NationStates Jolt Archive

The library was empty today, save Mrs.Topper, a slightly overweight and middle aged woman with a broad smile and cool mind. She adjusted her glasses and adjusted her position in the aging chair behind the librarian's desk. She worked at Canton Middle School for the past ten years. Despite the stress of dealing with teenagers and all their problems, she remained calm when confronted with a complicated youth who had little respect for adults. A familiar face appeared in front of her. A 12 year old girl with medium length red hair with jeans and a long sleeve shirt stood before her. Her eyes were green and a grin on her face.
"Well hello Andrea" Mr.Topper smiled, leaning forward in her seat.
"Mornin' Mrs.Topper!" Andrea replied, her grin wider.
"What can I do for you?" she inquired. Andrea was a regular at the library. Whenever she had some spare time, even during recess she'd scurry off to the library and emerce herself in the books contained there. A curious girl who was new to the school and had few friends practically lived in the library.
"Nuthin', I'm just comin' in to see if you got any new books in"
"Sorry, sweetie" Mrs.Topper admited "We don't have anything in new, the school's budget is tight and too much money is going into the athletics department". People nowadays cared more about brute contact sports than the finer fascets of life. The school suffered from an incompetent school board which valued the way the school looked more than the quality of books, after school programs, and diverse courses. The Canton Centurions, despite their influx of money, continued to lose game after game, embarrassing losses at that.

Andrea frowned then walked off to the different sections. It was study hall and she squirmed out of the boring quiet of study hall to her haven, the library. She searched through the bookcases, for nothing in particular. She read anything and everything. But what she loved most were the fantasy books. Such as the Chronicles of Narnia, Harry Potter, and several others. She eagerly anticipated the release of the latest and last Harry Potter novel. She was excited to read it but saddened at the thought of it being the end of an exciting series. Up the aisles she went, her mind wandering around the different titlesd and their authors. She was looking now for a specific word, "serine". Her English teacher, Mr.Lowe, used it today and the word struck her as interesting. She moved to the dictonaries, picking up one and flipping through the pages. 'Unaffected by disturbance, calm and unruffled'. That was what she found. The word was transfixing and intriguing. It described something nice, something she wish she could have, serenity. satisfied, she put the dictonary back and went about her business.

The last bell of the day rang several hours later. Andrea bolted from her seat and into the hallway to her locker. She turned the lock and it snapped open. Inside was her backpack and coat hanging from the hooks. There was a neat pile of books and folders as well as miscelaneous pictures on the inside door. As she shuffled through her books and papers a sharp pain shot up her back, she shouted out in pain and turned around to see Jenny Parkins, she was in the same grade as Andrea and a prima donna.
"Watch where you stand" she snapped. Two of her friends flanked her, arms folded.
"Watch where you're walking!" Andrea shot back in anger. One of Jenny's friends shoved Andrea into the locker and they all laughed. They turned and walked away. Andrea was on the brink of either crying or charging Jenny and knocking her to the ground. She chose the latter. Usually she was shy and cautious but recent events were changing her attitudes and this was the straw that broke the camels back. She was picked on all the time for being a book worm and anti social at times. The tourmenting was sparatic and varied in severity. She rushed down after Jenny and threw her arms out and knocked right into her, wrapping her arms around the girl and flying to the ground, smashing against the tile floor. The two other girls backed up in fear and disbelief. A crowd gathered and egged the two on. Andrea straddled Jenny and pounded her fists against Jenny. Mr.Lowe emerged from his classroom and pushed his way past the crowd and pulled Andrea off Jenny who was still kicking and flailing her arms.

After a lengthy stay at the principals office, Andrea walked out and saw Jenny sitting in a chair outside the office with a ice pack on her cheek. Andrea smirked and continued on her way. Her mother was called which ended in a hang up from an angry mother. As she emerged from the school and waited at the sidewalk, a ford explorer rounded the corner and halted infront of the young girl. Andrea stepped back and the passenger door flung open and her mother, Laura Shaw stared her down and moved back to the driver's seat. Reluctantly, Andrea entered the car and shut the door. They sat in silence for what seemed like an eternity while Laura drove on.
"Andrea" her mother began "Why do you do these things?" the end of her sentence was like a sting.
"Mom, I-" she was cut off
"How many time are you going to keep getting in trouble? This is the third time I've gotten a call from the principal this year!" Mom was angered.
"Jenny hit me first" Andrea's tone quieted.
"That doesn't matter" they made a sharp turn, Andrea shifted in her seat. Rain drops pattered against the windshield and became heavier. Her mom turned on the wippers. "Look, I don't need this aggrevation, Andrea. You know what we're going through. You need to keep your temper in check. The year's almost over, I'd like to see you make it to the 7th grade." Mom continued to barrage her with guilt and reason's why she needs to grow up. After a fifteen minute drive, they returned home. Her mom shot out of the car and into the garage, gathered something and went inside the house. Andrea lingered for a moment then finally walked in. Her father's car was abscent...again.

It was a little after six when the door opened and shut quickly. Andrea shot down the stairs to see who it was, leaving a book entitled, Don Quixote on her bed. It was a novel of higher degree than a girl her age should be able to read, but Andrea always recieved high marks in school. Boiling with anticipation she reached the bottom of the stairs to see it was her older brother, Tommy. Tommy was a tall boy of 15 with black hair and long sideburns. He too was a quick witted but would regularily ditch from class and cause chaos around town. He was part of the Socialist crowd and in his backpack was a copy of [I]The Communist Manifesto[I]. With great frequency, he and his other comrades would challenge the red necks in their school and argue endlessly about the troubles of the world and how Bush was the cause of the nation's woes. Today he nearly ended the debate in a fight with a particularily husky boy named "Tucker". He dropped his bag and took off his beanie and caught Andrea at the stairs.
"What's up loser?" he inquired smartly.
"Nothing, retard" she giggled. The two of them were as close as any brother and sister were. There was a three year age difference but she still regarded him as a big brother figure, one she trusted and looked up to. They would hang out from time to time but over the past few months theybegan to drift away. Tommy began to explore more and was a growing teenager.

At dinner the three of them sat in silence. Tommy slouched in his chair and scrapped at his pork chop, cutting off gobs of meat here and there. Andrea ate like a carnivour. Her mother sat silent, her eyes down at her food, deep in thought. Andrea looked up and noticed her mother looked older than usual, much has occurred over the past few months. Her parents were enbattled in a brutal divorce which raged for months, taking its' toll on the family. Tommy avoided his father all together and Andrea spent more and more time away from home, often with her good friend Chelsea Brooks, another literary enthusiast. Her parents rarely discussed with them about the divorce, except fro Tommy who was old enough to understand in their minds. Andrea watched on, fully aware of what was happening. Tommy took it worse than Andrea. When they first found out about the divorce, their father took Tommy out for ice cream and it was then that he told him the full story. After his father told him he reached over to comfort his son who's eyes began to water up, Tommy shrunk away and inched himself as far away in the car seat as possible. He saw his father was a coward, leaving his family because he couldn't handle being a father. In Tommy's mind, he had no father, just some man who shared the same last name and a few physical features. The two Shaw children would lay awake at night to the sounds of their parents arguing and screaming at the top of their lungs. She would shrink into her sheets and pull the pillow over her ears and dampen it with her tears.

After finally finishing her meal, Andrea pushed the chair out and jumped to her feet and carried the dishes to the kitchen and into the sink. She washed her own dishes and dried her hands and went back upstairs to her small cramped room and picked up her book again. After ten minutes she heard a murmur downstairs, it was Tommy and her mom. They were having an arguement. She couldn't hear all of it, only picking up a few words. A moment later, the doo opened and slammed shut. Andrea ran to her door and closed it, a tear appearing on her face.

This was not the first time Tommy and his mother argued. There was always something that set the two of them against each other. Tommy would disappear for hours on end and eventually come back home. Recently, he began to take driving lessons at the high school and this worried his mother that someday her son would just grab the keyes and drive off. Andrea reopened the pages and found her place again. Books opened up whole new possibilities. A new and exciting world where your imagination could become a reality. She always marveled at the ability to conjure up a story in your mind and write it down, to invision it and make it real. It was getting late and it was a friday night so there was no school tomorrow, no tormentors, no Jenny Parkins. The young girl read for an hour more, captured by the novel. Finally, her eye lids became heavy, too heavy for her to keep up and slumped over in her bed ontop of the book. In her dreams she imagined herself in a better place, her own realm which she dreamt and created in her mind. Endless possibilities and happiness. Her own little place to retreat to when times were rough and they certainly were. A smile appeared on her face as she shifted in bed and dreamed on.

All of a sudden she was rocketed out of her sleep bvy the sound of a car door slamming shut. Andrea was dizzy and looked over to the cloc, trying to adjust her eyes. It was 1am. Their family had two cars, one for her mom and one for her dad. It was obvious that her father returned. Paul Shaw was an electrical draftsman at a local company for the past fifteen years. She silently crept out her room, careful not to make a sound. She rounded to the top of the stair and hid behind the bannister, looking downstairs where the soft glow of the living room and hallway to the front door eminated. It was indeed her father. Hurried whispers and clanking around. Soon, their voices rose to an audible noise.
"What are you doing here?!" Mom demanded. She met him at the door, storimng her way to him, ready to shove him out.
"I need to pick up some things, Laura" he snapped back.
"You can pick them up tomorrow, I'll have them in a box outside" Mom quipped. "Some of her things are there as well!"
"Stop it!" Dad said "Don't talk about her like that"
"Who? That whore you've been screwing!" Mom yelled finally, losing her cool demenor. What ahppened next struck Andrea to the core, shattering her fragile opinions. With one swift move, Paul's hand came across Laura's face, she reeled back slightly...unable to comprehend that her husband struck her. She exploded into a furious rage as the two of them scream and shouted. Her mother's face was beat red from the impact. Andrea gripped the banister in horror and fear. A stream of water flowed down her cheeks as she darted to the top of the stairs. Her parents looked up, caught off guard and halted in their tracks. Andrea looked down at them and they looked up at her.
"Andrea?" Her father managed to utter. Andrea shook her head and shot down the stairs, pushing past them as her father tried to stop her. Laura cupped her mouth in dispair while Andrea bolted out the door and down the driveway.

She passed into the woods. The massive sprawl of oak and pine trees covered countless acres of land. She knew the woods like the back of her hand. Often venturing into them with her friends, her brother, and by herself. She knew every path that existed. Her legs pumped harder and harder as she dashed through brush, a thorn bush caught her leg, tearing at the jeans and sinking into her skin, she didn't care. That pain paled in comparisson to what she was feeling right now. Running for what seemed like countless miles. The moon offered some lighting which aided her in her journey. Unluckily, the outlines of clouds appeared and threatened the light. Finally, a cloud overcame the moon but she kept running. Something happened. The forest floor felt different, foreign. Like she never stepped over it before. Her fet struggled to keep her on balance as she ran. After a long time her body became physically exhausted, on the brink of passing out. Somehow, she found herself lost. Impossible! But it happened none the less. She fell to her knees and punded her fist to the forest floor, cursing the heavens and her tears dropping ot eh ground. Andrea finally gave in the exhaustion.

In the darkness of her dreams, she found herself running towards an elaborate golden gate, it's warm soft glow appealed to her. She ran to it but the gate retreated. She ran more and more but the gate appeared farther and farther. The girl let out a scream of frustration, something was happening.

She shot up from the forest floor, covered in dirt and leaves. It was early morning and dawn's light began to shine through the leaves. She shivered and wrapped herself in her arms and her green eyes darted around. Where am I? This whole place looked foreign and different. Andrea stood up and walked around, perplexed. After wandering around for a bit she pushed through a large tangle of brush, her leg still sore from the thorns. After struggling through the brush she emerged into a small clearing. In the middle was a grand oak tree, massivley tall and ancient. It was perfect for a treehouse or something. The sun hit it just right as the morning dew sparkled off its' leaves. She neared the base of the tree and outstretched an arm and ran her hand over the rough bark. Her hands begn to feel different, warm. The tree beckoned her closer. She moved around the tree and stumbled over a root which grew out of the ground. She got back up and saw before her something impossible...a door. It was small and rounded off at the top, simple enough but blue in color and a plain golden door knob. She could barely understnd what she saw. How is this possible? Curious, she approached the door and grasped the knob and turned it slightly, she felt the door open and swung it open cautiously. It was darkness on the other side. Perhaps it just needed lighting. Andrea felt compelled to enter the opening. One foot stepped in then the other. As soon as she entered the door shut and she felt herself plummeting at a high rate of speed, gusts of wind rushing past her.

Andrea tried to scream but nothing came out. Only pure terror of the thought of dying. She closed her eyes and hoped for something soft to cushion her. All of a sudden her body impacted something, slowing her down but continued to fall. Only if she coyld see. Suddenly, it was clear as day, only light blue and clouds around her. Her body passed through the clouds. She saw land beneath her and it grew closer. Her face was beatred from crying. It was impossible what was happening, she was still in the tree, wasn't she? All of a sudden something seized her, It wrapped around her waist and stabalized her descent. At her current position she couldn't see what was holding her. The falling ceased and it seemed like she was flying now. Below her was beautiful. Rivers glistened off the sun which shone bright. Mountains were off to the distance as she came closer to the ground. Finally, whatever held her klet her go and she fell two feet to the ground. Andrea rolled over to her back and saw what appeared to be a bird descend next to her, a huge bird. She jumped to her feet and hid behind a tree. It was not just a bird, it was a griffin. It's mighty wings contracted. She shrunk away from it but the creature turned to her. It was larger than her with the body of a lion.
"Do not run!" The griffin pleaded. It talked! How could that be? Where was she? Stunned, Andrea struggled to say something.
"W-Who are you?" her voice quivered.
"My name? I don't have a name I suppose. What is your...name?" the griffin inquired. It's voice was soft and nonthreatening. It was accented with English.,
"A-Andrea" she mustered. A million questions raced through her mind.

Andrea felt dizzy, unable to comprehend what occurred. One moment she was in the forest, next moment she's falling in the air and saved by a griffin. A griffin...peculir that it would appear. Just as death seemed certain she prayed for something to save her...a griffin to be exact because the previous day she brushed up on it and red about them, guardians of treasure. The creature movd forward, it's claws digging into the ground.
"What are you?" the griffin asked, curious.
"What am I?" Andrea laughed a little "I'm a girl"
"A girl?" The griffin was confused.
"Yes, a human girl!" She raised her voice slightly but then caught herself. "Where am I?" The griffin began to chuckle.
"Why my dear, you're in Serenia!" he exclaimed quite proudly. Serenia?! It was impossible, was she still dreaming? Serenia was the name of her own little world she'd dream about at nights. She finally named it last night after looking up the word serene and found if fitting to label her little world. She had to still be dreaming, there was no way this was happening.
"Seeing how you don't have a name, I'll give you one" Andrea said, still struggling with what was happening.
"That sounds delightful" The griffin replied eagerly. She thought long and hard but drew a blank. She though of naming him something clever and witty, appropriate for such a creature. Andrea drew a blank and settled on "Grif, I'll name you Grif"
"Grif?" The griffin thought aloud "I like the sound of that, Andrea" Grif said.

The trees swayed in a light breeze, almost dancing to the tune of nature. It was indeed, serene. Birds chirped and the animals of the forest went about their lives. There was a dirt road that led out of the woods.
"Where does that lead?" Andrea inquired. Grif thought for a moment, trying to gather his memory.
"That trade road will take you to the Great Crossroads" he replied. THey began to move down the road, Grif's powerful legs moved fluidly, Andrea struggled to keep up. "Need some help?" Grig stopped in the road and knelt down. Andrea climbed over his right wing and onto his back.
"Thanks!" she eagerly said, gratefull. "What are the Great Crossroads?"
"It leads to three great regions of the realm. Right now we are in Serenia. I forget the names of the regions these great roads lead to. They are major trade routes and beautiful if I may say so."
"You remember all that and not where they lead?" she giggled "You are forgetful". They continued on their way, for some time they went down the road, no one else in sight.
"Why don't you fly? We'll get there quicker" Andrea finally said after a long pause.
"I am tired, flying after you used up alot of my energy. Besides, why would you want to leave Serenia?" Grif asked as they moved up a hill.
"Okay, but I just wanna see what's out there"
"Why?"
"Just curious, that's all. This world is so huge, I just feel like exploring a bit. Everything here seems so remarkable, so real"

The two continued to travel down the trade road for several hours. Andrea's stomach began to grumble quite loudly. She placed a hand over her stomach and slumped over.
"Andrea, are you alright?" Grif asked in a conern tone.
"I'm just hungry. Do you have anything to eat?" she asked.
"No, but there is a village about two leagues from here." Grif replied, quickening his stride to a near gallope. Andrea struggled to stay on as wind rushed past her face.

it was around noon when the two knights rode into town there horses moving at a walk the knights were in no hurry to get where they were going... if they knew where they were going.
"thou art in error sir raniel" one of them began "we shouldst turn north at the crossroads"
"nay Sir Coriantor" Sir Raniel responded "we must surely continue east ere we reach the crossroads"
"perchance one of these village folk might be able to guide us in our quest" Sir coriantor sugested
"truly"
the knights dismounted and began questioning the vilagers as to wich road to take

It was about midday when a very large convoy was traveling down one the trade roads the convoy boar the Imperial Symbol of Ecclessia which meant
its was carrying a member of the Imperial Family.

Sir Shall we go over the New treaty that we presenting Said Imperial adivisor Alaire

No we have been over it hundred times Said Prince Iven

well sir we have hours before we arrive i just think we should be prepared sir that all Said Imperial Adivisor Alaire

Look,Alaire you worry alot i been preparing for two weeks said Prince Iven

Im just saying this is major responsible for some one of your age Said Imperial Adivisor Alaire

Alaire for somebody who's name means cheerful you sure dont act like it, enough about this topic enjoy the scenic said Prince Iven

yes sir said Imperial Adivisor Alarie

Prince Iven thought to his self Alarie is right but i want to show my father i can handle Diplomacy with out trouble.this was a hard task for a 14 year old boy who in reality was 500 years old but he just now got into Government.he thought that he should be playing with his friends right now.then something just struck him.They have been travel for three days when it only takes two days to reach the Capital of Serenia.

Halt Driver where losted said Prince Iven

Yes sir said the driver

hand me the map said Prince Iven

well sir to tell you the truth i lost at the waterhole said The Driver

what do u mean u losted it said Prince Iven

I lost it sir said the driver

well look there village right there have the Imperial Guard follows us into the village said Prince Iven

the Convoy moved into the village the prince could see two knights standing around talk to the people.The Prince thought to himself those people know where there goin.

Make way for the Imperial Prince of Ecclessia said A Imperial Guard Soldier

The Convoy halted and the Prince step out

His Highness The Imperial Prince of Ecclessia Prince Iven Said A Imperial Guard Soldier

you two Knights do you happened to where we are we seemed to be lost Said Prince Iven

Sasha studied the newcomers with intrest. Two knights and some kind of roalty from another land. They could get in the way when the time came... Sasha watched them for a few seconds more, then vanished into the shadows. She must report to her master...

Alehkra sat comftorbly in a tree overlooking the road. He watched the prince in amusement, he loved to scare these princey types. He dropped down to the road, "Ello Princey, are'nt you spossed to have a master cartographer with ya princey"? He grinned through his mouthfull of sharp teeth.

werewolf you can not speak to the Prince like that without his premission said Imperial Guard in a haze voice

the Prince thought of what to say beacause I dont want to prevoke a werewolf as seen when he was watching a band of Imperial Soldiers being annihilated.But I dont want to appear like a Little Gurl.well i guess i could provoke it a little bit see the prince had still been mad after the werewolves had decided to choose the evil side and align with the strangers


No its alright well well well if it is a werewolf what you doing in a place like this i thought werewolf's only lived in dark places to hide the ugly faces i thought you we aligned with the stranger if that is what you call him and to your question its possible he run when he saw your face Said Prince Iven in a Kind of brave voice

Alekra's grin dissapeared, "What was that Princey? You got a problem with Werewolves? Well how about being gaurded by one eh?" He grabbed the neares one of the gaurds, and bit his shoulder, getting his fangs as deep as possible, injecting the dirty human with his life changing venom. He dropped the screaming gaurd on the road. He wiped his mouth and spit, "Bah, I hate the taste of you humans".

you Bastard Screamed the Prince in raged you will dead for what you have done
Guard grab my sword said Prince Iven

The guard grab his sword and gave it to him

Here you go sir said Imperial guard Soldier

sir may i shall just you let us handle this what we are he for said Another Imperial Guard Soldier

No said Prince Iven

Alehkra began to grin again, and drew his long katana, "Wanna go Princey? I think I'll turn you too, you get to be what you hate". A gaurd rushed him and he cut the gaurds clean in half, "Anyone else?"

His Highness The Imperial Prince of Ecclessia Prince Iven Said A Imperial Guard Soldier

you two Knights do you happened to where we are we seemed to be lost Said Prince Iven

Sir Raniel was about to take slight at so abrupt a question but thought better of it when he saw who it was "Ah your imperial highness" the pair of knights bowed as best they could in there armor "it doth seem to me that we do share in the same predicament"
"truly it is as mine stalwart companion hath said" sir coriantor added, "perchance doth thou knoweth the location of this quaint village?"

