your hair soon enough... But... may I stay for your wedding with Lord Kevin? As unbearable as my presence is, I would much like to participate in the cerimony. Is that alright? James caught Marina's warm eyes. I will not be swayed. She is one of them. One of the tratiors. She has to die. James tried to keep the raw hatred out of his eyes as he smiled.


"Hurry the fuck up." "Shut up." The assasins set up the high powered Dragonov sniper rifle, a few hundred yards from the castle. "I got the girl in my scope now. I can't wait to waste all these fuckers." "Wait, the wedding is when we attack.

Marina was speechless...utterly speechless at James' rude and cruel comment. She knew he was probably jealous but that was no excuse to speak to her like that, after all, he was a commoner and she royalty. Yet somehow she felt guilty, like it was her fault that he felt this way. And besides, at one point she had begun to feel something...

*stop Marina, he disappeared and you're betrothed to Lord Kevin now. Besides, he's a good, no, amazing man who loves you. Stop thinking about James!* she took a deep breath and tried her best to give James a cold stare but only half-succeeded. "James," she said in a soft voice. No one was around and she walked up to him. She looked down to the floor nervously and apologetically. "I know you must be going through a lot but please... Marina took his hands in her own and smiled warmly but with a hint of worry. "for my sake? I wish for us to be friends so please don't refer to yourself as a nuisance." She looked down. "And as for the wedding, you are more than welcome to stay. In fact you may stay here in Flamazon as long as you desire...you're my special guest."

OOC: Yeah sure that works for me. But umm...you said Friday, shouldn't we do this everyday? :s

Kevin nodded and headed down to the Great Room. He noticed James and Marina were talking, and wondered what it was about as he headed over.

ooc: I'm in the Central timezone

OOC: Ok so theao your an hour ahead so... how does 10:30 every night sound? (Theao you'll have to start at 11:30, is that ok? And start IM-ing for say an hour. Let's all agree however, when to stop the Im-ing so that none of us lag, ok?

James was amazed at Marina's innocence. He paused, and looked into her eyes. Her hands were warm. He could no longer restrain himself. Marina I- he then saw Kevin walk into the room looking suspicous. He immedeitly dropped her hands. "Meet me in the library, 10:45," James whispered under Kevins hearing. He smiled and left.

In his room he fumbled about. Should I stay? Or go back to New Ausha? After muchthought, he decidied to schedule a surgery in the infirmary. He called in, set an appointment for tommorow at 4 pm. He sighed as he hung up the phone. He remmembered back, all those days he had a chance with Marina. James then recieved a phonecall. "James? It's Tatyana. Want to get a coffee or something?" "....Sure."