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Post by Raz on Dec 8, 2016 14:20:30 GMT
Seeing the two settle in, Wilhelm felt it was his sacred duty to greet them. Kleinburg hospitality an all that. He hopped off the barstool, his drink sloshing about in his cup. He staggered his way over to the table with a big grin on his face. "Greetins fellow travellers. My name is Wilhelm, allow me to welcome you to this fine," hic "establishment." He says as he plops down into one of the chairs at the table. "To King Jaeger!" He says raising his glass before taking s long drought of it."so what brings you two to these parts?"
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Post by Deaths on Dec 8, 2016 16:47:49 GMT
A smile dominates his face as Artorias watches Sera run inside. He can't help, but smile whenever he lays his eyes on her. Her happiness was so infectious, her smile enchanting, and the only person except for the Queen who was actually fun to be around. Sheriff snorts obviously annoyed he's getting rained on, and he nudges Artorias to have him get a move on. Dragging the steeds into the stable he wipes them down, and removes the bags and saddles. His body going through the motions while his mind is elsewhere. No matter what his thoughts return to her, that smile seems to be permanently attached to his faces. Some proud noble barbarian prince he turned out to be, struck down in the prime of his life by feelings for some Elven lass way out of his league. He lets out a small sigh to himself while he finishes putting Sheriff away. Leaning against a post he stares out into space, noticing a decently hobbled together covered wagon puts a few ideas in his head. That would make travelling easier, and put less strain on Sheriff over all, if Nan helps that is.
"Ever been in love Nan?" The ridiculousness of his question to the horse makes him laugh at how stupid he was being. "Here I am talking to a horse in a rainstorm while a warm tavern was a few feet away." Nan chortles, at least Artorias thinks it did. It was hard to tell with horses. "She's prefect isn't she, so kind, pretty, and always quick with a joke. I think I'm in lo." He stops himself while giving a cross look at Nan. "I don't know if you two can talk to each other, or if she's got me beliveing you guys do. You better not repeat any of this to her. If you don't I swear I'll buy a huge bag of dates for you." He pleads to the horse who doesn't respond back, a pout begins to form on his lips though he quickly turns away. "Alright have a good night you two. I'll be out to check on you guys in a little." He sends a nod to his horses, and head inside the storm is really picking up.
Once inside he spots Sera immediately, his smile returning as he shook off the rain. Approaching the table he notices all the drinks eyeing Sera suspiciously. "First things first." He starts raising his pointer finger."Do not believe a word of what Nan says, she is lying and nothing happened. Second you're trying to hard to get me drunk, you're supposed to buy me multiple drinks throughout the night not all at once. At least thats what I was told anyway." Sera explains the situation to Artorias apparently they had made a new friend. "That pretty face of yours is going to get us into trouble one day." Looking over he spots some young boy you may as well fell into a cask of rum with how drunk he is. "Oh your gods,hes coming over." Lone sits down next to Sera letting the new friend sit on the opposite side of the table.
Listening to his drunken rambling he paid the boy no mind, until he says something interesting. "King Jaeger huh? It seems everyone is calling themselves king these days. What with the Wolf, and his rebels, Eygon in the swamps, and now this Jeager fellow. I think I should be king, I'd make a good king." Turning to Sera he straightens is spine and does his best to look kingly."You may now only refer to me as 'your grace'." He doesn't even send his usual grin she knows it's there. "Introductions are in order. My name is Artorias Versace Cardigan, Artorias is fine." His devilish smile worms it's way across his face, speaking before Sera gets the chance. "This is my wife Bertha." Keeping a serious face on though on the inside he was struggling to keep up the facade. "We've been married four years now. Rescued the poor girl from her parents pig farm. Took months to wash the smell out, I swear what they did to her was criminal." He stops himself biting his hand while a producing a lone tear this one looking almost genuine. "She still thinks she can talk to horses." He looks at her completely deadpan clearly he wasn't done with that topic. "So tell me about this King Jeager. We are traveling merchants from the far away land of Whatsit. It's a lovely city state far far from here you must see it in the winter the snowy hills are to die for. Sorry you need to interrupt me when I begin thinking of home or I'll rant for hours." Small laughs slip through his words, though he is doing a great job with his cover story.