The pair of knights raised there sheilds and drew there swords when the werewolf lept down from the tree it was indeed odd to see a werewolf in broad daylight "what fortune" Sir raniel said his tone conversational showing no hint of fear "doth thou supose this fell beast is feeling frolicsome?"
"perchance it is e'en so" Sir coriantor comented back his tone remarkably simmilar to his companion's "for our travels have been long. perchance this frolicsome beast shall provide us a moments entertainment."
"truly!?" Sir raniels grin had that slight insain cast of one who though he was indistructable
"truly!" Sir Coriantors grin matched and the pair strode purposefuly forwards

Alehkra then noticed the knights, "Oh, great, some armored freaks". He growled, and made a hand motion, and five of his clansmen dropped down, "You guys take care of the gaurds, and find some time for the knights. I'll have some fun with princey".

the Prince Begin to Get frustrated as seen another guard death realizing that his guard happens to be ill Equip to fight werewolves.he begin to think he dont want to fight something he know easily took down two Imperial Guards and he dont imagine his first battle to be with a werewolf.

The Prince begin to rush when a Imperial Guard Capitan Aleba rush out on his horse and grab the prince and set him down on the outskirts of the town.

what are you doing said Prince Iven

That werewolves would have ate you alive out there why would you try to fight him when you have limited swordfighting ability said Imperial Guard Capitan Aleba

I Could have took him said Prince Iven

No remember you fall back to your magic I have to go back to the fightsaid Imperial Guard Capitan Aleba

back at the fight 3 more Guard where cut down

rush now said imperial Guard

No let me take him Said Imperial Guard Capitan

he unshealth his sword and rush the werewolf both were locked in combat both inability to get a advantage over another

This humans better than most, thought Alehkra, he mentally sighed, time for an underhand trick. He ducked beneath a swing, and dropped his katana, took the gaurds sword arm and started biting it, this time injecting the painful part of the venom, but leaving the turning part. He pushed the gaurdsmen on the ground, jumped on him and began claw at him, trying to get through his armor.

the knights paused when several more werewolves lept from there hideing places "what fortune is this?" Sir Raniel inquired of his companion
"it doth seemeth to me that the fell beast and his companions are indeed feeling frolicsome!"
"Truly?"
"Truly! shall we then engage in some light entertainment?"
"indeed we shall" Sir raniel agreed as the knights clamped down there visors and rushed in to the frey

Alehkra's clansmen grinned at each other. Five werewolves against two humans? This would be easy. Then one of the werewolves grin slipped as a sword took him in the throaght, the clansmen suddenly found themselves fighting for thier lives.

There are more them said Imperial Guard Capitan Aleba as took a swing with his sword at one of the other werewolves

who are this guys said the Imperial Guard Capitan Aleba looking at the two knights

Sasha watched this all, amused. It wouldn't do to have the leader of the werewolves killed, but to a werewolve this was all a little...fun. They were tearing the Royal Guards apart, but now two knights went seemingly randomly to join the fray. Sasha decided that not only the werewolves would have fun today. She used a little magic and the grass underneth the first knight's feet grew thick and coiled itself around his ankles, tripping him up. Sasha stepped out and drew her katana sword. "I wish to engage thouh in combat!" she annonced, adressing the free knight and mocking the knight with his own stupid way of speech. The other knight struggled but the grass firmly held him to the ground, preventing him from moving at all.

Alehkra looked around and saw his clansmen being eaten alive, he growled in his throat, grabbed his katana, and made a final stab in the chest on the gaurd on the ground, he howled, and he and his remaining 2 clansmen ran off.
Not before turning back to the Prince however, "I'll turn you later, Princey". He grinned when he saw Sasha, "Looks like you'll be having fun with someone else. Leave the prince to me!" He shouted at Sasha.

OOC: You guys are going to give Andrea a fright with all this. Also, I'm posting Don Quixote's arrival, but do not attack him, because he is not at the village, he is crossing the border.

The sun shined brightly over the plains and forests of Serenia as Don Quixote and his squire, Sancho Panza, your not so traditional team of chivalry ventured into this unknown land.

As they went through Serenia, Don Quixote looked at Sancho, who was talking to him. He seemed a bit concerned in his voice, Don Quixote found this out as he listened.

"Sir, these lands are uncharted. Do you think we should continue?"

Don Quixote pondered the question in his mind for a bit, and then responded calmly:

"Sancho, we will continue, for I am sure that Amadis de Gaul ventured into uncharted lands and that he did not leave them, but continued onward."

Sancho nodded and did not reply to Don Quixote's statement and they continued onward into Serenia, not knowing what would await them further on the trail, if anything for that matter.

Sasha vanished away, leaving the knight to slice his bound commrade free.

The Prince senses the Magic and he Knew it was dark magic he rushed to the scene and saws the Knights feet wrap in the grass

he chant it Paer Sai Val said Prince Iven which meant death to Plant in Elven

The Grass begin to dead

the knights engaged the werewolves sir raniel taking one out with a well aimed thrust yanking his sword free and quickly ducking and blocking an attack from another as sir coriantor deftly blocked another. "it seemith me that they art over matched" sir coriantor dogged a strike "perchance we shalt let them withdraw?" he blocked a blow with his sheild and made an underhand swing with his sword
"it twould be the hounorable thing to do" sir raniel agreed stabing at one "Withdraw or continure to face our blades the choice is yours!" he swung wide aiming for ones neck.

the Prince shot a Fireball at one of the werewolves obtaining a direct hit

you better finish off the of that werewolf said Prince Iven to the Knights

while on the other side the Imperial guard rush to the side of the Prince after the clan leader left

Prince Iven are you alright said The Capitan of the Imperial Guard

yes said Prince Iven

"Are we really leaving"? Shouted one of the clansmen. "Fine. If you want, go back.". Alehkra growled. The werewp;f looked back, and shook his head. Alehkra grinned, b"But don't worry, the Clans won't forget this".

The Stranger stood before a bowl filled with blood. He occasinally dips a small dagger into the blood swearling it and muttering inchantments. At the door of the room Sasha appears and opens it. "My Master," she says, bowing, "I have just come from a village near the Crossroads and-" "I know of you and Alehkra's little adventure today." said The Stranger coldly. "Do not be so foolish in the future. You will attract to us unwanted attention. I sense the presence of Another...I do not know where, but near your location at the time. Send spies. Post one to follow this so-called prince, and another to tail these kinghts. A third to stay in the village to watch for anything unusual. In the meantime, go and tell Alehkra from me not to do this sort of thing again...or he shall fear my wrath." Sasha bowed and vanished again. The Stranger continued to stirr the blood. Eventually an image appeared. "Ah yes." said The Stranger. "I thought it might be like that..."

Sasha appears in front of Alehkra. "The Stranger sends his regards. We shouldn't do that again, lest we attract unwanted attention." Sasha looked around at the other clansmen. "How many did you lose this time, Alehkra?" she asked softly. "I do believe you are losing your touch..."

well this is truly a Predicament can i ask u question do you know where the Capital of Serenia is said Prince Iven to the Knights

OOC: This is my last post for today.
"What!" Roared Alehkra, "He thinks to threaten me! Has he forgotten that without me the Clans won't follow him? I'm the only thing that keeps the Werewolves from standing against him!" After raging about a little he calmed down, "Fine, I'll wait, for now. But the Clans will have blood". "So you think we are losing our touch? Three out of five werewolves died, from their own stupidity! We were'nt prepared for those damn knights, we're used to humans that can barely swing a sword. But next time we will be ready, yes we will".

(ooc: i seem to have fell behind while typing lol)

as the werewolve withdrew sir raniel suddenly found himself face first on the ground the grass binding his legs as the dark clad woman challanged Sir coriantor but before he had a chance to respond she vanished.
"foul sorcery!" he cursed as he went to help his friend hising his knife to cut at the grass that had bound him

"your imperial highnes we wouldst gladly persue the fell beast but we hath given them honerable withdrawle. we wouldst not taint our honor by pursuing the attack" sir coriantor help sir raniel to he feet
"mine companion doth speek truly your highness" sir raniel said when he had regained his feet, that and its realy hard to run someone down while wearing full plate armour.
the knights shook the gore of there swords then whiped them clean on the fur of one of the fallen werewolves "we shouldst remove this carion ere it grows to ripe in the afternoon sun"
"Truly"
"Truly"
The knights bent to the tast of removing the corpses from the street

Sasha watched him stalk away. "You think we cannot hold against a bunch of unruly werewolf clans? True, without your leadership, their would be much bloodshed...your own. The clans would war against each other and soon there would be hardly any werewolves left at all..." Sasha sighed to herself. I prefer vampires, I really do. She thought to herself. At least their elagent about biting...

I understand but i must also reward you in some way such as a plot of land in Ecclessia or Money dont you think Alaire Said Prince Iven

Yes Sir Said Alaire

as soon as they pick a reward send a message to my father about the battle said Prince Iven
'

Yes Sir Said Alaire

also i must ask you two if you dont have any sidequest of your own to join my imperial guard i can you a couple of great swordsman said Prince iven

"no reward is nessicary your highness" sir raniel intoned
"twould be unseemly to accept reward in fullfilling our duty" sir coriantor agreed
"Truly"
"Truly"


(ooc: i'm done here for now... need to give the little girl a chance to do her thing)

alright than i Accept your Answer sir raniel said Prince Iven


occ:Im Done 2 for now

A carriage followed by twelve knights passed through the village a good while after the battle had taken place. Within the carriage were two important people. One was a young boy, Prince Roy of Caemlea, who would one day suceed his father as King. The other was his personal bodygaurd, Captain Zan of the 4th Knight Division, who the young Prince had known since he was young.

Roy inquired of Zan, "What do you think happened?"

Zan was easily able to see the streets and answered, "This street seems to be littered with blood. It would seem that a great battle took place here."

Roy asked him, "Shall we assist the villagers in any way?"

Zan wished he could appease his Princes desires to do good out of his heart, but his duties as his bodygaurd were set first. He answered, "I do not think it is best we do so my lord. We cannot allow your presence to be made public at this time."

Roy confirmed, "I understand... If we cannot then I shall not attempt to do otherwise."

All of a sudden, the carriage stopped as the rider halted the carriage. Roy asked his coachman, "Caris, what lies before us?"

Caris answered, "I see something that may yet interest you my lord."

Zan reminded Roy, "Do not forget to remove your garbs. Do not let others know of your status."

The Prince removed his royal garbs and was left only with a white shirt and the black pants that were below him. He went atop his carriage to see where Caris was pointing too.

Caris handed Roy a telescope and asked him, "Do you see that a young girl walks with a griffon as if it were her pet?"

Roy looked into the woods and was able to see a young girl appear. He answered, "I do... What of it?"

Caris answered, "I believe my lord, she may be of some interest to what has happened here. If you go to her and distract her, we may be able to capture her and question her."

Roy was concerned about what he might do. He tried to respond, "But I don't..."

Caris assured his Prince, "Do not fear my lord. Your men will be listening in on you. If the girl is not a threat, we shall not lay a finger on her."

Roy persisted by stating, "But Caris... I still..."

Caris assured his Prince again saying, "Your fear of ladies is all for the better. She will not suspect you of being someone of importance..."

Roy stepped off of his carriage, explained the plan to Zan and his men and they prepared to meet with the young girl.

Roy walked for about ten minutes until he finally met up with the girl and the griffon. The moment he saw her, his fear had kicked in once again. His shyness and lack of social abilities made it hard for him to meet with new people. What was worse was that he had long feared being put down by a woman no matter how much younger she was. Roy brought out all of his courage and asked the girl, "I-I beg your pardon M...My lady... Is the griffon... How is it that it... Follows you?" Forgetting his manners, he turned down and continued, "M... My name is Roy... May I ask of yours?"

OOC: Hope that was a good intro.

Grif wheeled around and his wings expanded, weary of this stranger. Andrea grabbed onto his fur to kep from falling. This person was the first human she'd seen all day. He was sheepish and quite intimidated by Grif.
"He's my friend" Andrea replied, "His name is Grif". Instincts began to take over as Grif backed up a step, sensing something was ary.
"Roy? My name is Andrea" she replied with a smile. "Where do you come from?"

Meanwhile, the thunder of fifty horses thundered through the valley along a trade road. They appeared to be light cavalry. One carried the banner of Serenia, a large oak tree with a blue background. It flew in the wind as the horsemen galloped onward towards the village. At the front of the column was a tall handsome figure. He handled the horse with expertise and guided it down the road. The village lay ahead and his left arm shot up and a rider behind him sounded on a ram's horn. Suddenly, ten horsemen parted from the main column and advanced up a hill overlooking the village off to the left. They were advancing at a fast pace. The ten horsemen disappeared over the hill, scouting for enemies. The rest moved into the center of town, spears at the ready with bowmen, drawing back their bows. There was a cluster of people, some dead, some alive.
"By order of the High Queen of Serenia, lay down your arms!" the leader of the column bellowed. "I am the commander of the Light Horse, Atticus Reynor". The cavalrymen circled around them,their looks were determined. They were all seasoned cavalrymen, trained for years and experienced.

It was a relief to see that the girl had no intent of being formally treated. Roy answered her question, "I came from... A place far from here... I must warn you though, there..." Roy only hoped that he wouldn't frighten the girl by telling her what he was about to say. "...There has been a battle a distance from here..."

In the bushes, Caris and Zan were listening in on Roy and Andrea's conversation. They both talked in a low tone to avoid being noticed. Zan commented, "It would seem the girl does not know of what has happened."

Caris casually questioned, "That it would seem Captain. But do look at her... Does she not appear as the image of Sonwe as forseen by Putair?"

Looking at Andrea, Zan only stared in disbelief at what he saw, "My word... Was the man actually right?"

Caris answered , "It could possibly be so. She has the red hair and the young appearance..."

Zan commented, "We should continue to observe her. If she is indeed the human form of Sonwe that has been promised to us, we must ensure that she survives under our watch..." ...

Alehkra was busy rousing the more inactive clans of werewolves. He espeacially was having problems with the Merchant Clan. He growled, looking at their pathetic excuse for a leader. "You need to rouse the warriors in your clansmen"! Alehkra roared, the leader wrung his hands. "Will it obstruct our trade"? He asked. "Trade! What use have the Clans of trade!? We take what we need, it is warriors we need right now"! Alehkra leaned in real close, "Are you refusing me". His voice was low, and all who had met him knew that meant he was close to snapping. The Werewolf shuddered, "Okay, when do we lope"? "The Stranger does'nt want us to attac yet, but be ready, we found some humans who don't squeal like rabbits at the sight of us".

The Stranger stared further into the bowl. The images were cast into sharp focus. The girl, a griffin, a young boy, knights in armor, blood on the ground, Werewolves... Such was the way one could observe the going-ons in Serenia. The Stranger watched with interest. He knew the colors of the so-called Queen of Serenia knight's, but the girl and boy he had never seen before, nor the colors of the other knights he saw. The Stranger waved hiss hand and the blood vanished, leaving only the bowl. The Stranger put the dagger somewhere in his robes, then turned and left the room. he had buissiness to attend to, armys to assemble, worlds to conquer...

OOC: Time for Don Quixote to get moving. Also, though Don Quixote renounces knighthood in the book's end, I am using the Don Quixote from parts where he is still a knight, at least to himself.

As Don Quixote, the knight of La Mancha, and his squire Sancho Panza continued on their journey, they came upon a town and decided to venture through it. Don Quixote's arrival shocked the people, not because it was Don Quixote, but because to them, he seemed to be a knight with his squire.

Sancho Panza went to the markets to purchase supplies, and was surprised to see Spanish money acceptable in the markets. He bought what they needed and then went to see Don Quixote, who was in an inn, just like the early days of his journeys, an inn is where he was "knighted". They stayed at the inn for a bit, conversing with the innkeeper and others before they left.

As they left the town, Don Quixote contemplated this new land, which he was told was named "Serenia", the possibility of new adventures and as before, his lady love, Dulcinea. And so, they went, onward from the town and onto a trail.

Sir we have report from are scouts the road is clear Said Imperial Guard Soldier

Alright we must continue on from here send a messenger to my father of the dead said Prince Iven

yes sir said Imperial Guard Soldier

The Convoy move out of the Village and down one of the traderoads

Alehkra was doing the thing he hated most, asking for something humbly. He was talking to the leader of the Clan of the Moon. The Moon clan was the only one that no other Clan ever assaulted. If he threatened this Leader, even his own Clan would hunt him down. So he had to ask. "Great Preist, I have need of the Moon Brothers, we must fight, in order to secure us among the victors." The Great Preist looked at him, "Why, my child, do you wish to do this"? "For our future". Answered Alehkra. The Preist sighed, "Yes, I give you command of the Moonbrothers".

"By order of the High Queen of Serenia, lay down your arms!" the leader of the column bellowed. "I am the commander of the Light Horse, Atticus Reynor". The cavalrymen circled around them,their looks were determined. They were all seasoned cavalrymen, trained for years and experienced.

"ah commander Reynor" Sir raniel turned to face the commander "tis good of you to join us this fine day"
"indeed it is commander" Sir Coriantor added "but thy caution this not required as we have delt with this moments diversion" he kicked one of the remaining werewolf corpses.
"mine companion doth speak truly. though the beasts where most frolicsome there where no match for our steel" sir raniel grinned tis a pitty thou was not able to participate"

This time Alehkra was doing something he enjoyed, spying on the knights with several moon brothers. They were hiding up in a tree thick with leaves. He grinned, this way The Stranger could'nt get mad, if the knight happened to see them, and charge, he of course would have to deffend himself. Absently he began breaking some twigs and sat up a little higher.

Reynor dismounted easily and removed his helmet. His face was unshaven and black hair a bit long. His blue eyes diverted to the dead werewolf, it's mangled corpse sprawled on the ground in a pool of it's own blood.
"What are werewolves doing in Serenia? And in the daylight?" Reynor asked aloud. His band of light horse were for mobile patrols of Serenia's borders. They were back on their way to the border with The Western Lands, due to raiders coming across the border from time to time.
"Sir, this is most odd. Something is afoot" his second in command, a man named Tybalt.
"Truly, we must keep our guard up, send a rider back to Fortress Hylland and warn The Guardian of this occurance" Reynor ordered. Tybalt turned to a rider and gave him the verbal instructions and he galloped off.
"Now, tell me...why did these beasts attack? And do any of you have an idea as to why they are here?" Reynor asked. The other riders dismounted to rest from a long two day ride.

Andrea observed the nervous man before her. Sh wanted to giggle a bit but decided it would cause him to be more unnerved, the word of a battle excited her, some adventure at last.
"A battle?" she asked curiously "What kind of battle?" Grif continued to scan the horizon for anything around. Something didn't seem right.

OOC: Don Quixote gets moving again.

After Don Quixote his squire, Sancho Panza had left the town, they went through a trail in the forest until they came upon some plains. Sancho Panza got off his mule (donkey?), Dapple and went to investigate, while Don Quixote stayed on his horse, looking around.

Sancho decided to make camp, and Don Quixote held no quarrel with him. Instead, he hitched Rozinante alongside Dapple on a nearby tree, and then began to contemplate things, such as Dulcinea, his lady love.

After a while, Don Quixote and Sancho Panza were found by shepherds and after some inquiry, the shepherds decided to talk further to this unknown knight. Don Quixote had once been with shepherds before, so history tells us.

They talked together, Don Quixote explaining where they had come from and the shepherds explaining to Don Quixote about the area. In the course of things, they did not quarrel but rather had a good time together.

Later in the day, the shepherds led Don Quixote and Sancho Panza past the plains and onto yet another trail. Don Quixote bid them farewell and went with his squire, onto the trail.

Alehkra growled, these unobservant humans disgusted him, the Werewolves had been in Serinia for generations, many being able to hide among the population, and sneaking away during a full moon. Those Werewolves disgusted him even more than humans. How could they live among those pathetic excuse for living creatures? The true Werewolves chose to live in caves rather than with humans.

Meanwhile back the Imperial Palace the Rider Prince Iven sent finally arrived

Your Majesty,The Prince has sent me with Urgent News Said The Imperial Guard Soldier

Yes Go Ahead Said King Timothy

There was Battle in small village the prince was attack by werewolfs Sir the Prince is alright Said Imperial Guard Soldier

My God,Listen to me Go to The High Elf Province of Asuryan and Tell The Phoenix Guard by direct order of The Emperor led them to the my son and tell them to protect him with Their Life Said King Timothy

Yes Sir said Imperial Guard Soldier

Meanwhile, a cloaked figure watched from the forest woods, his keen eyes were like that of the hawk, his senses like a fox. He was skilled in the arts of shadows and deception. A man such as him could hide where no one else could, remain unseen and undetected. Almost a ghost, as he moved from tree branch to tree branch, his yellow eyes focusing on the girl, the griffon, and the other man. His green cloak drapped over his body, blending him in with the lush foliage. Followers of The Stranger hired him to shadow this girl, watch her move and report back. A smile curled on his lips, she was indeed the girl they spoke of.

OOC: Question, is Andrea in the same place that my character is spying on?

OOC: Andrea's a few miles from the village.

OCC:That what i thought too and Mereshka who are the mortal enemies of the your werewolf clan

OOC: Enemy clan you mean? Or do you mean enemies from another race?

OCC:Like another race

OOC: Well, the only ones that the Werewolves hate more than humans, are vampires, (of course), and Elves.

OCC:Yea that what i thought cuz my person he is half elf

OOC: Really? Heh, I did'nt know that. Alehkra was actually just having fun, but that would also help with his dislike for 'Princey'.

