A Kingdom's Fate (Rp): Ended.

[The Zango]

Spoiler: OoC

Well, I was going to delay Ra'ive to give Ellondra and Vik'nar a chance to make things tense again but might aswell turn up

After half an hour of picking through back-alleys and avoiding main streets he had finally arrived at the western gate. He was surprised to see Landon had beaten him there despite waking later.

He bid everyone good morning and thanked Vik'nar for his hospitality and the fantastic breakfast. He then took a seat against a small signpost and began to tinker with his claws to pass the time, as they waited for the others to arrive.

 

[Dragon_of_red]

<spoiler=OOC>The RP would not move forward very fast then... Since afrosan isnt gonna be here for a whiles

Evela ran down the street, it was a massive annoyance to him being so polite, he would spend half the time running, and the other time apologising to people he had ran into.

He finally reached the gate to see the others standing there, "Yay, I didn't miss it" He said aloud to the group, breathing heavily. He went to go move the hair from his eyes, but he noticed something was wrong, it took him a few seconds to realise what happened, he had not put his mask on. He had just ran down the street of a main city, looking like a half bound. He panicked and searched for his mask, finding it still on his possesion, he quickly takes it up and puts it over his scars. "That better not ruin the trip..."

 

[Jav3lin]

As the straggler ragtag group of adventurers reached the Western Gates, King Herald came along shortly, accompanied by five men.
Four of which were wearing the same assortment of armor and weaponry as the Royal guards in the Castle, the fifth however, looked quite different.

"Ah, I am pleased to note that you are all present, for I bring heartening news"
King Herald stepped out from the protection of his soldiers and addressed the group.
"Your friend, the human known as The Professional, was found dead in the West Lodgings tavern. His throat had been pierced by a rather peculiar sword, also found on the scene"
The King's face went heavy as he tried to remember the details of the weapon used in the murder.
"It .... looked like bones. Human bones"
The King shook his head and disgarded the memory.
"We do believe your other contact, the Half-Bound, was connected to the murder, but he cannot be found. We have dispatched a search party to look for him, but I fear he has long left the city"

The peculiar looking man, alas not very peculiar but simply stood out from the guards, came to the King as he waved him over.
"This" King Herald began, looking and pointing with an open hand toward the man as he walked to his side "... is Acento Malankov. His strength and skill in arena fighting will ensure your victory in Tartungen. Of course, I insist on him joining you. I fear that, stragglers may be a threat as demonstrated by the resent events, but alas Acento is a man of honor and a man of which I trust. He is to accompany you to Tartungen and aid you in any way"

King Herald smiled toward Acento as he shook his hand and waved him over to the group.
"You are expected in Wesburg, but that ship is under your control and has been instructed to not leave without any of you. Go to the Docks and ask for a woman named Enalia, she will ask you to speak your business, and you must answer 'A ride is needed' and she will show you to your ship"

The King looked toward Ellondra and smiled.
"Secrecy and vague codes is something we need to set our lives by in these troubling times. But once this business in the East is over with, we may finally come to plain words and peace will reign. I will not stall you any further, a man from the stables will arrive shortly with your horses" King Herald looked at Acento "Yours as well, lest we forgot"

King Herald simply smiled and then set off again toward the castle.

 

[Slycne]

Huh, I guess that explains why they were late. Shooting a glance at the monk for his tardiness.

So Skaar cut down The Professional? I guess their little scuffle in the Swaere wasn't over for them. Vik'nar looked over his companions, mirroring the puzzled look many of them shared while they absorbed the odd turn of events.

First Dworgen and Aer'rad, and now Warees and Skaar has seemingly succumbed to his internal demons, these missions are taking their toll. Will any of us survive through this next one?

Will he be next? His eyes settled on their latest recruit. He was years younger than the rest of them, barely looked to be on this side of the fence of 20, but he showed signs of fighting and wore the heavy armor without signs of fatigue. Curious that the King hadn't sent him with us from the start if he thought so highly of him.

"So Acento... welcome, I guess." Anything to break the silence and wishing everyone who hadn't stabled their own horse had. Well at least he hasn't made the ground erupt, that's a plus. He thought as he remembered their last first meeting. "Well I guess if you are joining us... I'm Vik'nar."

Or Ser Vik'nar Hashi'shin Free-Knight of Herelden. Gyai-be-damned that's going to take some getting used to. What am I getting myself into with that?

 

[Dragon_of_red]

Evela looked around, 'Who'se the Proffesional?' he thought to himself, but he walked over to Acento, to make his greetings, "Hello, Blessed be to Gyia that we have a new member. My name is Evela, I'm a monk... Who knows some... tricks..." He wasn't sure if he would react well if he knew he was a mage, nobody else seemed to like the idea, so he decided not to tell him.

 

[lewism247]

"Nice to meet you all, I apologize for my lateness but I had to attend to some.... business"

He made his way round the group, shaking hands

 

[Lambi]

Landon shook the newcomer's hand and said "Business? What kind of business, if you don't mind me asking?"

This one looks like he can defend himself. Hopefully he will be of use to the group.

 

[lewism247]

"Not the pretty kind"

Acento pulled his claymore from it's sheath on his back and tapped a notch on it's blade, it looked quite new

 

[The Zango]

Ra'ive stood from his seated position and surveyed there newest recruit. He seemed formidable and could probably handle himself in a fight but so had Warees and Dworgen, he would not get his hopes up about the latest addition. However, he wasn't going to be rude or hostile either.

'Well, no more than usual anyway.