OCC:yea i thought it would

OOC: Why the curiosity? Planning on making an alliance with the Elves eh? ;)

OCC:Well Maybe with Elves outside the Empire But then again
it never hurt for a few werewolves to come over to good side or
at less be hired as Mercs

5 knights wearing Serenia colors sat on their horses, traveling slowly along the rough path with forest on both sides. In the middle of these knights rode a blonde haired man, who was cradeling a small, black object. Suddenly a women appeared before them on the path. She wore blood colored robes, which she disgarded for her underware-battle armor. The little convoy stopped, watching her warely. She lifted her hands and out of the overcast sky came a bolt of lighting which fried the nearest knight, fusing him together, melting his armor. Two knights wheeled around and charged her while the other two guarded the man with the object. Sasha lifted her hands again and the first man's neck snapped, causing him to fall off his horse and his horse trampled his dead body before running away in terror. The second knight was very close now, and swung his sword at Sasha's head. The sword became a twig, which snapped on contact with Sasha's head. Sasha threw a shuriken, which melted though the man's armor and stabbed though his neck, killing him instantly. His body fell onto the muddy ground, staining it a bloody red. Sasha pointed her hands at each knight guarding the man in turn and the first burst into flames, the second's head exploded in a shower of gore. They both fell, dead. The blonde man waved his hands and plants began to grow around Sasha's ankles, gripping them. Sasha waved a hand, not even looking down, and the plants withered and died. Sasha waved her hand again and the blonde haired man suddenly had an arrow sticking out of his chest. He gurgled and scrabbled at the arrow, but fell to his knees. His blue-green eyes stared into Sasha's orange one's, not pleading or furious, but simply accepting his death. Then Sasha drew her sword and cut his head from his body. His decapitated body fell onto it's side, blood leaking onto the ground. It began to rain. Sasha picked up the black object and held it up. "At last." she breathed. "We have one of the last dragon eggs in existance. With this our Dragon Rider force will be complete." With that she picked up her robes, waved her hand to clean them, and vanished. Rain contiuned to fall on the bodies of the men on that lonely road. Their bodies would not be discovered for some time. But the dissaperance of the Queen's last envoy of the dragon's eggs would be noticed. Over twenty dragon trainers with escorts had been sent to the Queen's castle from various parts of the world in hope of training them to become new dragons for new Riders. Of all these, only one had ever made it to the Queen's castle. With one egg at the Queen's castle, and the other now there, two new Riders would hopefully be found. But now The Stranger has over thirty dragon eggs, and many willing people who are well trained in magic and fighting and ready to do The Strangers bidding to become Riders.
OOC: A little bit on Sasha's and The Strangers use of magic: Magic is summoned from one's mind, for that is the only place it exists. It is not naturally in nature, and is only as strong as the users will and mind. Still, years of training is neccissary to come anywhere close to the capabilities of Sasha and the time needed to come to The Stranger's level of magic is unknown, as there is no known magic user as powerful as The Stranger.
BTW, what are Serenia's color's?

At Prince's Location in the forest watching silencely as the princes and other talk is the Phoenix Guard is one the bestest and most powerfully units in the Empire.The Elven Phoenix Guard Position them self so the can have Clear shot on any attacker who trys to attack Prince Iven.Although they were there to protect the prince they dont want to alert him of there presence beacause only a select few people knew about the phoenix guard and they want its to stay that way beacause they operated silently and deadly and the messenger who went to the province of asuryan would have to vow to never tell or be imprisoned

Kept your on your Bow and Be Prepared to Fire on my signal Said The Phoenix Guard Captain Aenarion

The whole Guard said Or mos Which meant yes sir in elven

OOC: Oh SNAP a lot of posts. I need to catch up and get my merc band going.

Post coming soon.

OCC: Its cool some people have came in late

"Now, tell me...why did these beasts attack? And do any of you have an idea as to why they are here?" Reynor asked. The other riders dismounted to rest from a long two day ride.

"commander they are but fell beasts" Sir Raniel stated "we did not think to question them for is it not our sworn duty to protect?"
"mine companion doth speak truly Commander" Sir coriantor remarked agreeing with Sir raniel "A Prince had been here his guards had engaged the beasts and we gave aid. though it doth seemith me that the leader of the pack goaded them into combat."
"tis true." sir raniel had removed his helmet and gauntlets and now carried them tucked under one arm "doth thou perchance think they were in league with the stranger?"

In the Misty Mountains...

Gorkil, came up from his hideout.

" Ahh, after 3 months of hiding in the cave, finally some fresh air..."

" DROTHLORD!!! "

He screamed at the top of his lungs.

An dark shadow appeared behind his back...

" Yes Goblin King? "

" Come Drothlord, lets go a little hunting. "

Drothlord, a firey breathing, old and powerful Dragon carried the little Goblin king on his back. Drohtlord has been around for over ten thousand years, and is the most feared creature in all of the Northern lands.

"There some Elves, they make easy prey..."

"Hang on tight."
said Drohtlord

He scooped down on the diving down and disposed whatever flames he had in his mouth. Turing the Elves into rosted Elves.

They landed, Gorkil stepped down and placed the dead elves on Drothlords back, and brought them back... to the misty mountains.

OCC:Kansiov is the Goblin King In league with the Stranger or is he independent and does is on thing freely

OCC: Independent, but he is open to any allies, who wants to do some land grabbing.

OOC: Ok, setting up a bit here, though if you want to come by that's fine (and advances the plot). I know someone asked to be a goblin or something in the OOC, so that could come in a bit.
Brief overview: my guys are for-hire, somewhat moral-less mercs (a decent-sized band of 'em, enough to hold out against prying authorities) who work for pretty much anybody. They quarrel with the native goblin clans that live around. They have fairly small numbers (in comparison to something like a kingdom or faction), but use technology that's somewhat more advanced (crossbows, ballistas, and using wildlife as weapons as the primary examples).
For a short brief on my dudes besides that: They're pretty much based on a cross between Mordor and Minas Tirith from the Lord of the Rings. I even use some of the similar creatures (I mention Fell Beasts in this post).

IC:

The Mountain Goblins, living to the west of the land scooped out by the Crimson Suns mercenary band, had always been a nuiscance. They were not entirely "goblins"-though the majority was. They had mutually enlisted the aid of the local Mountain Giants and the Half-Trolls when the Suns had set up shop and erected the fortress that served as their home base, and frequently made runs and attacks on the connected holdings of the Suns. It was a pain for the mercs, but the goblins lacked the kind of ingenuity and technology of the mercenaries.

As the first wave of the recent attack poured down the mountain slope towards the foreward keep, one of the dwarves of the combined dwarf-men legion wheeled a small-scale ballista-one of the innovations of the mercs-up a slight slope in ground. The goblins were coming on fast, and already their primitive archers were beginning to set up position to begin raining down fire. The basic infantry beserkers were merely annoying, but the archers were truly dangerous. They utilized longbows in comparison to the more advanced Crimson Suns, wielding self-developed crossbows that had essentially been scaled up into the dozen ballistas that served as complementary artillery.

The archers opened fire as the stocky dwarf cut the lines for the first ballista bolt. The bolt slammed forth from its mountings, cutting into the wave attack that was steeming down the slope. The arrows fell short-the archers were too far away. Apparently they had seen that, and the goblins were moving forward.

"Half-Trolls down the right," called a human off the battlements of the keep.

It was simply a foreward observation post-about a half-mile away was the outer walls to the main fortress, hewn into the slope of a mountain that extended all the way up to the summit. However, it was critical in the defense against these beasts.

The Half-Trolls began rolling across from the right, wielding long spears with dastardly-looking barbs. They were tough, and somewhat intelligent-unlike their only half-sentient genetic cousins, the Cave Trolls, full-blooded versions that were more than twice the height of a man or elf. The Suns had a few on hand-the Trolls themselves were dumb enough to be coerced, little more than big animals.

Several human crossbow archers had begun taking positions on the keep wall as one of the Cave Trolls loped out of the keep's main gate, a nasty-looking spiked club the size of a small tree in its hand. It went straight for the goblin ranks, still coming down despite getting thinned by two ballista bolts. The artillery piece was moving back as another bolt cut free, blasting the goblin archers off a perch and scattering a small rockslide. The Cave Troll bellowed at the goblins, hefting the massive club like a toy and swinging it with force.

The goblins flew backwards as the club made impact with a resounding clap, bones shattering. The troll bellowed again, swinging a reverse as another group was intercepted by the beast's weapon. The troll was angry, and as the Half-Trolls swept by, a Mountain Giant took perch on a mountain crop, picking up a boulder. This upset the cave troll greatly, who began clamboring up the slope to get to the giant.

The troll was as good as gone, and the men and dwarves below defending knew it-the mountain giants were far too great an enemy for a single attack troll to take out. One of the band's fell beasts-flying dragons with serpentine heads and necks, but lacking any fire-breathing potential-was on the way to clear out the giant through aerial attack, but the troll would be long dead by then. Time to get another-the costs of the stupid creatures.

Backup was showing up for the defenders, already with one human and two dwarves dead, and another three dwarves wounded by the murderous archer fire. The goblins had closed enough-they were squarely in crossbow range, and the high-powered bolts were raking their ranks from the professional soldiers. Backup was small in number but heavy in force-a War Elephant, attack rhino, the fell beast, and two dozen of the band coming in to support. Rhinos, rather than horses, were standard cavalry for the Crimson Suns, preferring power over litheness.

The giant had finally closed with the raging troll, and let the smaller creature overreach before grabbing him. The troll shrieked as it clawed against the giant's dry body, but it was pointless. The giant threw the troll to the ground, and as the troll scrambled to right itself, smashed a boulder into the troll's skull. The bone shattered and the massive rock punctured into the brain cavity of the creature-the troll's life extinguished in a fraction of a second.

The fell beast was on faster than the giant could react, raking with its claws on its first pass, a human riding the flying beast. The giant roared, throwing a smaller rock into the air, but missing the large reptile completely. The fell beast shrieked as it came in on another pass, disorienting the giant. With a clamp, the fell beast dug its jaws into the neck of the giant, blood fountaining out in an instant. The giant growled, clawing, but losing balance as the fell beast, propelled by massive wing muscles, yanked the giant off its feet and onto the slippery slope.

The giant tumbled down as blood geisured out of the fissure, shouting in gurgles. As it reached the bottom of the hill and writhed in pain, the fell beast landed beside it, and landed the killing blow-tearing out the giant's carotid artery with a swift swipe of its sharp jaws. The biggest threat this fight was out.

The Half-Trolls were causing some chaos, as they had closed to the keep. Like the goblins, the Half-Trolls were very adept at climbing-and one had managed to get to the keep's wall. The dwarves guarding stood little chance against the oversized creature, as it cursed at the runty sentiens and knocked two from the wall. The men and dwarves began moving back from the slower creature as crossbowmen atop the elephant tried to pick off the Half-Trolls. The fell beast came down on three, blowing them aside and raking out with its talons.

The rhinoceros, fresh from finishing off the goblins, came smashing through the Half-Troll ranks. Multiple of the Half-Trolls either were skewered or trampled, and the others jumped out of the way of the man riding the beast. The rhino turned as it made its way through, stamping the ground and huffing. Crossbowmen were finishing off the Half-Troll on the roof, and now began picking off those still on the ground. They had finally realized the battle was gone, but it was too late now for the half-dozen left standing as the fell beast came in on them, swooping low and throwing two against a rock wall with a sickening crunch.

The other four were finished off quick by the re-emergence of the ballista. It was another hard day's fight-eight dead-but all in a day's work.

OCC: Nice, all copied from the BFMEII Goblin race, but anyway me too! ;)

OCC: Nice, all copied from the BFMEII Goblin race, but anyway me too! ;)

OOC: Yeah, pretty much (I'm throwing in some Ancient Persia-I'll introduce Camels later, and I have Rhinos. More or less, these guys are the Haradrim/Easterlings)
I wouldn't be against teaming with your guys, though, if Glorkil's interested. There's always more to kill.

yea The Saharawi People in my empire are based off of the harad and other Arabic Kingdoms back in the Middle Ages

Kansiov and Amazonian Beasts, The Supreme Church Minster is one the evil leader people in the Ecclessia Empire although the Emperor doesnt know it yet he looking to hire mercinarys and other creatures willing to fight for him here a little bit of his background

He a close adviser to the Emperor he jointly governs the Official Church of Ecclessia with the Emperor and Currently hated the Emperor for allowing the people to worship freely.He wish to dethrone the Emperor and make everybody
convert religons to the Official church of Ecclessia.He is Paying 1 million crowns to the leader of the mercs and other creatures army and willing to give them a province in the empire for them to govern.

OOC: Ok, setting up a bit here, though if you want to come by that's fine (and advances the plot). I know someone asked to be a goblin or something in the OOC, so that could come in a bit.
Brief overview: my guys are for-hire, somewhat moral-less mercs (a decent-sized band of 'em, enough to hold out against prying authorities) who work for pretty much anybody. They quarrel with the native goblin clans that live around. They have fairly small numbers (in comparison to something like a kingdom or faction), but use technology that's somewhat more advanced (crossbows, ballistas, and using wildlife as weapons as the primary examples).
For a short brief on my dudes besides that: They're pretty much based on a cross between Mordor and Minas Tirith from the Lord of the Rings. I even use some of the similar creatures (I mention Fell Beasts in this post).

IC:

The Mountain Goblins, living to the west of the land scooped out by the Crimson Suns mercenary band, had always been a nuiscance. They were not entirely "goblins"-though the majority was. They had mutually enlisted the aid of the local Mountain Giants and the Half-Trolls when the Suns had set up shop and erected the fortress that served as their home base, and frequently made runs and attacks on the connected holdings of the Suns. It was a pain for the mercs, but the goblins lacked the kind of ingenuity and technology of the mercenaries.

As the first wave of the recent attack poured down the mountain slope towards the foreward keep, one of the dwarves of the combined dwarf-men legion wheeled a small-scale ballista-one of the innovations of the mercs-up a slight slope in ground. The goblins were coming on fast, and already their primitive archers were beginning to set up position to begin raining down fire. The basic infantry beserkers were merely annoying, but the archers were truly dangerous. They utilized longbows in comparison to the more advanced Crimson Suns, wielding self-developed crossbows that had essentially been scaled up into the dozen ballistas that served as complementary artillery.

The archers opened fire as the stocky dwarf cut the lines for the first ballista bolt. The bolt slammed forth from its mountings, cutting into the wave attack that was steeming down the slope. The arrows fell short-the archers were too far away. Apparently they had seen that, and the goblins were moving forward.

"Half-Trolls down the right," called a human off the battlements of the keep.

It was simply a foreward observation post-about a half-mile away was the outer walls to the main fortress, hewn into the slope of a mountain that extended all the way up to the summit. However, it was critical in the defense against these beasts.

The Half-Trolls began rolling across from the right, wielding long spears with dastardly-looking barbs. They were tough, and somewhat intelligent-unlike their only half-sentient genetic cousins, the Cave Trolls, full-blooded versions that were more than twice the height of a man or elf. The Suns had a few on hand-the Trolls themselves were dumb enough to be coerced, little more than big animals.

Several human crossbow archers had begun taking positions on the keep wall as one of the Cave Trolls loped out of the keep's main gate, a nasty-looking spiked club the size of a small tree in its hand. It went straight for the goblin ranks, still coming down despite getting thinned by two ballista bolts. The artillery piece was moving back as another bolt cut free, blasting the goblin archers off a perch and scattering a small rockslide. The Cave Troll bellowed at the goblins, hefting the massive club like a toy and swinging it with force.

The goblins flew backwards as the club made impact with a resounding clap, bones shattering. The troll bellowed again, swinging a reverse as another group was intercepted by the beast's weapon. The troll was angry, and as the Half-Trolls swept by, a Mountain Giant took perch on a mountain crop, picking up a boulder. This upset the cave troll greatly, who began clamboring up the slope to get to the giant.

The troll was as good as gone, and the men and dwarves below defending knew it-the mountain giants were far too great an enemy for a single attack troll to take out. One of the band's fell beasts-flying dragons with serpentine heads and necks, but lacking any fire-breathing potential-was on the way to clear out the giant through aerial attack, but the troll would be long dead by then. Time to get another-the costs of the stupid creatures.

Backup was showing up for the defenders, already with one human and two dwarves dead, and another three dwarves wounded by the murderous archer fire. The goblins had closed enough-they were squarely in crossbow range, and the high-powered bolts were raking their ranks from the professional soldiers. Backup was small in number but heavy in force-a War Elephant, attack rhino, the fell beast, and two dozen of the band coming in to support. Rhinos, rather than horses, were standard cavalry for the Crimson Suns, preferring power over litheness.

The giant had finally closed with the raging troll, and let the smaller creature overreach before grabbing him. The troll shrieked as it clawed against the giant's dry body, but it was pointless. The giant threw the troll to the ground, and as the troll scrambled to right itself, smashed a boulder into the troll's skull. The bone shattered and the massive rock punctured into the brain cavity of the creature-the troll's life extinguished in a fraction of a second.

The fell beast was on faster than the giant could react, raking with its claws on its first pass, a human riding the flying beast. The giant roared, throwing a smaller rock into the air, but missing the large reptile completely. The fell beast shrieked as it came in on another pass, disorienting the giant. With a clamp, the fell beast dug its jaws into the neck of the giant, blood fountaining out in an instant. The giant growled, clawing, but losing balance as the fell beast, propelled by massive wing muscles, yanked the giant off its feet and onto the slippery slope.

The giant tumbled down as blood geisured out of the fissure, shouting in gurgles. As it reached the bottom of the hill and writhed in pain, the fell beast landed beside it, and landed the killing blow-tearing out the giant's carotid artery with a swift swipe of its sharp jaws. The biggest threat this fight was out.

The Half-Trolls were causing some chaos, as they had closed to the keep. Like the goblins, the Half-Trolls were very adept at climbing-and one had managed to get to the keep's wall. The dwarves guarding stood little chance against the oversized creature, as it cursed at the runty sentiens and knocked two from the wall. The men and dwarves began moving back from the slower creature as crossbowmen atop the elephant tried to pick off the Half-Trolls. The fell beast came down on three, blowing them aside and raking out with its talons.

The rhinoceros, fresh from finishing off the goblins, came smashing through the Half-Troll ranks. Multiple of the Half-Trolls either were skewered or trampled, and the others jumped out of the way of the man riding the beast. The rhino turned as it made its way through, stamping the ground and huffing. Crossbowmen were finishing off the Half-Troll on the roof, and now began picking off those still on the ground. They had finally realized the battle was gone, but it was too late now for the half-dozen left standing as the fell beast came in on them, swooping low and throwing two against a rock wall with a sickening crunch.

The other four were finished off quick by the re-emergence of the ballista. It was another hard day's fight-eight dead-but all in a day's work.
Sasha watched, invisible, from a nearby hill. She smiled. Impressive. After the battle she walked down to where the mercs were assembled. "May I speak to the leader of this group? I have a buissiness proposal to make of him." she asked. The mercs looked at her. Sasha is extremly attractive, but some inner instinct told the men that to go to bed with this women would invite certain death.

In The Misty Mountains Three Men Approach the Goblin Kings Cave with care,One a Man was about in his forty and with a very clean face,The Other two looked in their thirty with dirty looking faces,after seeing the dragon the men asked

Our you The Goblin King if you are we need to enlist your help with something it pay very well said The unnamed man

The fell beast landed now as Sasha made her proposal, its feet digging into the hard ground that bordered the rocky slope. A man got off, his black helmet that encompassed all but two fiery yellow eyes burning from a head beneath.

"Lord Turin Chambers is unavaliable at the current time; he has business in exterminating another clan of these beasts on the South side-we are in the process of rooting out their cellar. Until he returns in several hours from the task, I am in command," said the dismounted rider, extending his hand. "Ossil Kinrath-Lord Chambers's second in command."

The rest of the defenders were clearing back into the keep, others taking watch on the walls. Lord Chambers was occupied, indeed-the Southside Goblins, a less-aggressive but still troublesome band, were being wiped out entirely by Chambers. He had led the majority of the band into their caverns-and surely wouldk emerge victorious over these scum.

Another band of strange men appear this with one men in the lead and ten men behind him,They men wore Paladin armor they halt and the lead men came closer to the fell beasts and sasha.he said

Im Thomas Im The Patriarchal Leader of The House of Jula in The Ecclessian Church,Im Here to hire Mercenaries Said Thomas

Kinrath was almost shocked-two parties already right in the open-this mysterious woman, and these other men. After a downright miserable battle-casulties were too high for a defense like that.

"Well...it would depend on what your proposition was," Kinrath said, glancing back and forth between Sasha and Thomas.

Kinrath was playing hard to get, but that was always the case with the Crimson Suns. The contracts they got-never once unsuccessful-paid for the high status of the band amongst the lands of Serenia.

Sasha took Ossil's hand, shaking it firmly. "My proposal involves a certain Prince." she said, "You see-" Just then she was intterupted by a man wearing Paladin armor, who said he was here to hire the Mercs. Sasha cast a cool glance over at him. "I was here first. Get in line."

'Patriarchal Leader' sounded less than inspiring to Kinrath, compared to the woman, who seemed capable, at the least-and who had a gameplan all ready.

"A Prince..." mused Kinrath. "We're used to working for-or against-high figures at times. Pray tell more about your offer. Certainly it must be more entertaining than slaughtering these beasts."

"Well, there's this Prince traveling here in Serenia. He will make trouble for my master and I'd like you to attack and kill him, or at least scare them so badly that they will leave. I can offer you anything you want. Gold, weapons, women, land, buildings...name it, and it shall be yours. I am magical, you see, and can get any and all of these things quite easily. Any or all of that, simply of an attack on a Prince, to kill him. His name is Prince Ivan, he come's from a faraway land, he's somewhere near the crossroads of Serenia. Sound good?"

"Kill or scare him badly enough to leave Serenia...I like the proposal," Kinrath said. "Before we get into compensation for the strike, what sort of stipulations are you looking at, or is it no holds barred?"

Sasha smiled. "No holds barred."

Kinrath's eyes seemed to glint slightly from beneath the helmet, the yellow growing slightly more intense. His mind, one of the strongest tactical intellects of the band, was already churning with strategies.

"Then you can consider your deal accepted. You're magic, so in compensation here's what we'll require. Approximately enough gold to fill a storeroom five meters wide, nine meters long, and three meters high-that will be able to finance operations for an entire eighteen months, and allow into research for new materials. Shouldn't be too much of a problem, especially if you can get women for such an easy price as well."

Alehkra had long gotten bored of his spying, and was busy raiding the Vampires with a pack of Moonbrothers, The Stranger did't like them attacking Vampires, because apparently they served him as well. But Alehkra could'nt stop the clans frrom attacking the Vampires if he wanted too. And he did'nt really want too. He was laughing at the shrieks of the Vampire scum, languishing in their despair as the Moonbrothers sank their fangs into them.

He looked saw that he was taking the gurl's Proposal

Want A Minute we have a Similar Proposal,The Prince is Just a Nuisance But his is the Problem He commands Vast Armies,See if you can Help The Offical Church of Ecclessia Dethrone The Emperor we will supply you and your leaders 1 million Crowns and A Province in the Empire Said Thomas Jula

Reynor's ear shot up, a shockwave went through his heart. Those two words were forbidden to be uttered by anyone in the land. It only conjurs tales of fear and prophecies of doom.
"Never utter his name again!" Reynor gnashed, almost frenzied by the sound of the word. The other cavalrymen looked bewildered and looked ot one another. "Prophesies tell of an evil usurper, one who is not from this realm that will cover the lands in darkness and fear. Leading to the destruction of all those who inhabit the realm" he uttered to himself. It was only a fable, told by priests and mothers. The other part of the prophecy he did not remember fully.
"Sir, scouts report that a group of werewolves have entered the Whispering Woods" Tybalt interrupted.
"Dispatch fifteen men to follow them" Reynor ordered. He then turned to the knights who stood before him "I pray that you both shall accompany me to Ravera, so that the High Queen can thank you herself. Along the way I must report this occurance to The Guardian." he said.

Andrea turned to Grif.
"Where should we go now?" she inquired.
"Perhaps travel through Serenia. This kingdom has much to offer, especially to capital of-"
"Ravera" Andrea finished.
"How did you know?" Grif asked.
"Just a lucky guess" she giggled. Of course, she did name the capital herself.

The Prince continue to ride They were still lost on the traderoad when the came by A group of cavalryman,the Prince look and said

Halt,Their a Serenian Knights Said Prince Iven

Convoy Halt Said Imperial Guard

His Highness The Imperial Prince of Ecclessia Said Imperial Guard Soldier

The Prince Step out and spoke to the Knights

Excuse me sir I Need to Reach your Queen its very important if you can take me to your queen said Prince Iven

Reynor wheeled around to see the approaching caravan. There were mounted knights and other company. Tybalt clasped the handle of his sword which rest across his saddle. The other men looked on, things were getting interesting.
"Who art thou?" Tybalt demanded, his voice stern.
"Rest" Reynor whispered to Tybalt who backed down. "Ecclessia, you say my lord. My company is heading towards Ravera, we shall escort you to the city. The journey will be two days steady travel" he said aloud.

The Prince Looked at The Knights and said

Yes Ecclessia,Im The Prince and Greatly Appreciated you take me to see the queen,Alaire Do you have everything to gather for the Presentation said Prince Iven

yes Sir said Alaire

Good Everybody be on high alert for another attack by the werewolves or the stranger you never know said Prince Iven

Everybody look and acknowledge what the Prince said Yes sir

Andrea jumped off of Grif and her legs slammed into the dirt, sending a small amount of pain up her body, she forgot how big Grif was and how far down the fall was. The beast stood back up and snickered. She dusted herself off and staggered a bit.
"You're really big, Grif" she managed to say. He smiled sheepishly and they continued down the road towards a small village which lay nestled at the bottom of the hill in the distance. It was quaint and subtle. As they walked she stopped to tie her sneaker which was dirty and her feet were beginning to hurt.
"It's not that much further" Grif ventured as they made their way down the hill trail.

From the trees, their unseen follower looked on.

The day's light began to wane, giving way to the encroaching darkness. A light breeze began to sweep across the fields and the villagers, bewildered by the skirmish outside their homes began to make preperations for nightfall, bringing in livestock and tending to other matters. Reynor returned to his horse and with ease, mounted back onto the saddle and donned his helmet. The nose guard rubbing against his nose, it was dented and began to irritate him.
"Forward!" he called out and rose his arm to the air and motioned it forward and down. The ram's horn blew and the men returned into formation. A squad fell to the back of the caravan and scouts went ahead, the werrewolves were still in the area. "What news does your prince have for the High Queen?" he inquired.

Andrea squinted her eyes and saw in the short distance, a column of men atop horse. She smiled, adventure at last.
"Let's go to them" she said to Grif. He was a bit scared of approaching the soldiers, fearing their weapons. Serenia was a peaceful nation but the army was a formidable force. They two continued down the road and came ever closer to the column of men.

Their shadow watched and fell back, staying in the woods. He would not venture out into the open until dark. And the sight of soldiers gave him reason to be extra cautious.

The Prince Looked a Reynor and said

I have to present a New Treaty to the queen since are old Treaty has been anulled,The Treaty or Alliance will promote Defense cooperation and Destroy the
evergrowing strength of The Stranger and His Allies said Prince Iven

OOC: Just a note, The Stranger has not actually appeared yet. Only his cult followers are around, waiting for his arrival. There are however hordes and tribes of evil creatures which are being brought together by followers of The Stranger.

"A peace treaty?" Reynor asked as the column moved out of the village. The commander's gaze swept across the surrounding area, always keen to anything stirring. There were always peace treaties to be signed. Luckily, none of the kingdoms ever fought one another, there was peace for the most part. All the trouble came from the beast hordes and other evil creatures. For hundreds if not thousands of years these threats were kept in check and rarely ever anything more than a nusence. However, in recent time their numbers began to increase and attacks more frequent. He wondered exactly what was going on.
"My lord!" a scout shouted as he approached to front of the column.
"Speak soldier" Reynor asked in a calm tone. The cavalryman slowed his pace and wheeled beside Reynor.
"Up over the hill I saw with my eyes a griffon and a little girl ontop of it" the soldier said, voice hurried.
"A griffon? What are they doing in these parts? What of the girl?"
"Her dress is like none I ever saw in all my days. She can't be from Serenia or any of the kingdoms"
"Tybalt, take the column onward. I will take a small detail and confront the beast." Reynor ordered and Tybalt nodded.

OOC: You can meet up with Andrea.

OOC: Are they traveling now? Because if they are, perhaps Don Quixote could see them. If possible, he could find them where they are.

The Prince looked around and wonder what all the Fuss was about

You Imperial Guard Soldier In needed to see your horse said Prince Iven

yes sir said The Imperial Guard

He climbed on to the horse rode to were Lord Reynor was

Lord Reynor what is going on? Asked Prince Iven

OCC: we got a new player

OOC: Kuilkovia, when you said Werewolves in the Whispering Wood, did you mean Alehkra and his pack?

The horses beat against the ground, bits of grass and dirt shooting up from the air, torn from the ground itself. Reynor kept one hand on the hilt of his sword while the other guided the horse. Andrea looked off and saw the approaching men. They weren't slowing down and Grif became unsettled.
"Let's leave, Andrea!" Grif pleaded. But Andrea did not reply. The horsemen came closer, drawing nearer.
"Stay!" Reynor commanded in an authorative voice, bellowing. Andrea shot up, now scared. This man wasn't very nice and seemed set on taking them captive. The horsemen halted ten feet from Grif who's claws raised in the air, letting out a screech.
"What do you want?!" Andrea choked out.
"Pray thee, stranger. What brings you to these lands. Your dress is different and are in the company of a griffon" Reynor announced, the other horsemen gathered around.
"I don't know how I got here" she pleaded "He's my friend and you leave him alone!" Andrea demanded. Reynor sensed that they meant no harm.
"I apologize. Things are tense these days. I am Atticus Reynor, commander of the light horse, and you are?"
"My name is Andrea Shaw, and this if Grif" Andrea replied.
"What an odd name for a girl, where are you from?" reynor asked, removing his helmet.
"Pennsylvania" Andrea replied innocently. A look of curiousity and confusion appeared on Reynor's face. It was a land he never heard of before.

OOC: Kuilkovia, when you said Werewolves in the Whispering Wood, did you mean Alehkra and his pack?

OOC: I suppose. My spy is in the Woods right now, watching Andrea.

OOC: Okay, that works. Before I do anything, would you mind if the Werewolves dropped down and caused a bit of trouble? Oh, and what phase is the moon in at the moment?

OOC: I don't know what phase of the moon. But it is dusk and the sun is setting quickly. They can come and cause trouble, but not too much. I want to get the story moving.

The Prince watch in as The Gurl Started to calm down after Reynor begin to settled down


That is very beautiful griffin you got there They are Very Strange and Mysitcal beasts but you will come to love Them in time,Usually grow stronger bond between u too,you are Probably wandering how i Know so much The Sun Elves back Ecclessia used To ride them for fun and into battle before The Ecclessian Griffin went into A 1,000 year Slumber Said Prince Iven To Andrea

OCC:we can make it A Crescent or Half moon

OOC: They won't cause too much.
IC: Alehkra looked around at the humans on the ground. And a griffen. How interesting. He heard some growling and looked at the sky. The moon was beggining to rise, and the Moonbrothers were getting restless. Truth be told, so was he. The moon was almost fully risen, and even if it was only a crescent moon he longed for the taste of blood. He again looked down at the humans. It had been a long time since he tasted griffen blood. Perhaps he'd have a little fun with the girl as well. He motioned for the Moonbrothers to follow and he dropped on the ground, the pack right behind him. He tried his best to look friendly, which was'nt very good. He walked up to the girl on the griffen, "Ello, my names Alehkra, whats yours eh?"

OCC:we can make it A Crescent or Half moon

OOC: Sure, doesn't bother me.

IC:

The spy looked up and saw the last remainder of sun disappear beneath the horizon. Darkness consumed the lands at a fast rate. The stars began to appear and a crescent moon appeared weakly over in the sky. He was perplexed too, by the coming of this girl. His employer told him of a mysterious girl that would come upon the lands and that she is a great threat. A threat to what? To my employer who pays so well? The spy thought to himself. It was dark now and he could move more easily, his cloak turned black magically as did his tunic. He leaped from a tree and to the ground, hardly making a sound. The Whispering Woods were an unusual place. The trees talked to one another, whispers. Word spread fast through the woods which expanded great lengths of land. It would be a matter of time before others knew of her arrival.

Andrea listened to the story with interest. Reynor told the girl that they must leave now and head east, further into Serenia.

The arrival of the wolves alarmed Reynor who instinctively went into action.
"To arms!" he called out, unsheathing his sword. The other horsemen wheeled around to face the threat, their spears ready. Reynor charged, determined to end the werewolf and shatter his body with his weapons. Grif became protective of Andrea who clung to him tightly, fearful of what lay before them. The hooves of Reynor's horse pounded furiously against the ground, drawing close to the werewolf.

The Prince Looked at the Girl and finished his story,he thought that the girl was weird beacause of her clothes and place of orgin but thought she was cute at the same time.

No wait,She can Travel with us she would be better under The Protection of us just in case she runs in to werewolves said Prince Iven

Meanwhile The Phoenix Guard Continue to watch over The Prince In The Shadows not making any sounds only using hand signals to communicate
using the darkness to there advantage Till werewolves pop up The Phoenix guard jump out of The Shadows and Engaged The werewolves with there halberds

Eiras Screamed Aenarion in Elven which meant attacked

OOC: Sorry about not respsonding prior.
Update: Better change this.

Roy was about to answer Andrea's question about the battle in the village further from where they were, but the enterance of the Prince of Eclessia and the other knights were something of a surprise.

From the hiding place, Zan ordered his men to lay down their arms and he stepped out from the hiding place. Zan lifted his hands up to show he was not a threat and walked towards Atticus. He said, "Knights of Eclessia, we had no knowledge that you were headed this way. However we see that you have the same destination in mind as we do. We are on a diplomacy mission to Serenia to seek support from the Lady High Queen." He placed his hand on Roys shoulder and told him, "I think it now safe to show your true identity now that you are among friends my lord."

Roy nodded and doned his Princely Cloak. He turned towards Andrea and the others and said, "For...Forgive me for... Not saying so earlier..." Roy clenched his fists to keep from trembling. "I am... I am Prince Roy from the Kingdom of Caemlea."

Zan was pleased to see that Roy did not show as much fear in his face as he usually did. He turned to Andrea and asked, "Greetings Andrea, I am Zan of the 4th knight division of Caemlea. I must beg your pardon my lady, but you say you come from the land of "Pennsylvania" am I correct?"

He was about to hear an answer, but all of a sudden the werewolves attacked. "Men! Join the battle! Defend the Prince with your lives!" The other knights quickly joined in and did their best to take down the foul beasts. Casualties on both sides were taking place as the fighting continued. Zan waved his sword around to fend off the beasts but one soon pinned him down and struggled to bite him.

With fear instilled in his heart, Roy saw his bodygaurd struggling for his life. He sheathed his own sword and made a valiant effort to save Zan. He charged at the werewolf, but found the werewolf sensed him coming and swiped Roy away with a flick of his claw. Roy was sent flying and landed at the feet of Andrea and Grif...

Zan used this moment to his advantage and stabbed the Werewolf in the heart. The beast died on top of him and pinned him to the ground. His armor and the weight of the werewolf left him immobile as he watched in fear, hoping his Prince was still alive...

Alehkra growled at the charging calverymen. He hated horses. He stood his ground, and just before being impaled, he took the spear in both hands and wrenched the human from the saddle. After doing that he grabbed the horse and wripped its throat out. He turned to the man on the ground. "Now what was that for, he growled, "I just wanted to have a nice chat with this nice little girl here." He grinned, "But if you really are so eager to die, we'll help". He motioned the Moonbrothers, and they each took a gaurd and started clawing and chewing their way through their armor, each eventually managing to kill a gaurd. "Do you want us to do more"? He asked with a malicious grin.

The Prince Looked around and saw The Elf's Jumped out of the Trees he knew was elf's beacause he is half of one.The Prince Draw his Magical Staff and raced towards the werewolf's with The Imperial guard behind him

Attack Screamed The Prince

The sight of Elves filled the Werwolves with uncontrollable rage. Including Alehkra. "Utei, no'krana ich"! He said lapsing back into the Werewolf language, it transalted roughly into: "Attack, don't let any of the scum survive".

the Prince Slaped won of the Werewolves with his staff then cast a spell freezing the werewolf in a block of ice,He looked and saw one of the elven captain and said

who are u said Prince Iven

Im Aenarion Captain of The Phoenix Guard,your father sent me said Aenarion


welcome to the fight said Prince iven

The moonbrothers completely ignored their frozen companian. Many of them had even fully turned, without needing a full moon. They were killing any Elf they saw, and Alehkra jumped straight at the captain and Princey.

The Prince Saw The werewolf he fought come towards him he begin to back up Then he thought Im Ready


Captain Be Prepared This no average werewolf said Prince Iven

Yes I Know said Aenarion

ok Said Prince Iven

Aenarion held his Halberd ready to stab anything that come towards him

Alehkra took the haliberd right in the arm, but he was so pulled into a Blood Rage he did'nt even notice it. He pushed closer torwards the Elf Captiain, breaking the haliberd, and sending it farther into his arm. He was very close to turning, his claws were growing longer and sharper, and he was completely oblivous to pain. He did'nt even try clawing, he just started to attempt biting.

Aenarion step back and pull out two Long daggers and he begin to charge the werewolf dodge several of The hits he try to throw him,He was getting ready to stab but The werewolf hit him sent flying back several feet after he got back to his feet,The Prince pick the werewolf off his feet but was not ready for the kind of work because he has not finished magical training yet.The werewolf just drop
He was getting ready to bit the prince but Aenarion jumped on his back

Get out here kid said Aenarion

No Said Prince Iven

Yes Said Aenarion

he continue to help Aenarion

Alehkra was now getting very made. The annoying princey was right in front of him, and the Elf was on his back. He howled, and slashed Princey on the arm, allowing the tiny bit of poisin he could go into the arm. After that, he jumped on his back, slamming the Elf on to the ground. He turned around, and began to rip and tear at the Elf.

The Prince fell back a little and covered his arm and Then Aenarion used his daggers to redirect some of ther werewolves blows.Then two Imperial Guard Archer shot two arrows at the werewolves and one of the arrows hit him in arm.but he ignored the arrow then the Prince said

I will be right back said The Prince

The Prince fell back some more cast a healing spell on his arm run back before the werewolf could kill Aenarion he came back hit the werewolf on the head and then start Light spell cast it in the werewolves eyes

Finally, the Blood Rage was beggining to wear of. He was starting to feel pain, and he was lightblinded. Finnaly, he jumped off the Elf and howled, rushing off with the Moonbrothers, and the only Werewolf they left behind was the frozen one. They had'nt taken casualties, but that was mostly because they had refused to realise they were dead. A couple Moonbrothers would die of injuries later on.
OOC: I figured you would be able to question the frozen Werewolf once he thawed.

After The werewolves run off the Phoenix guard assembled infront of the king and They have taking know causalties except two injured who would be sent back to the Phoenix's Headquarters.Aenarion stood up and said

your Highness(The whole guard got on there knees then raised) Im Aenarion im the Captain of the vylos Guard said Aenarion To not let anybody know the name of their unit,he spoke key words in elven

Shia eisi o maejol ail aelael said Prince Iven which meant why are you speaking in
elven

Shi eisi maelor ialor sar byrdydia eirdyr aezaer ei thaern ci vaedi said Aenarion which meant we are a Special unit that nobody about except a few key people

Alright said The Prince

he went off to find Andrea

Meanwhile the frozen werewolf was still there but was begin to unfreeze

what should we do with this said A Imperial Guard soldier

I dont know said Another Imperial Guard soldier

ask the Prince their he go's said A Imperial Guard soldier

ok Said Another Imperial Guard

your Highness what should we do with this werewolf said The Imperial guard soldier

The prince begin to think and he had a idea then Aenarion came to where he was at

alright we are going to wait for the werewolf to unfreeze then we going to hold him captive.possibly find out what the werewolves are planning then possibly see if can put a ransom on his head,But i want around the clock guards on him,Aenarion doesnt the Vylos guard keep mages said Prince Iven

yes we do sir said Aenarion

alright have 5 men and a mage guard the werewolf said Prince Iven

he continue off to try and find the andrea and the griffin

Sasha stood in the darkness, near where the frozen werewolf was. She could not let the werewolf reveal any information, and since no werewolves had come back for a rescue attempt or to kill him, Sasha decided to do it herself. Five soldiers and a mage stood. The soldiers stood in rigid defense, but the mage bowed his head, dozing. Sasha easily knocked down the walls of his mind as he struggled and screamed silently, all in his head. He revealed a wife back home, childhood memories, friends, family- then he commited suicide. His body slumped onto the ground. To the soldiers, it looked as though he had merely fallen asleep. Sasha now simply transformed the ice block into a piller of fire, incenerating the werewolf and making the guards stumble away in fright. Sasha vanished, her work done.

OOC: Sorry that I am late, I got delayed. I thought I could have Don Quixote meet the Prince.

As the Prince went to find Andrea, he heard some noises in the distance. Turning to each direction, he saw nothing, but still the noises could be heard. Finally, he saw what looked like a man in armor followed by a man on a mule or donkey.

The Prince heard what sounded like Spanish, and then he saw clearly, it was Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, but he assumed it was a knight, as Don Quixote thought himself to be one.

Don Quixote and Sancho Panza came towards the Prince, before halting halfway on the trail, just standing there. The Prince could see Don Quixote uttering some words, gripping his lance a bit tightly. Would the Knight of La Mancha attack? Or was he preparing for a possible skirmish?

The Werewolf had seen Sasha, and known what she was about to do. He had tried to shake his head, but she had just smiled. Alehkra had been hiding up in a tree. Again. He had come back after wrapping up his wounds, to rescue the Moonbrother. This rather annoyed him. If The Stranger was going to do this, could'nt they at least let him attend to it? He decided to go find Sasha and complain, so he hopped down and moved silently through the forest, attempting to find her.

Sasha watched with amusement as the werewolf tried to remain stealthy as he approched her. "Come out." she said. "You did not act quickly enough. Another five minutes and the werewolf would have been unfrozen and questioned. Even if you had attacked sooner, the guards would have alerted their fellows and another battle would have taken place, likely with you losing yet again."