Ra'ive smiled behind his mask and went over to introduce himself to their newest, claymore wielding friend.

 

[lewism247]

Acento placed his claymore back into it's sheath.

He shook the hand of the latest greeter

"nice mask" he said, intent on making as good a first impression as possible

 

[The Zango]

"nice mask"

Ra'ive tensed at the mention of his mask, almost crushing the fingers of the man he was greeting.

'He was just trying to be polite'

'Idiot'

He let go of the mans hand and composed himself for a moment before replying to Acento coldly.

"Thank you"

 

[lewism247]

Acento pulled his hand back sharply

son of a ***** almost broke a finger

"you're welcome" he said, still trying to seem upbeat

 

[Slycne]

A rebuke forms on Vik'nar's lips at the two men staring daggers at each other, but memories of his own brazen introduction twist it into a simple sigh. At the time he'd felt a passive aggressive demeanor might allow him to be left to his own devices.

It's strange the random things life throws your way. He let his mind wander briefly on the relationships he'd formed thus far with these people. Friends, comrades and other things entirely? The Sever-Elves were often shunned do to their status. Too have come so far...

The arrival of the King's man with the rest of the horses startled him back into reality with a visible shake of his head. Vik'nar looked down from his saddle alongside Ellondra and her own steed while the others mounted up.

 

[lewism247]

Acento patted his steed's leg before he mounted it. He felt rather uncomfortable in the group, he sensed a great feeling of unease between them all. Just what had he gotten himself into?

 

[Jav3lin]

Ellondra mounted upon horseback and smiled toward Acento, studying his physical form and the way he presented himself.

"Glad to have you with us, we welcome any backup that the King feels comfortable sending our way"
She said and started to trot easily down the road toward Wesburg.

--

The first few hours of the trip were very quiet. Uneasy at the least.
The entire group succombed to quiet chatter, one-liners and whisper so the common silence was never truly broken.

The landscape was beautiful, but very dry. Droughth had indeed shed its weight across these lands and caravans and peasants were often seen rambling on about the weather conditions and how Gyia will provide soon enough.
Most of the people were heading toward Herelden, but many didn't have the Capital in their mind as a last stop.

As they rode, to their right was the great sea; a large and vast un-explored area filled with mysteries and tales. To their left was Flemwood, the eastern part of it at least. The treeline was visible due to the dead trees upon the plains and it stretched out on the horizon like an endless path of green.

The hour was now midday and Wesburg was soon to be in visual contact.
The bells of the docks and the smell of the salty air and fish wasn't far away either.

 

[The Zango]

Ra'ive mounted his horse with a deft leap and readied his pipe for the journey ahead. He was running low on Cea-weed and would have to pick up some more in Wesburg, a fact that he was sure would antagonise Ellondra and so he would have to be discreet. Strangely, he didn't wish to loose the small amount of trust and camaraderie that had been generated over their travels. He pondered these strange thoughts for a moment.

He was unused to companions whilst working and he was even less used to having companions he tolerated, let alone liked. Perhaps he'd found something to be part of after the years of wandering, perhaps he had found something to care about?

He would consider these thoughts later however, for now was the more pressing issue of getting high. He stuffed his pipe as he had done at the beginning of their first journey, lit it and set his horse off at a slow trot down the road.

Spoiler: OoC EDITED

Now look what you've gone and done Slycne! You've begun to melt Ra'ive's cold exterior with your delicious meals and warm hospitality!

------

Edit: Damn my obsessive editing and refining of my posts! I'm expanding it now, try not to arrive at Tortugen in the next five mins please?

Edit2: Come to think of it, I cant think of anything for Ra'ive to say.

 

[Dragon_of_red]

Evela was scared, he hadn't ridden many horses before, most of his experience comes from watching the otheres and sitting infront of Landon, he had somehow managed to not make a fool of himself yet. He had spent the entire time concentrating though, so he did not partake in many of the conversations.

'I need to practise my magic soon, I dont want to get rusty with it. Next room I find I'll get a match and pratise with it' He thought to himself.

 

[Slycne]

As the hours passed to idle chatter the group drew closer to the gentle rolling hills of the coast. The Western Sea still grew the foliage green and strong this close to the water's edge, and a warm breeze came rolling in from out to sea. It was still overall cooling and brought in the smells of the water on its windy waves.

I could get used to this.

He'd traveled this route many times with his merchant uncle years ago. Their caravan mostly ran the circuit from Herelden down the coast to Wesburg then into the forests to reach Flemworth and Wurden. The route was completed by traveling North to Swaere and then turning West to Herelden again. He had to remain hidden when back in Herelden so in many ways the sea was his sign of freedom again.

He smiled at the memories and breathed deep the salty air. "I need to make trips to the coast more often, it's simply wonderful here."

He turned in his saddle. "So Acento, how is it you came to be in service of the King?"

Spoiler: OCC

@BigZ225: Also the juxtaposition between Vik'nar and Rai've is pretty interesting/funny. Vik'nar is a nice guy who was trying to be a mean guy, and Rai've is a mean guy who is starting to warm to being nicer.

 

[lewism247]

Acento enjoyed the slight breeze and took a puff from his pipe

He turned to Vik'nar, glad to be included in conversation

"From my time in the arena, I've won 15 championships in my time, won this armor in my first competition actually"

 

[Slycne]

"Much experience outside of staged fights?"

The comment was half a hearty jest and half his own internal musings. He wasn't so keen on the idea of depending on a gladiator whose fighting was based on facing opponents on even terms. There was no incentive, beyond providing a spectacle for a crowd, to fight "fair".