(ooc:due to being at work allday i am unable to keep up with the pace of the story so i'll have to pull out. it was fun and i'll kep reading. i just cant keep up with posting)

OCC:you dont have to pull out,u can just wait to they get to the capital city and then they happened to see the two knights and they decide to join the group.but then the story should have slow down

The Prince stop to see what was ahead of him it was a person who looked to be a knight,So The Prince Called out


Im the Imperial Prince of Ecclessia,state your name and Title Said Prince Iven

The Prince stop to see what was ahead of him it was a person who looked to be a knight,So The Prince Called out


Im the Imperial Prince of Ecclessia,state your name and Title Said Prince Iven

"I am Don Quixote de La Mancha, a knight in the service of Dulcinea el Toboso." The knight said in a Spanish accent in reply to the question of the Prince.

The Prince Looked at him and said

State your Intentions said Prince Iven

The Prince Looked at him and said

State your Intentions said Prince Iven

"We are simply travelers who have stumbled into these lands, these uncharted lands that, alas, no person from Spain knows about." A man on a mule (or donkey) said, as he came forward from behind Don Quixote.

As the prince was talking with Don Quixote, one of the Crimson Suns's fell beasts flew overhead-far out of arrow range. To the people on the ground, it could have been anybody's fell beast-but it was still a terrifying sight. Black and scaly, it blotted out light as it covered up the sun. The beast cried out as it passed overhead, a shriek from its teethed mouth. The rider on it was even more terrifying-a fully-clad black rider, a dark helmet atop. The rider looked towards the ground-his eyes boring into Andrea as she stood near Grif...a griffin. Interesting indeed...and who was this interloper girl? She didn't seem to belong...

But the Prince-the one who would be so valuable, had been spotted. A force was waiting for this, and the fell beast banked overhead, letting out a truly terrifying screech as it soared overhead, the rider twisting his Morgul blade in his hand. The Prince would leave-or he would leave the world of the living. And whoever the girl was...Lord Chambers would need to know of her.

I have never heard of spain,I you are losted you can travel with us to the capital of serenia said Prince Iven

Sasha watched from afar the procedings with Prince Iven, the girl, and this strange new man. A fell beast flew overhead, it's rider raising his sword...Now, thought Sasha, we see the effectivness of the one's I hired...

Prince Iven began to continue onward, and he noticed Don Quixote and the other man (Sancho Panza) following him. Don Quixote had stumbled into Serenia, perhaps he would have adventures like the other knights he read about so long ago. Prince Iven now had some companions, the Knight of La Mancha and his squire.

The Prince turn and begin to turn and talk to andrea

what did you think of this guy said Prince Iven

OOC: I hope nobody's excluded me...

IC: One of the knights came over to Zan's location and helped him lift the werewolf corpse from atop him. The knight asked, "Are you alright Captain?"

Zan answered, "I am fine. How are our men?"

The knight answered, "We've had one casualty, one of our men has been bitten by the werewolf. What are your orders?"

Zan answered, "Take him to Prince Iven, see if he can help him."

The knight confirmed, "Understood Captain." and went to ask Prince Iven of his assistance.

Zan turned and rushed over to where Grif and Andrea were to find his Prince unconcious. He asked Andrea, "Is he harmed in any way?"

From a nearby hill, a solitary Warg stood asunder, glancing down on the Prince, Andrea, and the company-it was fairly small. Something the Warg could sink his teeth into...and forming up behind the carnivorous canine was the established force deemed neccessary to clear out these people. Several Cave trolls were grunting to one another, beating their spiked clubs against the ground.

Amongst the archers, there were some crossbowmen for close support, but primarily, this time there were longbowmen. The effectiveness of the goblin archers never went unnoticed, and recently a team of longbowmen had been established amongst the Crimson Suns for long-distance infantry killing. Several ballistas arrived for artillery support, but the true killer was a light trebuchet, armed with a large stock of ammo-metal balls. A large canister of flammable liquid stood nearby-and it was painfully clear what the Suns intended to do.

Lord Chambers was here on hand personally, though Kinrath was not. Chambers was imposing-a full 7'2" tall, a black deaths-head mask covering his face, where two yellow orbs burned. He held an absolutely wicked-looking sword, with a notch halfway up where a spike emitted. He turned back to his corps, and simply nodded his head.

With that, the longbowmen took position behind the dwarf infantry, raising their bows. The humans notched them close to their cheeks, glancing down the shafts as they took aim against the unsuspecting crew that was with Andrea and Grif. It seemed too easy-but Chambers was taking now chances. He wanted to clear them fast-and he didn't care if the Prince got the message dead or alive.

The arrows flew forth with a sudden whiff. Forty shafts lit into the air, angling through the sky towards the motly company. Not waiting to see whether the effect was made, some of the liquid was poured over the first charge of metal balls, than a fire lit to it. The balls immediately erupted in flame, and the mobile trebuchet cut loose. The rope swung, the bar jumped forward, and the bag cut loose-the metal balls firing like long-range grapeshot as they angled towards their target-deadly precise this time, and carrying flaming ammunition. Even if it didn't get the desired impact, it would set the grasses afire-and depending on which way the company moved, the fell beasts could run them down, or the Suns's cavalry could.

The longbowmen fired another volley, the arrows following the first in arcing through the air. The fell beast already in the air turned about, letting out a ferocious cry as another took to the air. Chambers was cutting loose with his big guns to take these guys out.

Prince saw the downed Knight,He said there is only one person who can
save his live

I have to teleport him to the Asuryan,their i will communicate telepathic
Phoenix Council Member i will tell him to take care of him said Prince Iven
to one of Knights

He cast a spell sent the knight to the Phoenix council member

Lord Moratnia I Knew you to heal this Knight he is not dead,but instead been
bitten by a werewolf said Prince Iven

Alright I well take care of him said Lord Moratnia

I Need you to take me to Prince roy said Prince Iven

OOC: Xiscapia, may be hard to fulfill the deal when Prince Ivan doesn't even realize he's under attack...

OOC: Okay, let's get the story moving, no more attacks for the time being.

Everything was a blur. Almost like ghosts moving about in furious battle. Reynor was knocked from his horse and could hear it squeel in pain and death. The sounds of clashing metal, snarl, and screams filled the air. He stumbled to his feet, weary and warm blood flowing down his face. The battle concluded and his eyes focused. There were several dead on the ground as well as his horse. Tybalt seized his shoulder.
"Sir, we must withdraw to Fortress Hylland and warn The Guardian!" Tybalt pleaded, sword in hand. Enemies appeared over the hill, firing arrows. His men returned fire, hoping to hold them back.
"To horse! We ride for Fortress Hylland!" Reynor commanded. There was a horse nearby and he took hold of the reins and swept onto the saddle. His men returned to their horses. It will be a hard flight but one they must make. The entire time, Andrea stuck close to Grif, terrified and crying due to the bloodshed around. Grif snarled and galloped off with Andrea atop him.
"Close your eyes, Andrea!" Grif requested. "You need not see any of this" The cavalry began to withdraw to the east at a fast pace, such an attack was unheard of. There were raids but this was more than a raid, it was an unlawful incursion.

The spy began to follow them from a safe distance. Due to the darkness and his cloak, he could easily follow them undetected. The battle was exciting to watch. He had no taste for full on combat, it was not his speciality.

The pair had been arguing for the better part of an hour. It was quite the sight actually. Two monstrous ogres, standing tusk to tusk, growling back and forth in the ogre tongue which sounded not unlike someone trying to gargle with a mouth full of rocks. Truth be told, it was difficult to determine what was more amusing; the fact that an argument between two ogres had not yet come to blows or the fact that they were arguing about the sun. More specifically, where the sun went at night.

Rurokk Bonesnapper was the shorter of the two beasts. Shorter was a relative term in this case however as Rurokk measured in at an impressive nine feet and six inches. His mottled, grey-green skin was pitted and scarred from numerous fights and his yellowed tusks were chipped. Mismatched armor plates and animal skins covered his hulking form and his dirty, dented great axe lay in the dirt as his feet. Rurokk was also positive that the sun was simply the massive eye of some great god which, when closed, no longer cast light upon the land.

His traveling companion, who carried the less than flattering appellation of Morgh the Befuddled, was several inches taller and noticeably heavier. He was also much stupider than Rurokk, hence the name. Similar in appearance to his compatriot, it was clear that Morgh was the muscle of this outfit. In fact, Morgh was quite happy to let Rurokk do most of the thinking for the both of them. Except in this instance. You see, Morgh has learned at a very early age that when the sun went down at night, it was actually falling into a great hole, never to be seen again. He had often considered going looking for this hole full of suns but had invariably given up on the adventure, usually because it had been time to eat.

So there they stood, arguing back and forth like children, completely oblivious to the ruckus going on barely three quarters of a mile away through the woods. Had they been aware of the situation, they more than likely would have forgotten the argument and proceeded in ogreish haste to investigate. Not because they would be looking for a fight, though heaven knew that they never passed up a chance for a fight, but simply because they both were possessed of a very unogreish trait; curiosity. Neither ogre was evil or even cruel, although they could be mean. They just wanted to see the world. It was this fact that had gotten Rurokk kicked out of their tribe in the first place. Morgh had followed because it had seemed like a good idea. It was then, as the argument continued to heat up, that both monsters paused to take a breath. In that exact moment, the sounds of battle drifted through the trees and both massive heads turned as one.

OOC: Xiscapia, may be hard to fulfill the deal when Prince Ivan doesn't even realize he's under attack...
Well, considering that all attacks have, been called off by Kulikovia, just delete your post.

The Prince Looked at Lord Reynor and Said

Your Right we must withdraw said Prince

He Grabbed his horse and followed Lord Reynor,The whole convoy followed the Prince as they head for the fortress

The Prince Looked at Lord Reynor and Said

Your Right we must withdraw said Prince

He Grabbed his horse and followed Lord Reynor,The whole convoy followed the Prince as they head for the fortress

OOC: Can I assume Don Quixote and Andrea are part of this convoy?

OCC: Yea or Don Quixote can just decide to follow him ether one

OCC: Yea or Don Quixote can just decide to follow him ether one

OOC: We can just let him be part of it.

OCC:Alright that cool

OOC: Yeah, just disregard the last one I suppose. I'll get a different IC post up eventually.

occ:alright

Alehkra was busy training the Werewolf warriors, an army of 50,000 in Werewolves that could fight, and double that in ones that only killed while hunting. Those ones were getting annoying. He had one idoit insisting that if he dressed up in armor he would do better. Alehkra growled at the Werewolf 'knight', Werewolves never used any armor past chainmail. Just then he grinned. He had an idea. He took a couple passing Werewolves and whispered in their ear. They grinned at each other and grabbed the wannabe knight, "Well sir, lets see how well you can fly". One of them said. Without further ado, they tossed him off the cliff.

OOC: 50,000? That's WAY too many. Alright, the caravan is on the move now.

Moonlight lite their course down the trade routes. They were all quiet, silent in the wake of such death. It was a blood day, it was years since any attack such as that ever occurred. Reynor rode silently down the trail at the head of the column, his head was down and the helmet dangled from the side of his saddle. A million questions raced through his mind. What could he have done differently? Where did they come from? Why didn't he know about their movements? As he pondered what courses of action he might have taken, Tybalt caught up to him, riding side by side.
"Sir, are you alright?" he asked, already knowing what was the matter.
"Serenia lost good men, as did their families and I" he responded, coice solemn.
"Tis war. Such is the way of this dirty business. Everything has a price, peace perhaps is the most expensive" Tybalt said off into the distance. Reynor thought of his words and took them in.
"So" he breathed in deeply and exhaled slowly "How far to Fortress Hylland?"
"Two days ride, if we keep this pace" he remarked.
"We will keep this pace. The lands are not safe. The Guardian must be made aware. The people are at risk from forces quite bold and neferious." They continued to talk while the rest of the column moved forward.

"Grif, where did those werewolves come from?" Andrea asked, feeling the pull of sleep on her eyelids. She clung to his back, sinking ever forward.
"I don't know" Grif replied as he sulked down the road. I never dreamt of werewolves! She thought. Something was wrong, if this world was of her creation then what were creatures such as that doing in it. Did she create this world? Or was someone else imagining these creatures of terror? She finally dozed off.

Prince rode on his horse and Thought that he should send a message to his father.But he knew the danger of sending a lone rider back to Ecclessia.

Hey Aenarion what is they chance of sending a lone rider back to Ecclessia said Prince Iven

Very Slim your highness said Aenarion

Ok that what i thought we should wait for daybreak to send a rider said Prince iven

They contiune down the road ready for the next challenge or fight

Sasha stood outside the heavy metal doors to the Court of Galbatorix. She had been waiting for sometime, and while not annoyed, was slightly impatinet. If Galbatorix was to commit his forces to The Stranger's already rather large one's they would easily be able to overthrow Serenia. Now all there was to tell him the plan and see if he would accept her proposal...

OOC:Yes, I know that is too big of an army, but realise that Werewolves aren't good at working with other clans, so that by the time all those little clan wars get sorted out, no more than a quarter will survive.

Sasha stood outside the heavy metal doors to the Court of Galbatorix. She had been waiting for sometime, and while not annoyed, was slightly impatinet. If Galbatorix was to commit his forces to The Stranger's already rather large one's they would easily be able to overthrow Serenia. Now all there was to tell him the plan and see if he would accept her proposal...

OOC: Sorry for the delay.

The Imperial Guard opened the doors for Sasha and escorted her to a room that was well known as "The Room of Wealth", because one could see gold, diamonds, etc all everywhere, whether it was on mosaics or on the crown of Galbatorix, who watched Sasha come in.

"Your Majesty, this visitor wishes to discuss...matters." One of the Imperial Guardsmen said to Galbatorix, who nodded and then went back to looking at Sasha.

"Visitor, I see you wish to discuss some things with me. What is it you would like to discuss?" Galbatorix said to Sasha. Galbatorix waited for a reply from this visitor, waiting to see what she wanted to discuss.

OOC: Sorry for the delay.

The Imperial Guard opened the doors for Sasha and escorted her to a room that was well known as "The Room of Wealth", because one could see gold, diamonds, etc all everywhere, whether it was on mosaics or on the crown of Galbatorix, who watched Sasha come in.

"Your Majesty, this visitor wishes to discuss...matters." One of the Imperial Guardsmen said to Galbatorix, who nodded and then went back to looking at Sasha.

"Visitor, I see you wish to discuss some things with me. What is it you would like to discuss?" Galbatorix said to Sasha. Galbatorix waited for a reply from this visitor, waiting to see what she wanted to discuss.

Sasha bowed low before saying "I have, ah,...proposal to make of you, your Majesty. I am a delegate from The Stranger, who plans to overthrow Serenia's kingdom and make it his own. With both our armies, the pathetic little Serenian army dosen't stand a chance. In return for your support, we will give you a full quarter of Serenia, all the gold you want, plus we have several dragon eggs on hand which you can use to combat your little, ah, rebellion here. They have Riders who would be loyal to you to the end to come with them. So, what say you?"
OOC: In case anyone is wondering where all this gold is coming from, The Stranger is an Alchemist who has discovered the secret to turning regular objects into gold.

Sasha bowed low before saying "I have, ah,...proposal to make of you, your Majesty. I am a delegate from The Stranger, who plans to overthrow Serenia's kingdom and make it his own. With both our armies, the pathetic little Serenian army dosen't stand a chance. In return for your support, we will give you a full quarter of Serenia, all the gold you want, plus we have several dragon eggs on hand which you can use to combat your little, ah, rebellion here. They have Riders who would be loyal to you to the end to come with them. So, what say you?"
OOC: In case anyone is wondering where all this gold is coming from, The Stranger is an Alchemist who has discovered the secret to turning regular objects into gold.

OOC: What does Sasha mean by "rebellion here?"

"The Stranger wishes to conquer Serenia? I have wished for the same a bit myself. You promise me a full quarter of Serenia, all the gold I want, and dragon eggs in exchange for a alliance that will crush Serenia? That is acceptable to me, you may tell "The Stranger" that an alliance between us against Serenia will be accepted." Galbatorix replied to Sasha.

Galbatorix had accepted, and he now had an ally that would help fight the Serenians and if things went well, dispose of it.

OOC: What does Sasha mean by "rebellion here?"

"The Stranger wishes to conquer Serenia? I have wished for the same a bit myself. You promise me a full quarter of Serenia, all the gold I want, and dragon eggs in exchange for a alliance that will crush Serenia? That is acceptable to me, you may tell "The Stranger" that an alliance between us against Serenia will be accepted." Galbatorix replied to Sasha.

Galbatorix had accepted, and he now had an ally that would help fight the Serenians and if things went well, dispose of it.
OOC: So either Eragon dosen't exist in this universe or he hasen't come along yet.

Sasha bowed. "You are most gracious." and left. Outside Sasha vanished to report back to her Master...

OOC: Is it acceptable if an army of Galbatorix captures Andrea?

OOC: So either Eragon dosen't exist in this universe or he hasen't come along yet.

Sasha bowed. "You are most gracious." and left. The Stranger, of course, wasen't really going to just hand over part of Serenia. He would crush the part of Galbatorix's army that was there, then defend Serenia against any of his attacks. Then, one day in the future, The Stranger would attack Galbatorix's kingdom and claim it for his own.

OOC: I did get it from Eragon, but I never thought about Eragon coming into this. Also, is it possible if one of Galbatorix's advisors thinks something suspicious about Sasha's intentions? Also, Galbatorix's nation is based on a variety of sources.

OCC: you got ask Kulikovia

OCC: Alright

OCC: you got ask Kulikovia

OOC: I see. My plan was to ambush the Prince's convoy and capture Andrea, then bring her to Galbatorix. I will wait till he is online, then I will ask him.

OOC: I did get it from Eragon, but I never thought about Eragon coming into this. Also, is it possible if one of Galbatorix's advisors thinks something suspicious about Sasha's intentions? Also, Galbatorix's nation is based on a variety of sources.

I don't see how, beyond regular mistrust of anyone. Sasah keeps her emotions under control and behind walls in her mind so no one, except for a very powerful magic user, could sense what she is thinking, and she would know if they did. Besides, I'm going to edit that out. I thought about it and Galbatorix and The Stranger are birds of a feather so The Stranger won't attack him.

I don't see how, beyond regular mistrust of anyone. Sasah keeps her emotions under control and behind walls in her mind so no one, except for a very powerful magic user, could sense what she is thinking, and she would know if they did. Besides, I'm going to edit that out. I thought about it and Galbatorix and The Stranger are birds of a feather so The Stranger won't attack him.

OOC: You are going to edit it out? I see. Well, then I will forget posting about someone sensing her intentions.

Any A remote part of the region of ortsewrick in Ecclessia is a Secert Meeting with the Supereme Church Minster


Alright how did the meeting with crimson suns go,Thomas said Supereme Church Minster

Not well sir,The Crimsons suns leader choose another contract said Thomas Jula

Ok Its alright The Governor OF Ortwrick agree to help us overthrow the Emperor said Supereme Church Minster

Yes I will help you as long as a get the 2 million in gold i have asked Said Governor picco

you will get your gold,what kind of forces will you deploy said The Supereme Church Minster

well The Military units under my command are loyal to the Emperor,But I have made a Private Army Numbering in about 3,000 men said Governor Picco

Alright,Thomas i want you to go to the village of Baco and Over see the training of 900 new recuirts

yes sir said Thomas

OOC: I don't mean to sound rude but, I'm starting to feel a bit ignored. I'm trying to have a major part in this, but it doesn't seem like many people pay much attention to what I've been doing as of late. If anyone thinks I should probably take down my participation, please be sure to say so.

OCC: Im Trying to talk with your character when we get to the Fortress i finally get around to do that

OOC: Is it acceptable if an army of Galbatorix captures Andrea?

OOC: No, I have things thought out already. There will be no more attacks on the convoy. The rp needs to get going. By the way, The Stranger has not appeared yet. There is a cult of followers who believe his time has come and are preparing the realm for his arrival. The end of this rp is when he actually appears in form.

The caravan continued it's way down the trade roads, far into the night and into the the next day. Many of the men were tired from battle and fatigued. But, sich was the life of a soldier and they moved on. Reynor cracked his neck and sighed while they moved up a hill. Suprisingly, there were no more attacks after they retreated. Andrea lay on Grif's back, still asleep. Reynor looked back at her and wondered where she came from, but now was not the time for such questions. After several more hours of riding they came up another hill. They reached the crest of it and before them was an awesome sight. They were at the edge of a valley, high hills and mountains all around. It curved like a horseshoe and at the bottom, a gentle brook flowed. The hills were covered in pine trees with rocks jutting out of the hill and forming steep granite walls. There was an outcropping from the middle. It was a massive stone wall jutting out from the natural features of the mountainside, built ages ago. At the bottom of the thick, anicent walls was a sheer drop to the valley floor. It's walls were weathered from years of existance, there was a plain castle keep that emerged over the walls and towers with spirals. Watch towers were scattered evenly around the fortress. The fortress was in the shape of a half moon against the mountain. The flag of Serenia flapped in the wind atop the highest tower, the sun's rays hit the trees that glistened with morning dew.
"We arrived much earlier than I originally thought" Tybalt remarked.
"All the better" Reynor quipped. Andrea stirred from her sleep and witnessed the fortress, just as she imagined. "You are awake, good"
"Where are we?" she asked, rubbing her eyes.
"Fortress Hylland, the great bastion of Serenia. Built by The First Guardian, ages ago." Reynor gloated.
"What was his name?" Andrea already knew the answer.
"His name is lost to the flow of time, my dear. Now we must go inside and I am to meet with the Guardian and inform him of my patrol. There, everyone can get some food and rest properly. Then, you may go where you please." Reynor said as they approached down the steep hillside.

They traveled through the forest, approaching the back of the fortress. There was a large rusted metal door and watchtowers cut into the rock overlooking it. Outside were three soldiers, standing around the fire, cooking. They popped to attention once Reynor approached.
"Tell the Gate Keeper to open the gate" Reynor ordered. One ran to a ram's horn and blew twice into it. There was a sound of metal grinding and unlocking against metal as the door began to swing open, chains were pulled back and the heavy door swung slowly open. It was a dark passage, lite dimly by torches. They were to move through the mountain itself to reach the fortress. The dim light offered little help as they moved through what looked like a cave. Finally, they reached the end, which appeared wuite suddenly in the dark, it was a wooden door, smaller than the metal one. It swung open, creaking from years of age. They were now in the coutryard of Fortress Hylland. Atop a balcony, opposite them stood an older man with graying hair and a salt and pepper beard. His hands were large and rough and body like a bear. He wore a tunic and was abscent of armor at the moment. Reynor leaped from his horse, brought his right forearm across his chest and bowed.
"Commander Reynor, tis good to see thou in such health" The Guardian started. He moved up andhugged him like a bear. "Who travels with thee?"
"Assorted company, my lord" Reynor said and stepped aside.
"Who is the girl who sits atop this griffon?"
"M-My name is Andrea Shaw" she said sheepishly.
"Need not fear an old man such as I. I am called Titus Vallen, The Guardian of Serenia." he bellowed for all to hear. "Now, all of you must suffer from the malaty of hunger. We shall be quick to remedy that" he chuckled.

OOC: I don't mean to sound rude but, I'm starting to feel a bit ignored. I'm trying to have a major part in this, but it doesn't seem like many people pay much attention to what I've been doing as of late. If anyone thinks I should probably take down my participation, please be sure to say so.

OOC: Who's your guy? I could pick him up.

Bump

Prince Iven looked around the old fortress and was glad to be out of the wildness and into a place that supplies suitable defense plus he was waiting to have a good meal.The Prince walked over to a soldier

hey you i need you to go find Prince zan said Prince Iven

Yes sir said Imperial guard soldier


meanwhile the prince walked over to Andrea

Hello Andrea how are you ? the prince asked

The Soldier walked over to Prince roy and said

His Highness Prince Iven requests a meeting with your Highness said Imperial guard soldier

The day's sun glowed over the mountains and tree tops. It was a beautiful day, as were most days in the realm. Soldiers went about their work, but for the most part it was quiet. The fortress was a buffer against the Western Realms. The Western Realms were home to several barbarian tribes as well as other creatures and races which needed to be watched carefully. It was the duty of The Guardian to protect Serenia from all enemies. Titus Vallen chose Fortress Hylland as his base of operations. The permenant garrison numbered only 600 for such a large fortress, but they were The Vanguard, the elite troops of Serenia. There were other detachments of cavalry which operated out of the fortress, Reynor being the commander of the patrols. For decades, Vallen protected Serenia well, a tenacious fighter and admirable leader.
"What news doth thou bring?" Vallen asked as the two of them walked down the the battlements, taking in the magnificent view.
"We were attacked by beasts at the village of Grena" Reynor replied "Werewolves and other assorted creatures descended upon us, several of our own fell as did members from my party. There is a prince amoungst them and others from the kingdoms. But I had not the chance to speak with them proper. We were forced to take flight. This was like no raid I ever encountered. They struck deep and in great numbers, my lord"
"The other patrols have not come back yet. I pray this was nothing more than a sudden infliction of boldness on their part" Vallen said as they moved past two soldier on their patrol.
"I am worried by this. Strange things are about. The girl, atop the griffon, she is not from this realm that I can see" Reynor mentioned.
"I noticed her. Tis indeed like no other girl in the realm. Perhaps the monks can enlighten us or the High Queen herself."
"The High Queen?" Reynor gasped "Why would she bother with that girl?"
"You are a young one, Atticus. The High Queen knows of these things. She twas always enlightened and knowing. Now, let us gather to eat and discuss more of this business later" Vallen said as they moved down the steps back to the courtyard.

Andrea sat on a bench eating some bread and water given to her by a passing soldier. She couldn't remember the last time she ate. The bread was nothing special, but filled her up well enough. Grif was in the stable, lapping up water.
"I'm fine" she said in between chews. "How are you?"

The Prince looked at andrea and said

Except for a few bruises and im alright, so where are you from ?said Prince Iven

Roy was still in contemplation over the attack on him and the others. He once again showed how seemingly worthless he was on the battlefield. One of his men was bitten by a werewolf, he was swept right under Andrea's nose, and he couldn't even do anything to save Zan. Because of this, he wanted to hide his face from Andrea and Iven in hopes they would leave him to his diplomatic mission. However, this seemed impossible since the soldier Iven sent came in. "His Highness Prince Iven requests a meeting with your Highness."

Roy knew there wasn't any escape from this request, seeing Iven would just find Roy anyway. Roy answered, "I'll be there in a moment." and dressed himself properly for the meeting.

Roy went down to meet with the Prince, but saw his bodygaurd Zan on the way. Roy asked, "Zan, may I ask you something?"

Zan answered, "Certainly my lord."

Roy asked him, "You seemed interested in Andrea somewhat, is there something you see in her?"

Zan explained to him, "Well my lord, this is what the matter is. Do you not recall your teachings in the School of Overhead Wisdom when you heard the teachings of Putair?"

"I do..." Roy answered. He thought nothing of it at first, but he realised what Zan saw in Andrea. The teachings of the Philosopher Putair was one that said the Creative Goddess Sonwe was as young as the world they lived in, hence he portrayed her as a young red haired girl. Putair remained true to the mainstream hope that Sonwe would send a mortal aspect of herself to purge evil from the hearts of men, but said that she would be young and different from the appearance of most mortals. Andrea seemed to fit almost every aspect of this description. Roy attempted to ask Zan, "Do you believe she is..."

Zan knew Roy could not finish his question, but answered, "It may yet be possible my lord. If she is indeed what Sonwe promised us, then we must ensure that she is protected to fulfill the prophecy."

Roy wanted to explain, "But Zan, I... I cannot..."

Zan finished, "Fear not my lord, simply have faith in her and she will be fine. Even if she is not to fulfill the prophecy, then you will still have her respect at the least." Roy nodded and went on his way to meet with Iven.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

When Roy saw Iven in the courtyard with Andrea, he was even more uneasy than before. He still remembered when he was struck down at the feet of Andrea and felt he might be asked to leave her presence. This would leave an edge of humiliation on him, especially if Andrea were the aspect of the Goddess he worshiped. Nevertheless, he continued to walk towards them and meet with Prince Iven. He swallowed and greeted to both of them, "Nice to... meet you Lord Iven... Andrea..." He thanked Iven saying, "I cannot... thank you enough for... your help with one of my knights... But... What was it you wished to discuss?"

Fortress Solstice

Solstice was the name for the primary fortress of the Crimson Suns, but many didn't call it that-simply "base" in the terms of the mercenaries. It was deep and intricate-and now, as night fell, it was almost fearsome, with lit torches illuminating the entire structure, a stark-black mini-city hewn into the side of an onyx mountain, the battlements stretching across the land in a massive 150 degree semi-circle. Rotating trebuchets and ballistas lined the battlements; static defenses in case of assault. They were a wealthy band, after all.

Lord Turin Chambers was in his personal quarters at the time-meditating. He did that often, a rather reserved and perplexing man to many of the mercenary band. Some felt he wasn't aggressive enough-the only block that withheld sentiment from his second-in-command, Ossil Kinrath. Kinrath respected Chambers in every other way but that-he wanted the mercenary band to aggressively pursue interests, and eventually set themselves up as their own faction-which they certainly had the ability to do. Chambers's lack of ambition held that back-but Kinrath had more than enough to make up for it.

As the night passed by, the moon gliding in the night sky, Kinrath silently crept through the fortress. He knew his way around better than almost anyone of the Crimson Suns-he could find his way without a torch, treading every step like he had known it his whole life. He bent around a passge, but crept back a step as he heard voices-the two-man sentry that Chambers personally kept at his door. Kinrath was a more wary man-he had established the Crimson Vanguard, the elite of the organization that had essentially served as a guard unit. However, these two would be easy to take-they were regulars.

As the two sentries gossiped, Kinrath bent around the doorway, his crossbow in hand. He aimed directly towards the first sentry he could see-talking loudly. It would be an easy kill-the man wasn't even paying attention. The guard could make a lot of noise in death though-but Kinrath would see that he wouldn't. Taking aim, Kinrath punched down on the trigger, the crossbow bolt sailing forward.

The bolt plowed into the sentry's throat, the man's larynx exploding as the bolt flew through his neck. He was rendered mute immediately, gasping and gaping as he gurgled-no audible sound coming forth as crimson blood poured down onto the floor...the color, how fitting. The other guard looked around in shock, his own crossbow out, looking for enemies-stupidly, staying quiet, as if he could maintain silence and remain hidden. His mistake-being loud wouldn't save him, but it would save Chambers.

Kinrath was quick. He darted into the shadows, then removed a deadlier weapon-his personal dagger. He raised his shoulder slightly, then whipped his right arm forward-the dagger flying through the air like a shuriken. The blade was true-it slammed into the second guard's throat, his voice box shattered by the blade's impact. The man went down without a sound-dying helpless on the floor. Kinrath strode over both, chuckling internally as their eyes rolled back. Only one more death this night.

Kinrath reloaded the crossbow bolt and pocketed the dagger, sticking the bow on his back as he removed his next, and final, weapon-the traditional spiked sword of the Suns. It was time to finish this. Barely creeking, Kinrath opened the door to the chamber. Chambers was sleeping-even better. Kinrath crept closer towards Chambers's bed, the sword raised in a poise that would allow Kinrath to strike defensively if need be, but angled offensively for maximum thrust.

Kinrath crept closer-this was going far too good. He was right above the bed-Chambers was still there, sleeping. Kinrath smiled, raising the blade above his head for a killing stroke. Suddenly, his foot slipped slightly, Kinrath catching himself. Chambers's left eye opened sharply-just in time to see Kinrath with the blade. The second-in-command knew it was now or never, letting out a howl of pent-up rage as he drew the blade down, straight into Chambers's neck. The spiked blade sheathed right through flesh, bone, and nerve cord, blood spurting everywhere as the decapitated body jerked in death, the head slipping down slightly. Kinrath chuckled-allowing himself a second of relaxation as Chambers died, his second-in-command before him.

OOC: Kulikovia, is it possible to put Amadis de Gaul in the convoy? Or should I post him finding them? I want to pull out Don Quixote, as I am thinking of doing my own RP using him. Amadis de Gaul is mentioned in Don Quixote (the book) by the way.

"I'm from Pennsylvania" Andrea replied innocently. She doubted they ever heard of such a place. If she didn't look and act different enough already, this would certainly throw a curveball. She waved and smiled at Roy then returned to eating. The bread disappeared soon enough and now she stood up and moved around in a small area, weary of getting lost. Alot happened to her already but Andrea displayed great amounts of courage for a girl her age.

The Guardian and his subordinate moved down the battlements and into the great hall which was empty and dark. This was the main place to eat. It was cut from the rock with stain glass windows, grand in scale and depicing scenes of Serenian life. Vallen stopped to watch the sun hit the colored window panes and take in their beauty.
"How strange, we have such beautiful windows, peaceful and serene, whilst our fortress keep is ugly and warlike" he commented to no one in particular.
"Indeed, my lord" reynor nodded.
"The cooks are in preperation of a fine feast for this evening. We have royalty in our midst, young commander. Thou would enjoy it greatly"
"Should I not take ride back out and search for these monsters?" Reynor turned.
"Nay, friend. This was a knife day, no need forr tomorrow to follow in today's path." Vallen replied. They moved in silence for a bit. "So tell me, Atticus. When was the last you saw her?" Reynor felt a shock go through his body. How could he know? Vallen was indeed like a father and mentor to him for many years, how couldn't he know?
"Too long" reynor choked out finally, feeling a knot form in his throat.
"She still resides in the capital?"
"To my knowledge" Vallen did not turn but simply grunted and they continued to walk.

From the opposite side of the valley, upon the forested slopes the predator watched, but was too far. He muttered a chant and from the treetops swooped a great raven, black feather and yellow eyes.
"Great raven, let your eyes be mine. Let me see what thy own eye sees" he whispered then the raven flew off, into the open air and flew over the fortress. It's keen eye focusing on the scene below. The hunter could see Andrea, The Guardian, the princes, everyone. The raven's eye was sharp and accurate. It scanned the walls of the fortress as it made several passes. The fortress was well guarded with thick walls and skilled soldiers. But there is always a way around anything.

Prince Iven saw Prince roy appoaching and greeted properly and said

His Highness prince roy,thank you for coming and Andrea where is Pennsylvania said Prince Iven

he thought about what Andrea said weird nobody in the kingdom never ever heard of pennsylvania then he said

Prince Roy i know where on similar mission probably but i must ask you to join the treaty between The Empire of Ecclessia and The Kingdom of Serenia althought you maybe wondering why did we included you in the first place your kingdom took to long to answer are call give me forty five minutes to talk with my adivisor then we will ethier have you sign it here or in serenia capital said Prince Iven

There had to be an explanation and one quick. Andrea thought for an excuse to give them. She thought of telling them all about Earth and everything in it. But, she decided against it.
"Pennsylvania is very far away. It is heavily forested with gentle hills" she replied with a smirk.

Andrea did not seem to be angry at all with Roy, which brought much relief. After greeting them, Iven told Roy about the treaty between Ecclessia and Serenia.

Roy answered, "I will Lord Iven. That is the mission my father the king has sent me on. I know my people have been slow to answer, but we have only recently decided that we now must join due to the attacks that have been occuring around our borders. Caemlea has always had to deal with the Orc and Gnoll tribes that live next to us, but now they are uniting and could possibly destroy the kingdom if they send in enough warriors. I will sign it as soon as you see fit."

Roy heard Andrea's comment on the land of Pennsylvania. "Heavily forested with gentle hills..." he thought to himself.

After several hours the sun began to move lazily downwards towards the tops of the mountains. The torches were lit and signal fires prepared. There were outposts alon the rim of the valley, as an advance warning. They were well hidden and posted all the time. The hall was more lively now with cooks and servants moving about. There was royalty present and they worked hard to prepare. The chief cook, a burly man named Banto barreled through the kitchen which was hot with steam and ehavy with smells of food cooking. He had butcher's hands and a round stomach. He wasn't the brightest being in Serenia but certainly well meaning.
"Where's the spice for this stew?!" he bellowed from behind a hlaf empty spoonful of stew "It's taste is lacking"
"My apologies, Banto" a thin and lanky servant apologized and darted down to the pot with a container of spice and put a generous amount of spices in. Banto stirred the pot then took another taste.
"Much better, now continue with your work" he ordered and the servant disappeared in the organized chaos of the kitchen. Lambs roasted over the fire as well as numerous fowls were being cooked.

Afterwards, Vallen requested the presence of the caravan for a good meal. Several dozen people occupied the hall at the long tables and Vallen sitting at the head. His green tunic was of a dark shade and a black leather belt around it. He stood up as did the others. Andrea sat near this larger than life man who was gentle yet fierce at the same moment. She studied him and all the others gathered.
"Friends" Vallen began, "We sit at this table, filled with a great bounty. As we gather here, let us not forget those who fell today, and may their families rejoice in knowing that they are ever closer to, The Creator" and they raised their goblets. Andrea drank water.
"Tis the food to your satisfaction, my lord?" Banto asked humbly from the corner, behind Vallen.
"Indeed my friend, most enjoyable!" Vallen proclaimed as he tore into a leg of lamb, mouth full and chewing. There were more duties for Banto as he traveled now to the stable where Grif resided. Grif had a frustrating time trying to speak to the horses, who ignored him for some reason.
"Here is your stew, griffon" Banto came with a wooden pale full of stew and some vegetables as well. He thought it distainful to feed animals when he cooked for royalty.
"What's in it?" Grif asked, nearing the pale and taking in a smell of the stew which was repugnate to his senses.
"All that which makes a man fat and happy" Banto remarked.
"I can see it does just that" Grif smirked.
"How dare you speak to someone such as myself. I am a great cook!"
"You?!" Grif laughed "You are hardly a great cook. He who cooks orc dung". Banto became furious and advanced towards Grif who with his long tail wrapped around Banto's leg, tripping him forward, catapulting him into a pile of horse dung. He stood up and wiped the mess from him, unable to believe what just happened.
"I won't forget this!" Banto shouted as he stormed off.

Vallen leaned across the table and eyed Andrea.
"How is the food, my dear?"
"Good, sir" Andrea smiled in between bites. Vallen then turtned his attention to the princes.
"So, good princes. What business doth thee have with the High Queen?" he asked.

Prince Iven sat right beside andrea he looked and was enjoy the food as much as andrea was he answer the question that vallen had asked

im here on important business for my father said Prince Iven

OOC: Time to get posting.

Amadis de Gaul, the inspiration of Don Quixote, the well known knight of centuries past, traveled through Serenia, which was unknown land to him, as he never ventured through these lands before. As he walked, he noticed the convoy's camp. Holding his sword a bit tightly in his hand, he proceeded to walk past, would they see him?

-------------------------------
Galbatorix had assembled a massive army, filled with war elephants, dragons, cavalry, infantry, naptha throwers, musketeers and all sorts of soldiers. The army was led by Pharazon, one of Galbatorix's best generals. They marched from Alagaesia and proceeded to find the border with Serenia.

Pharazon was dressed in a full suit of armor (http://www.moviemachine.nl/images/merchandise/sauron%20statue%202.jpg) and was mounted on his horse and with his sword in hand. He led the army of thousands to Serenia, where he would "burn Ravera to the ground."

The army continued to march, thousands of soldiers marching to Serenia. The Stranger would be pleased to see his friend's massive army help in the struggle to defeat Serenia.

OOC: Good, my military gets back into things. Time for Mordor to assemble (or whatever us bad guys are)

Question to the good guys: Does Serenia have any outside towns and stuff (like Rohan), or is it just a centralized fortress-city? If it does, the bad guys could go on a fear-installing quest by raiding and killing.

IC:

Galbitorix's army was easy to spot-especially for the vigilant Suns. A fell beast, its Dark Rider mounted atop with his Morgul Blade in hand, soared overhead, blotting the sun where the big reptile passed. The Black Rider made a pass, watching below him as the army moved past. The fell beast wheeled about, screeching through the dark skies that graced over the Crimson Suns's dubbed territory. Two other fell beasts linked up with it-soaring over the fortress and army of the Suns nearby, War elephants and Rhinoceros units below, several Wargs patrolling the external side of the fortress.

The fell beasts advanced over Galbitorix's force, screaming through the sky, the three Black Riders silent-communicating all they needed in thought. They were the only "supernaturals" of the Crimson Suns-a team of nine. The three shot overhead, and as Galbitorix's force continued moving, the three black and scaly fell beasts landed before the slowly advancing force, the lead Black Rider stepping off.

"Advancing to battle?" the Black Rider hissed through his unseen lips, shrouded behind his black hood, the Morgul Blade glowing in his hand. The red-violet starburst marker was clearly visable on the Black Rider's pitch-black robe, the only element of color on the "man".

OOC: Good, my military gets back into things. Time for Mordor to assemble (or whatever us bad guys are)

Question to the good guys: Does Serenia have any outside towns and stuff (like Rohan), or is it just a centralized fortress-city? If it does, the bad guys could go on a fear-installing quest by raiding and killing.

IC:

Galbitorix's army was easy to spot-especially for the vigilant Suns. A fell beast, its Dark Rider mounted atop with his Morgul Blade in hand, soared overhead, blotting the sun where the big reptile passed. The Black Rider made a pass, watching below him as the army moved past. The fell beast wheeled about, screeching through the dark skies that graced over the Crimson Suns's dubbed territory. Two other fell beasts linked up with it-soaring over the fortress and army of the Suns nearby, War elephants and Rhinoceros units below, several Wargs patrolling the external side of the fortress.

The fell beasts advanced over Galbitorix's force, screaming through the sky, the three Black Riders silent-communicating all they needed in thought. They were the only "supernaturals" of the Crimson Suns-a team of nine. The three shot overhead, and as Galbitorix's force continued moving, the three black and scaly fell beasts landed before the slowly advancing force, the lead Black Rider stepping off.

"Advancing to battle?" the Black Rider hissed through his unseen lips, shrouded behind his black hood, the Morgul Blade glowing in his hand. The red-violet starburst marker was clearly visable on the Black Rider's pitch-black robe, the only element of color on the "man".

Pharazon heard the words of the Black Rider and replied: "Indeed we are. Can I assume you are doing the same?" He ordered his army to halt their advance and thus they stopped moving, it was indeed a formidable army. They even had soldiers who could use naptha and gunpowder.

Pharazon looked at the Black Rider and his army, it was a good army the Black Rider had, he thought. The dragons of Pharazon's army watched from the skies with their riders, while soldiers mounted on elephants held their weapons still.

If these two sides combined, it may be nothing more than a boost to the already growing threat Serenia was facing.

"Serenia?" the Black Rider advanced. As if that wasn't clear-there was no other force that was so persistent in ruining anybody else's chances at virtually anything.

With that, however, a fourth fell beast came to rest before the group-and getting off it, his black armor enshrouding his body, was Ossil Kinrath, leader of the Crimson Suns.

"Ic'tcha nop ranita," he hissed at the three Black Riders in a primeval tongue.

He turned from the Black Riders-now mounting their flying steeds-towards Pharazon. "Serenia, indeed. It seems that the kingdom of good is not as good as it seems, no? The Crimson Suns, this region's largest independent band, has its own problems with Serenia."

"Serenia?" the Black Rider advanced. As if that wasn't clear-there was no other force that was so persistent in ruining anybody else's chances at virtually anything.

With that, however, a fourth fell beast came to rest before the group-and getting off it, his black armor enshrouding his body, was Ossil Kinrath, leader of the Crimson Suns.

"Ic'tcha nop ranita," he hissed at the three Black Riders in a primeval tongue.

He turned from the Black Riders-now mounting their flying steeds-towards Pharazon. "Serenia, indeed. It seems that the kingdom of good is not as good as it seems, no? The Crimson Suns, this region's largest independent band, has its own problems with Serenia."

"I have been sent with this army to deal Serenia a crushing blow, one that it will...never recuperate from." Pharazon said in response. "If your group is open to it, perhaps we can combine our armies for a massive attack."

Pharazon's army watched as their commander was discussing things with Ossil Kinrath. He commanded a formidable army, for example his cavalry could destroy enemy formations and the pikemen could use their tactics to inflict heavy damage on Serenian cavalry.

Behind Pharazon was the "General's Bodyguard", some of the elite cavalry of Alagaesia, they were dressed in full armor, very strong and able to resist many attacks. They were given to all generals of the army but not to Galbatorix, who had his own elite cavalry to put to use.

OOC: Does Ossil Kinrath know about the Sonwe legend?

Sasha appeared in front of the huge army. She scanned it cooly. "It is almost time." she said. "March your forces to this spot." Sasha produced a map and handed it to Pharazon. "There will be the Stranger's army. With our combined strength, we shall crush Serenia. The fate of it's inhabitants will be told by mothers to frighten children into good behavior. Blood with flood the land. It will be a glorious day." Sasha bowed low. "We thank Galabatorix and Ossil Kinrath for their forces. Today, we march. Tommarow, we fight! shouted Sasha, using her magic to spread war fevor into all the troops. Filled with bloodlust and excitment, the troops were ready to move with speed.

Sasha appeared in front of the huge army. She scanned it cooly. "It is almost time." she said. "March your forces to this spot." Sasha produced a map and handed it to Pharazon. "There will be the Stranger's army. With our combined strength, we shall crush Serenia. The fate of it's inhabitants will be told by mothers to frighten children into good behavior. Blood with flood the land. It will be a glorious day." Sasha bowed low. "We thank Galabatorix and Ossil Kinrath for their forces. Today, we march. Tommarow, we fight! shouted Sasha, using her magic to spread war fevor into all the troops. Filled with bloodlust and excitment, the troops were ready to move with speed.

OOC: Xiscapia, who is RPing the Stranger?

Pharazon looked at the map and said to Sasha: "Thank you for this map. We shall march towards the designated area." He put the map away and then said to Sasha: "Our army will do some significant damage to the Serenians."

Pharazon turned around to face his soldiers and nodded, signifying it was time to march forward. If things went well, what Sasha said may become true. Pharazon and his army marched, followed by Ossil and his army. They would combine their armies with the Stranger's army and then deal the Serenians a crushing blow.

How would the Serenians deal with this formidable threat that would arrive at their border?

OOC: Xiscapia, who is RPing the Stranger?

Pharazon looked at the map and said to Sasha: "Thank you for this map. We shall march towards the designated area." He put the map away and then said to Sasha: "Our army will do some significant damage to the Serenians."

Pharazon turned around to face his soldiers and nodded, signifying it was time to march forward. If things went well, what Sasha said may become true. Pharazon and his army marched, followed by Ossil and his army. They would combine their armies with the Stranger's army and then deal the Serenians a crushing blow.

How would the Serenians deal with this formidable threat that would arrive at their border?
OOC: I am. The Stranger sends his second-in-command because he dose not want to expose himself to possible assassination.
IC: Sasha continued onward with the combined army. With her mind, she sent a telepathic message to all the Dark armies, groups, and hordes. "Come at once to the Temple of the Last Stone (where the Stranger is located, bad guy HQ you could say) at the montain of Ice and assemble. The time is almost here. At last, we will reveal ourselfs to the Serenians. At last we shall have our revenge." Across Serenia, hundreds of thousands of creatures and humans began their treck to Mt. Ice and the Temple of the Last Stone. Werewolves, Vampires, orges, dragons, orcs, corrupt humans, all the forces of evil started to the Temple.
OOC: Can Arenda or whatever her name is go back and get her brother soon so we can attack?

OOC: He don't know of the legend...for that matter, neither do I.

IC:

The Crimson Suns army poured forth from the mountain, a medium-sized picket left to defend the near-impenetrable fortress-city. Nine fell beasts rose to the sky, their Black Rider mounts over them aloft. Kinrath raised his own immense, overgrown fell beast-the master of the group and nearly twice the size of the already large flying reptilians-into the sky. Raising his halbard aloft, Kinrath pointed the tainted weapon skyward and forward in the path to victory.

Massive war elephants and rhinos proceeded on to cover the rear of the entire group, the Crimson Suns army moving into the flank of the entire combined group. Four elephants dragged a gigantic battering ram behind them-the centerpiece to what would be needed to blast down the walls of the kingdom's keep. Ballistas and trebuchets ringed the monstrous ram, outwards expanding into Camel cavalry and infantry. There was no chance the Serenians were getting to the ram before actual battle was initiated on their turf.

OOC: A.B, the legend of the "Sonwe" is that a young girl will come to aid the Serenians in their hour of need, and Andrea will become the Sonwe later on in the RP.

Pharazon's massive army marched along the trail to the place they were to meet the Stranger at. Pharazon's dragoons, armed with guns which they could fire while moving came up behind him, followed by the rest of the formidable army.

Pharazon contemplated his battle plan in his mind as they rode on the trail, planning everything so that he would be prepared and ready for the upcoming battle.

Rocket launchers, cannons, elephants, musketeers, pikemen and other sorts of soldiers followed behind Pharazon, he had a strong army behind him, one that could use things like gunpowder. The battle would begin soon and we would see a sight to indeed behold.

@ Amazonian Beasts: Yes, there are several cities in Serenia. Ravera is the capital with several dozen small villages and a few larger cities.

OOC: I want everyone to know that this rp is going to be a long one. This particular rp, if it goes well, will be the first in a trilogy of rps. For now, there will be no massive invasion of Serenia or the other kingdom's of free races. I know you are all itching for an epic battle but it must wait for now. The party will be moving to Ravera shortly and meet the High Queen where it is revealed that Andrea may be the fabled, Creator whose powers are unparalleled. A spy learns of this and several assasins, employed by followers of The Stranger, attempt to kill her but end up failing and instead kidnap the High Queen Herself. Reynor leads a band of warriors to save the High Queen and Andrea comes with them, deperate to learn more about The Creator. Along their way, a wizard (whoever mentioned playing a wizad) could trick Andrea into leaving Serenia where she finds her brother but end sup coming back, wanting to save the realm anyway she can. Upon returning, the dark forces begin their march into Serenia, setting the stage for the next rp, the contents of which are still under construction.

Vallen tore at a piece of bread and dipped it in a saucer and bit of a piece.
"How is you're father, young prince?" Vallen asked. The otehrs contiuned to eat and converse over the course of an hour or so. By that time, much of the food was gobbled up and the drink, well, was drank. It was nightfall and many of the party retired to quarters assembled for them.
"Andrea" Vallen said as the young girl was about to enter her room. "My The Creator protect you in your sleep" he smiled a comforting smile and walked away. Andrea thanked him and entered the small chambers. It didn't matter that it was small, cramped, and scarce. She just wanted to sleep. Upon hitting the bed, she was out like a candle light.

Reynor passed down the open courtyard in his blue tunic. He never slept much and preferred to walk outside in the cool air and the quiet of night. He breathed in slowly and exhaled just as slow. His eyes closed and a familiar and warm image appeared. It was her. Her golden hair and deep blue eyes. She was the brightest light in his life. Someone who loved him unconditionally and was waiting for him in Ravera. He smiled and reopened his eyes to see Vallen.
"You shall take this company to Ravera on the morrow" Vallen instructed. "These princes have important work to be done with the High Queen. Also, the girl, she must go too"
"My lord, she is just a strange girl" Reynor replied in a whisper.
"Nonsense, you know as well as I do that Andrea is much more than a strange one. I can feel it and so can you"
"I will not believe. I do not believe"
"You never believed in The Creator, Atticus. Why is that?" Vallen softened his tone and demeanour.
"Where was The Creator when I lost men in battle? Where was The Creator when their families needed peace?" Reynor asked.
"I have a feeling in my gut that all that will change...soon" he said as they walked. Reynor always marveled at Vallen's worldy attitude despite being an aging warrior.

OOC: Time to raid....Kulikovia, mind being the leader(s) of the village?

The army of Pharazon reached a Serenian village, and Pharazon decided to send an ambassador to them, in the hopes they would surrender instead of risking their destruction. As he sent the ambassador, rocket launchers (not modern ones) were being aimed at the village. Pharazon would wait and see if the ambassador had good results or not.

The ambassador came to the leader(s) of the village and gave a speech to them, in order that the reason he was here would be known to them:

"From Pharazon, General of Alagaesia:
People of this village, I bid thee greeting. I ask you to surrender yourselves to my army, lest you wish for the destruction of all you hold dear in your hearts. I do not wish to make you perish by the sword, as I am offering you a chance to be saved from any attack. If you do not surrender, expect that your village will burn to the ground, and only ashes and ruins will be left for you."

The ambassador watched as the village leaders discussed the message from Pharazon but what would they do? Would they accept surrender or risk the wrath of Pharazon's army?

Fear gripped the village of Hylock. It was a simple village, nestled against the northern banks of the River Nar. A major river which flowed through Serenia, as well as a major trade route. There were roughly 1,000 villagers with several large farms surrounding. The Council was gathered in the tavern which served as a meeting place for the leaders of the shire. They heard what the ambassador had to say, all the wihle sitting back in fear and hate that such evil would come to their doorsteps. Upon hearing the offer they deliberated on what to do. The village elder, an aging man named Absolon sat at the head of the table.
"Elder, we must fight!" shouted a younger member of the council. Severl others chimmed their suppost while others cursed him.
"Nay, they are too numerous and strong for us to stand against" another pleaded. As they argued and bickered, Absolon sat quietly taking in the feedback and deciding on the course of action. He was a wise man and a good leader of the village. After much shouting and discussing, they turned to Absolon who wrapped a hand around his cane.
"My friends" he began "We must not fight them. There are many women and children. I cannot bear to see them harmed or their blood spilt upon this land. This is the only action we must take." his voice had a finality on the end which caused the others to remain silent.
"Elder" a man stood up. He was bearded with gray eyes. His name was Bayard, a local farmer and a respected member of the council. "Perhaps we could send a rider out to warn the other villages and to Fortress Hylland."
"That sounds admirable, but who could go?" Absolon asked, scanning the room. No one rose up to the idea so Bayard decided to go. It was a risky endeavour. There were enemies all around and he would be leaving his family. The Elder and several others went out to inform the ambassador while Bayward slipped to the stable and took a black stallion. It was dark out so he wore darker clothes and packed very lightly, then mounted the horse and moved off very quetly and slowly down a deer trail he knew which ran along the river.
"Ambassador" Absolon called out "We accept your terms!" the villagers waited and prayed that they would be spared.

OOC: Yeah, I'm gonna get a little village as well...I need to exert my evil side. Plus give my guys something to kill.

IC:

Kinrath nodded to Pharazon as an element of the Crimson Suns-a detaching Warg group, along with two of the fell beasts-branched off. The main merc force was remaining with Pharazon's group, simply staying put-more of a consilidation move than anything else; to keep everyone together. But the Wargs, and their Uruk riders from the mountains, were fast and quick-they would go scout out the rims of Serenia. It was little more than making the forces of darkness known-but that the Wargs would do.

The lethal canines, twice the size of a wolf and far faster and more aggressive, tore off from the army, the detachment racing off over the rolling green hills. The sun beat down mercilessly, but the Uruks were hardy warriors-they had their mission in mind. The two fell beasts shot overhead, crying out from time to time in their shrieking, bone-chilling screams. The Warg riders continued to move north along Serenia's border before a single sight came over the nearest hill-a solitary village, though not any isolated or tiny thing. It seemed active, though quite undefended. The Warg riders halted their hounds at the hill's top.

The village was scanned by the 96 Warg Riders and the two Black Riders. It seemed rural, but at least somewhat lively-nothing too large. A small river ran to the East of the village-flowing fast, but not particularly deep. Enough to cut off the villagers, though-and plundering was what the 98-strong force had in mind. They seemed totally unprepared for the Warg Riders, standing atop the hill with the sun at their backs.

With a howl, the leading Warg Rider sheathed his spiked sword and raised his longbow into the sky, the other Warg Riders doing the same. The fell beasts took off from the hill, the Black Rider on each wielding his Morgul Blade-a fatal strike to any mortal. The Wargs divided into three groups of 32-two of the groups setting off towards the West and North to converge on the village from three different directions. The fell beasts were already going in, the great creatures shrieking as they flew headlong towards the village.

OOC: Yeah, I'm gonna get a little village as well...I need to exert my evil side. Plus give my guys something to kill.

IC:

Kinrath nodded to Pharazon as an element of the Crimson Suns-a detaching Warg group, along with two of the fell beasts-branched off. The main merc force was remaining with Pharazon's group, simply staying put-more of a consilidation move than anything else; to keep everyone together. But the Wargs, and their Uruk riders from the mountains, were fast and quick-they would go scout out the rims of Serenia. It was little more than making the forces of darkness known-but that the Wargs would do.

The lethal canines, twice the size of a wolf and far faster and more aggressive, tore off from the army, the detachment racing off over the rolling green hills. The sun beat down mercilessly, but the Uruks were hardy warriors-they had their mission in mind. The two fell beasts shot overhead, crying out from time to time in their shrieking, bone-chilling screams. The Warg riders continued to move north along Serenia's border before a single sight came over the nearest hill-a solitary village, though not any isolated or tiny thing. It seemed active, though quite undefended. The Warg riders halted their hounds at the hill's top.

The village was scanned by the 96 Warg Riders and the two Black Riders. It seemed rural, but at least somewhat lively-nothing too large. A small river ran to the East of the village-flowing fast, but not particularly deep. Enough to cut off the villagers, though-and plundering was what the 98-strong force had in mind. They seemed totally unprepared for the Warg Riders, standing atop the hill with the sun at their backs.

With a howl, the leading Warg Rider sheathed his spiked sword and raised his longbow into the sky, the other Warg Riders doing the same. The fell beasts took off from the hill, the Black Rider on each wielding his Morgul Blade-a fatal strike to any mortal. The Wargs divided into three groups of 32-two of the groups setting off towards the West and North to converge on the village from three different directions. The fell beasts were already going in, the great creatures shrieking as they flew headlong towards the village.

"It is quiet now. They came from the blackness....."

Pharazon ordered his rocket launchers to wreak havoc on the village, while his dragoons charged into the village, arming their guns and aiming at their targets. Only some soldiers from the army of Pharazon unpacked their weapons and proceeded to get ready for their mission.

Villagers ran from their homes as soldiers marched towards them, ready to burn down their homes. Pharazon came into the village, watching as his soldiers, alongside Ossil's soldiers, wreaked havoc in the village.

When some villagers tried to fight back, a group of dragoons shot them down as they rode past them, they had such useful skills. A villager tried to attack Pharazon himself, but he was cut down quickly.

The rest of Pharazon's army watched as a group of their fellow soldiers were disposing of the village of Hylock. Rocket launchers set fire to homes as their rockets rained down upon the village.

Pharazon showed no emotion (you could not see his face anyway) as he watched the village being demolished. He watched as dragoons shot down attacking villagers, rockets raining down from the sky, homes burning to the ground, villagers running away. Pharazon was not an evil person really, he was just doing what relatives taught him to do concerning how to deal with villagers, etc.

The village was not to be spared, thanks to the actions of these soldiers, but soon there could be other villages and possibly towns and cities attacked, and of course, if things went well, there was always Ravera.

The Prince looked at Vallen and said

My father is fine he awaiting word of this important treaty that needs to be signed said Prince Iven

Prince Iven returned to his room where he laid awaiting to go to ravera,he begin to wonder of Andrea he could sense something special about atlhought he is half elf and they dont believe in the same god he did believe in the creator as he has study many religons

OCC:Thats a good idea of make it Trilogy

OCC:Thats a good idea of make it Trilogy

OOC: Thanks. The other two are still in the works, but are well on their way. Here's the working titles for the next two, subject to change:
Tales of Evermore: The Dark Star
Tales of Evermore: The Golden Gate

OOC: Thanks. The other two are still in the works, but are well on their way. Here's the working titles for the next two, subject to change:
Tales of Evermore: The Dark Star
Tales of Evermore: The Golden Gate

OOC: Nice titles, Kulikovia. I hope the trilogy works out for you, this RP is quite interesting. I may try to make one myself some day.

OOC: Nice titles, Kulikovia. I hope the trilogy works out for you, this RP is quite interesting. I may try to make one myself some day.

OOC: Thanks:D This is my first fantasy rp. Everyone is really making this work out and an enjoyable experience.

The night went by quickly as all slept. Andrea woke early to the sun cracking the tree tops. It was a brisk morning and the soldiers on watch moved around with green cloaks on over their armor. It seemed calm out today. After a small breakfast the caravan assembled in the courtyard. They were resupplied and Reynor recieved orders from Vallen to escort them to Ravera and to the High Queen. Vallen stood in front of them.
"Young lady" Vallen bellowed towards Andrea who shivered in the morning cold. "Doth thou not have a cloak or blanket?" he asked.
"No, my lord" Andrea shuddered. Vallen grunted and removed his fur cloak and gave it to Andrea who acceoted it and wrapped it artound her body. She could feel herself warming up instantly.
"I slayed that wolf when I was a boy. It came to attack my father's flock. I was chared with protected the flock. The beast fell to my blade as he stood over me, ready to send me to the next world. Alas, I am stil that smae sheperd boy, only older" he said off into the distance.
"Thanks!" Andrea exclaimed and moved back to Grif.
"Reynor, protect these people from all the dangers that have entered our world" Vallen ordered and Reynor nodded atop his horse. The caravan began to move out of the Fortress and onto Ravera. It would take several days to reach the great city.

Prince Iven grabbed his horse and rode out to find lord Reynor at the head of the Caravan he asked

Lord Reynor how long will it take to travel to Ravera Asked Prince Iven

Reynor craned his head to face Iven.
"It will take perhaps three days of hard riding, five if we take time to rest adequatley." he replied. From the trees, a hidden shadow watched the caravan move. He traveled a safe distance, as always. The raven flew out across the land and he knew of the raids and killings. Death exicted him. He smiled and watched on.

Ok said Prince Iven

Prince Iven slowed down and found Andrea and Grif

hey Andrea and Grif said Prince Iven

OOC: Kulikovia, is it possible to get a spy near the convoy? It is just a thought I had.

OOC: Kulikovia, is it possible to get a spy near the convoy? It is just a thought I had.

OOC: I have a spy near the convoy already.

OOC: I have a spy near the convoy already.

OOC: You do, I must have missed that.

During the journey, Andrea sat atop Grif who moved at an equal pace with the horses. She now had some time to think. Time to think about everything that has unfolded. This was indeed a strange land but she felt oddly at home. Everything was strange yet familiar to her. Soon, she thought of home. The terrible thing she saw and wondered how everyone is doing. Do they know she's gone? What's Tommy doing? She missed her brother dearly and wondered how he's taking it all. Now they were traveling to Ravera, she always imagined the great city and was eager to see it in real life.
"Such a wonderful day" Grif commented.
"Yep" Andrea replied. "Sure is a beautiful day".

OOC: Can I raid another village. Kulikovia?

OOC: Sure

IC:

Bayard rode hard down the beaten paths that led through the woods. His ony thought was to make it to Fortress Hylland and warn the garrison of the raiding parties. A million concerns ran through his mind. He left his wife and young daughter whithout the chance to say goodbye, it may have been the last time he could see them alive. For all he knew, the village could be burnt to the ground and the inhabitants slaughtered. This thought gave him a sick knot in his stomach as he continued to ride. A day went by as his horse neared exhaustion, as did he. Bayard slept not once nor ate. After much traveling he rounded the mountain path and saw the fortress in the distance. It was a beautiful sight as he approached. The sentries halted him at the outer gate.
"State thy business!" a burly sentry ordered.
"I must speak with The Guardian! Tis most important and grave!" Bayard pleaded with the guards. They thought for a moment then decided to let him enter, with an escort. Bayard entered the courtyard and Vallen came out to greet him. Bayard stepped down from his horse and knelt.
"My lord, I come with terrible news" Bayard said, out of breath.
"What bothers thee?" Vallen asked, concerned.
"My village, Hylocke, was attacked yesterday and overrun by raiders!" Bayard uttered. "They are spreading outwards, my lord" The words were like arrows through Vallen's heart. Strange events were indeed unfolding.
"Pray thee well, citizen" Vallen finally said "Thous hast done well. Where art thou family?''
"In the village, my lord" bayard said in a low tone.
"Stand, citizen. I will raise the standard of Serenia over thy village once more" he said confident. Bayard smiled and stood to his feet.
"May The Creator bless thee, my lord". Vallen shook his hand then moved over to Captain Loran.
"Captain Loran, marshal what cavalry thou can spare for this endeavour. We ride to Hylocke and liberate these oppressed Serenians!" Vallen ordered.
"Aye, my lord" Loran replied and moved out to raise the troops. The Guardian would lead this small expedition to track the enemy forces and check them whenever possible.

OOC: Kulikovia, Serenia is now being visited by a character from Greek mythology. Also, a small expedition may not be enough to fight the soldiers at Hylock.

Apollo, a member of Greek mythology traveled through Serenia, carrying with him a small pack and dressed in strange attire, he looked like a young man. As he traveled, he noticed the convoy with Andrea and Grif. Contemplating, he saw in his mind their predicament. "This child...they think is a promised one." Apollo uttered as he slowly walked towards the convoy, perhaps he could get the chance to meet them.

Roy was following the convoy and saw Vallen take off to assist the village that had been attacked. "Now even Serenia itself is being attacked... What could possibly be motivating these creatures to attack?" He thought to himself.

Zan kept eye on the children until he thought he heard different foot steps following and turned around to see who it was. He saw a strangely garbed man walking towards them. He asked him, "Sir, would you please state your business?"

Meanwhile, in Caemlea's capital

King Aterian IV had returned from another hearing of the state of his villages. Another five raids had taken place today and the village of Koryus was almost completely destroyed. The raids were becoming bothersome and if they continued, Caemlea would well be on its way to destruction. After the meeting, the King returned to his throneroom to discuss matters with his Royal Advisor Harkinian. After waiting for a short period, he saw Harkinian (http://www.rpgobjects.com/images/wiz11.jpg) enter. He kneeled before the King and asked, "What ailes thee my lord?"

Aterian requested, "I wish to hear of how my son is progressing in his travels. Has he yet to reach Ravera?"

Harkinian answered, "We have just received word from Captain Zan my lord. He and the convoy are at most a five day's travel away from the Serenian capital. However, what's better is that he has encountered the Ecclessian Prince Iven in his travels and will soon join the treaty with Serenia in hopes of obtaining an alliance."

Aterian commented, "I see. Hopefully the meeting of the two with the High Queen will result in assisstance that will save us from these raids."

Harkinian responded, "I hope for as much my lord. The Church is offering as much assisstance for those who have lost much in Koryus already, and we could require more unity amongst the Schools."

Aterian said, "Yes. The Schools still cannot decide on what must be done to stop these raids. Hopefully we shall soon hear word from the others on the meeting with the High Queen."

Harkinian closed, "Indeed, I hope for as much my lord. I shall pray to Sonwe that she sees them to Ravera and that your son returns to the capital."

Aterian was about to let him leave, but further questioned, "Harkinian... Do you... Do you truly think it was wise that I sent my eldest son to meet with the High Queen."

Harkinian answered, "I know you concern for Prince Roy's well being, but your kingdom needs your leadership my lord. Sending Roy was the only possible choice..."

Arterian nodded and was left in thought about the conversation....

Prince Iven was starting to get bored of riding he hoped to reach the Serenian Capital of Ravera soon.he begin to think of Ecclessia and his family he wished to get this treaty signed and stop the increasingly powerful dark forces.The Prince rode to where Prince Roy was riding

Hey said Prince Iven

Roy was following the convoy and saw Vallen take off to assist the village that had been attacked. "Now even Serenia itself is being attacked... What could possibly be motivating these creatures to attack?" He thought to himself.

Zan kept eye on the children until he thought he heard different foot steps following and turned around to see who it was. He saw a strangely garbed man walking towards them. He asked him, "Sir, would you please state your business?"

Meanwhile, in Caemlea's capital

King Aterian IV had returned from another hearing of the state of his villages. Another five raids had taken place today and the village of Koryus was almost completely destroyed. The raids were becoming bothersome and if they continued, Caemlea would well be on its way to destruction. After the meeting, the King returned to his throneroom to discuss matters with his Royal Advisor Harkinian. After waiting for a short period, he saw Harkinian (http://www.rpgobjects.com/images/wiz11.jpg) enter. He kneeled before the King and asked, "What ailes thee my lord?"

Aterian requested, "I wish to hear of how my son is progressing in his travels. Has he yet to reach Ravera?"

Harkinian answered, "We have just received word from Captain Zan my lord. He and the convoy are at most a five day's travel away from the Serenian capital. However, what's better is that he has encountered the Ecclessian Prince Iven in his travels and will soon join the treaty with Serenia in hopes of obtaining an alliance."

Aterian commented, "I see. Hopefully the meeting of the two with the High Queen will result in assisstance that will save us from these raids."

Harkinian responded, "I hope for as much my lord. The Church is offering as much assisstance for those who have lost much in Koryus already, and we could require more unity amongst the Schools."

Aterian said, "Yes. The Schools still cannot decide on what must be done to stop these raids. Hopefully we shall soon hear word from the others on the meeting with the High Queen."

Harkinian closed, "Indeed, I hope for as much my lord. I shall pray to Sonwe that she sees them to Ravera and that your son returns to the capital."

Aterian was about to let him leave, but further questioned, "Harkinian... Do you... Do you truly think it was wise that I sent my eldest son to meet with the High Queen."

Harkinian answered, "I know you concern for Prince Roy's well being, but your kingdom needs your leadership my lord. Sending Roy was the only possible choice..."

Arterian nodded and was left in thought about the conversation....

OOC: Changing the man from Hermes to Apollo.

As Apollo walked towards the convoy, he contemplated in his mind the young girl, who he found out was named Andrea. Suddenly, a man he found out to be named Zan came towards him and asked why he was coming towards them. Since he was known as a man of truth and known for never telling a lie, Apollo told Zan this:

"I am Apollo, the son of Zeus. I have stumbled upon these lands and wish, if it is possible, to meet with the leaders of your convoy. I mean no harm to you, or to them."

Prince Iven was starting to get bored of riding he hoped to reach the Serenian Capital of Ravera soon.he begin to think of Ecclessia and his family he wished to get this treaty signed and stop the increasingly powerful dark forces.The Prince rode to where Prince Roy was riding

Hey said Prince Iven

OOC: Changing the man from Hermes to Apollo.

As Apollo walked towards the convoy, he contemplated in his mind the young girl, who he found out was named Andrea. Suddenly, a man he found out to be named Zan came towards him and asked why he was coming towards them. Since he was known as a man of truth and known for never telling a lie, Apollo told Zan this:

"I am Apollo, the son of Zeus. I have stumbled upon these lands and wish, if it is possible, to meet with the leaders of your convoy. I mean no harm to you, or to them."

Roy was riding and hoping that the Serenian capital was soon to be reached. He heard Prince Iven behind him trying to gain his attention. Roy asked, "Yes Lord Iven?"

"Apollo..." Zan thought to himself. He never heard such a strange name before, though the man seemed to be true to his word and decided to allow him to talk to the Princes. "My lords, there is someone who wishes a word with you." He said to Iven and Roy.

One hundred men were all Vallen could spare from Fortress Hylland. They were good men, veterans. He donned his armor and the standard of Serenia flew in the air as the horses galloped through the roads, thundering towards battle. He knew that to confront them would be suicide. All of them knew it as well. So, Vallen decided to only follow them. He was getting older and riding in such a manner was not very healthy any more. They continued to ride until the village of Hylock was within sight. It lay nestled against the banks of the river Nar. His best spotter, a young mane named Godfrey came forward.
"Young Godfrey, what doth thou see?" Vallen inquired. Godfrey knelt down on the forest floor and leaned forward.
"I see a village in peril, my lord" Godfrey uttered. "Thy eyes can see only but small patrols here and there. They move through the village like ghosts"
"Of what quanity doth thou see?" Vallen asked, elaning forward, his own older eyes could see nothing much.
"I see several score, perhaps others" Gopdfrey stood to his feet.
"We have no idea where the main body is, my lord" Loran interrupted.
"Indeed. We are blind, save young Godfrey here" Vallen motioned to the young scout. "Loran, take a score and move eastward, shadow them if thou shoudl come upon them. I will skirt the village and observe their movements". Loran nodded and donned his helmet.

OOC: 100 to take on Hylock? That will be somewhat one-sided, with mine and Kyz's forces there. Well, I guess it can send a message though.

IC:

The other village had been left in ruins, and Kinrath had been proud of his Warg corps as they had reported back without a loss. Hylock had been where Pharazon's forces had first made their threats, and the village had, fortunately for their lives, surrendered. Kinrath didn't know what Pharazon wanted with Hylock, but he figured the Suns could use it as a temporary base while they reinforced and resupplied...after all, the civilians could be "tempted" to be helpful. Kinrath's new Second-in-Command, Asgar Sando, was off with negotiations with the Mountain Goblins. Even though they had traditionally been enemies, Sando had too much to offer to the Goblins-there was no way they would give up on this chance. With their forces, combined already with the Suns's force-the alliance of the Uruks, Men, Dwarves, and Trolls-there would be virtually nothing to stop them.

Hylock was still quiet-but the Suns had other ideas as they remained parked outside the village on a group of high-rising, tall-grassed and well-vegetated hills.

In the Sky Mountains around the Suns's traditional turf, Sando led a small column through the Red Pass towards the traditional Goblin home, the massive cave-fortress of Erebor. The column didn't get too far-from down the pass, a gigantic force of Giant Scorpian cavalry and Cave Spiders confronted the War Elephants of Sano's group. Without fell beasts, Sando's column wouldn't last too long if fighting came up.

"Tell Shelob that I have a proposition," Sando said.

Shelob was the unlikely master of the Mountain Goblins-a Cave Spider of monstrous proportions. They had given in to her ways, and now the banner of the Mountain Goblins swung with her likeness. Crawling from the cave, the massive arachnid scaled quickly down the pass, eight legs pumping as a giant force of defensive Goblins and Half-trolls surrounded her.

From a distance, Shelob clicked off a series of questions in the Spider language.

"We're proposing this," Sando replied. "You will have domination over the entire range of the Sky Mountains and its surrounding territory, and in exchange, you assist our forces in successfully defeating Serenia."

The spider rallied off another set of clicks.

"It shouldn't be particularly difficult. We have the assistance of the forces of Galbatorix already with us. A giant army-with yours in the mix, it will grow far more massive."

Shelob seemed to think this one over, then clicked off a final set.

"I'm glad we see on equal terms," Sando smiled. "We will meet you near the village of Hylock."

Roy was riding and hoping that the Serenian capital was soon to be reached. He heard Prince Iven behind him trying to gain his attention. Roy asked, "Yes Lord Iven?"

"Apollo..." Zan thought to himself. He never heard such a strange name before, though the man seemed to be true to his word and decided to allow him to talk to the Princes. "My lords, there is someone who wishes a word with you." He said to Iven and Roy.

Apollo nodded to Zan and followed him as they walked towards Iven and Roy. Zan did not know that Apollo was a member of Greek mythology, there was probably no knowledge of such things here in Serenia. Apollo was dressed in strange attire and looked like a young man, but inside, he was more than that.

Pharazon was sharpening his sword as he rested, he wanted to make sure it was well sharpened. As he rested, he knew that the Serenians would attempt a counterattack, the only question left unanswered was when. As he rested, he was alerted by a soldier of more reinforcements, which was in fact a army of lizard men, who came from Lustria.

Pharazon welcomed their leader, Mazdamundi to Hylock and they had a discussion. The lizard soldiers began to take up positions along the village, while Mazdamundi and Pharazon discussed plans to defend the area. Pharazon wanted to use it for a base where reinforcements and supplies could come through.

Mazdamundi was a very powerful lizardman, able to fight many enemies. It is often rumored he had excellent abilities in magic, but he never showed anyone this, often just showing them his expertise in combat.

OOC: Pharazon's army also includes various other groups, such as the "Hordes of Chaos", "Dogs of War" and others.

OCC:Alright i mean its whatever

Prince Iven was riding beside Prince Roy when a young man looking in his early 20's Approached them.Zan brought apollo to them he said

Hey state your name and title please said Prince Iven

OCC:Alright i mean its whatever

Prince Iven was riding beside Prince Roy when a young man looking in his early 20's Approached them.Zan brought apollo to them he said

Hey state your name and title please said Prince Iven

OOC: Just wondering, but is Andrea there with Iven? I mean, she could know who Apollo is, if she has read the books of Homer (Illiad, Odyssey).

"My name is Apollo." Apollo replied to Iven. "I am but a traveler, I mean no harm to you or your convoy."

"To attack would bring certain destruction upon us" Vallen said to himself aloud. "But we must ride forth and crush thy enemies before they can marshal enough against us. We art few, but we art strong".
"My lord" young Godfrey interrupted. "Pray thee victorious". Vallen nodded and climbed back atop his warhorse. The Guardian had magical powers but to use such great amounts at once would cause much damage to himself. So, Vallen thought of what could be done. There were indeed great multiples of enemies present. So, Vallen turned to those brave men accompaning him.
"Warriors of Serenia, The Vanguard of Light!" he called to them. "Before us lays certain death, we will meet The Creator today and dine with her in the after realm! But I see before me men of young age with a life still left to live. I will go out to these vile creatures and challenge them in the ways of the old world. Pray thee shall stay back. Remember that the free people of this realm need us. We will be there for them in this hour of darkness!" Vallen whirled his horse around and came out from the cover of the trees, his sword in hand. He came to a distance away from the village which was swelling with enemy soldiers.
"Monsters!" Vallen challenged alone "Will thoust send your leader out?!" he demanded.

"You are not the leader of Serenia!" Kinrath roared back from atop his fell beast. The man certainly didn't look anything imposing, which is what Kinrath expected the kingdom's leader to be. "I will send one of your level out to meet you in the plane of battle!"

Kinrath sent a nod down to his forces on the hilltop, Pharazon's assembly further away. From the army, a single Uruk walked forth, face painted in a deathly spin of red and yellow. The Uruk, towering at 7'5", wielded a giant cleaver-like blade, a spiked shield, and full battle armor. The Uruk's head was bare-the brute's face one of spewing hatred and fire. The soldier roared as his race before him jeered towards Vallen. Atop his fell beast, Kinrath watched airborne to see the proceeding.

The Uruk approached Vallen at a calm gait, striding forth with the huge blade and the fiersome shield.

Steel determination drove Vallen forward. This beast that came towards him was fierce and evil. It mattered not, Vallen would stand his ground. His spurs kicked into the sides of his steed and it bolted forward, down the field as his men watched on from the tree line. Godfrey stood to his feet, unable to take his gaze away from the battle.
"For Serenia!" Vallen shouted as he raised his sword high overhead. The High Queen, once selection of a Guardian was complete, would bestow upon him magical powers which were used to defend Serenia from peril. A fire burned in his body, electrifying him. The sword became red with flames, the fire began to consume his fist as well. The fire then turned blue. He came towards the beast, moving to the left and charged forward.

Pharazon and Mazdamundi watched as the Uruk battled with Vallen. It was a bit surprising to see Vallen coming. They both came a bit forward with their armies to get a closer view of what was going on. Pharazon and Mazdamundi were hardened fighters, so if Vallen chose to fight them, he would have significant difficulty against them.

As they watched, some of the soldiers of Pharazon gripped their swords a bit more tighter, getting ready to fight if they had to. Pharazon could always just dispose of Vallen by using some cavalry, but he decided not to for now.

Pharazon and Mazdamundi continued to watch, hoping to see who would win between Vallen and his Uruk opponent and then the events that would occur after that.

Vallen swooped down with his sword and the blue flame sliced into the Uruk. The blue flames quickly spread and caused much damage against the monster.

Sasha watched the fight. The man had the advantage of speed and agility, but the Uruk was massivly stronger and more powerful. At any rate, whether the man won or not, he and his pathetic army would be annilihated.

The Uruk flipped away as the blade came crashing on his shoulder-a plate seperated, but the human's first strike wasn't severe enough. The Uruk laughed it off, saliva flinging from his open mouth. Such a blow might have killed a human or dwarf-but Uruk-hai, despite not being the most intelligent species around, were hardy and tough. They could shrug off violent attacks-and the massive armor that betrothed the creature helped, too.

With a lunge, the Uruk flung himself at Vallen, shield leading the way, and single-handedly swung his battlesword horizontally in an arc in front towards Vallen's midsection with enough force to cleave a human in two, utilizing surprising control for the blade's large size and heavy weight. The shield still covered the Uruk's more exposed sections, and could easily handle the flaming sword-it was plate forged high in the Sky Mountains, capable of withstanding tremendous force, pressure, and heat.

Atop the hill, the Uruk crossbowmen had been gathering into positions, their lead trailing the man's moves. The Uruk lacked the magical advantage-therefore, the underdog-but still had a chance due to sheer brawn and aggressiveness-the Uruk-hai were unpredictable. Still, even if he fell, the man would meet far more coming his way.

bump?

Prince Iven continue to talk to Apollo and said

Its alright we have came under attack numerous times and do
you have any good news said Prince Iven

OOC: I apologize, my attention became drawn elsewhere, but I'm back now.

The impact was sudden and brutal, Vallen fell from his horse as he felt his armor cave in, into his chest from the beasts blades. His aging body slammed into the ground. The Serenian cavalry looked on in horror as Loran dismounted and came closer to the edge of the trees, watching his commander being killed. Vallen's head was spinning, all he saw was the sun, blurred against the sky. He stood up, shakily. A drop of blood came from his mouth as he spoke.
"Foul creature!" he challenged "Thou cannot end me so easily. Come and taste thy blade!".

OOC: Vallen doesn't die here. I have plans for him later

Elsewhere, Andrea and the party continued down the path. She looked around and saw the surrounding hills, beautiful in the midday sun. It was just as she imagined it, Serenia. She breathed in slowly and exhaled even slower. Off in the distance, wood nymphs emerged from the trees, cautious and hidden. Andrea smiled as they moved around the trees then disappearing.
"What is it like in the other kingdoms?" Andrea asked to the princes.

Iven was speaking with Apollo and heard Andrea's question about what his kingdom was like. Roy was now able to communicate with Andrea better seeing that she didn't seem to consider him a total failure. "My land... Is similar to this one, except for the fact the capital is located at the foot of a mountain. There are forests like this and rivers run along side the outer most parts of the land. This is honestly my first time in Serenia's forests, I never imagined to see such wonder here... I honestly wish I could remain here for an extended period, but I believe we must soon be moving again..."

Prince Iven heard Andreas Question and he said

My Empire is Very Large and Is made up of Large mountains and rolling plains their are several large cities.but my favorite places in the Empire is we the Elves resided its very beautiful with a gold ocean and large forests and what Pennsylvania like said Prince Iven

"That sounds so interestin" ANdrea replied as they continued down the road. Reynor wheeled his horse around.
"We shall stop here and rest for a few moments" and he dismounted along with his soldiers.

Prince Iven looked at the countryside then at Andrea and said


what did you think will happen when we reach the queen

Reynor removed his helmet and placed it on the ground. He took in a deep breath and exhaled slowly. He always enjoyed the outdoors. Serenia had much to offer in the way of beauty and adventure.
"My lords, you will all meet with the High Queen to arrange the alliance. Nowadays, we need to remain unified against the evil creatures that threaten us. For if Serenia falls, it will only be a matter of time before the other kingdoms are threatened." Reynor replied with a voice of conviction and a hint of forboding. He then turned to Andrea who was stretching his back.
"Andrea, you too will meet the High Queen" he said. A knot formed in Andrea's stomach.
"M-Me?" she choked "Why would she want to see me?"
"Because you are not from here and the High Queen has many questions for you"
"She knows I'm here?!" Andrea was startled.
"The High Queen knows and see much, my lady" Reynor smirked.

Prince Iven was listining to Reynor and Said


Althought their army is very large with all of are combined forces we should be able to crush the evil forces who threaten all humanity and will crush them under are hooves.As i have learned some forces that were once evil are really good if we can get them to fight along side us will mostly sincerely be victorious said Prince Iven

"I wish I could share your views, my lord" Reynor replied with a bleak tone. The armies of Serenia were once great and vast in numbers, but not now. He sat against the base of a tree and surveyed the land. "These forces which mass against us are indeed numerous and vicious. It will be a tough fight."

Andrea wandered over to them, followed by Grif who stayed by her side. She turned to the beast.
"Grif, where are you from?" she inquired.
"I-I don't know" Grif replied with difficulty.
"You don't know alot, do you?" Andrea giggled.

Roy heard the Reynor and Iven speaking of the massive armies that had arrived and how Andrea was to soon meet with the High Queen of Serenia. It would seem that once the company met with the High Queen, it would be determined if she was the mortal aspect of Sonwe Roy and some of his men were beginning to believe she was. When he saw Andrea cringe at the idea of meeting with the Queen, it became obvious that she was in some amount of fear. Was she truly in fear, or was she making herself appear mortal? He stepped up to her and meekly asked, "Do you find it troubling to meet with the High Queen Lady Andrea?"

OOC: Dead thread. Goodbye. If this ever activates, give me a TG.