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Post by Raz on Dec 8, 2016 17:21:58 GMT
"No, no, no." He says shaking his head, "The wolf and Eygon are completely different from King Jaeger. They don't really stand a chance against the Empire. Sure they'll fight it out and might bloody the Queens nose but that don't mean they'll win. King Jaeger though...he's different." He takes another sip of his beer. "Names Wilhelm, fastest rider this side of the Dragon spyre mountain. Messenger to King Jaeger, the last Feiherr." He looks to the couple before giving a laugh. "It's nice to meet ya, Artorias and your lass, Bertha." He said dipping his head to the elf. "Now Jaeger.." His look grew distant as memories of his interactions with king Jaeger came to mind. "There's something I can't explain about him. Ever since his father died its like he became a different person. He's smarter than the Empire gives him credit for. That's why he's overthrown the men at Fort Daxio as well as destroyed the division Hitchens was bringing to help the imperial army." He stared hard at Artorias. "You won't believe me, but he did it without losing a single man. And with..." He struggled to find the words he was searching for. "With magic. I watched it happen. The Empire don't know what they've woken."
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Post by Serph on Dec 8, 2016 18:21:39 GMT
Sera had to stifle a laugh when he tried to tell her Nan was a liar. Was he talking to the horses again? Makes her wonder what he was chatting about. Outside of how flustered he got around feelings, the only other humiliation she can imagine him suffering in a stable is tripping over the bucket or accidentally getting stuck in the pen with the horse. She’d like to imagine he tripped and Nan snorted at him until she finds out what really happened. Still she allowed him to make his second point, stifling the urge add ‘second things second’ and instead merely sat with a raised eyebrow as he brought up the drinks. “A silly drunk gentleman bought them for us,” she responded, though Lone decided to make it about her face, “Oh don’t sell yourself short, you’ve already wooed Sigs during the rescue. Surely another gent has been snared by your charms!” she teased. Though it was a short lived moment as Lone hustled to grab the seat next to her when the drunk fellow started to approach. Spirits help them with this fool. She almost missed the name of the King the boy was talking to in all his slurred words.
“Oh your royal highass, I could never lie so boldly as to call you grace of any kind,” Sera responded in mock deference at Lone’s sudden proclamation of kingship. Not able to do the proper bow, she could only dip her head and move her right hand near her left shoulder in the most proper form she could muster while sitting. Sera rolled her eyes as if she couldn’t believe the lies that were being told. “It was hardly criminal,” she sighed running with Lone’s story, still she let the insults continue, sitting straighter with crossed arms as Lone continued to insult her. “Oh I smelled? Bold words coming from you Fart- I mean Art,” she flubbed, it was completely intentional, but that doesn’t mean she can’t set it up as an easy verbal stumble. “Besides I know if I can talk to horses,” she waves off dismissively, careful to keep in ambiguous enough that Lone couldn’t call her out on it later.
Lone seemed very pleased to call on the conversation without her, and she merely listened as this drunken child rambled about the great King Jaeger, nodding appropriately. Most self-proclaimed kings these days ended up, insignificant or dead, so she was hardly concerned with his tales of glory, though she did morph her face properly to give the illusion of amazement. The words of magic however had Sera peering curiously at the drunk. “With magic?” Sera asked eyebrows raised. “And no one’s talking about these great victories yet?” she was certain bards would have a field day one way or another, but then again she hadn’t been talking to the bards since the Queen wandered off.
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Post by Raz on Dec 8, 2016 18:34:50 GMT
"Any who watched it happen weren't allowed to leave the country. At least until...it starts. Then I guess the borders will be open. Those who wish to leave will be allowed to. If you're speaking of the enemy combatants who would've survived the battles. Well, there are none." He looked at the woman and sighed. "Think me a fool I imagine, but answer me this. Did you see any imperial columns marching down the road? Because they should be here now if they yet lived. I don't know how to explain it, Jaeger has made these spears that..." He shook his head again. This time with a smile. "Well, if you keep on the road you'll see for yourselves."
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Post by Deaths on Dec 8, 2016 19:07:31 GMT
"Stupid boy." Artorias sighs a sad look crosses his face. He gives a look and a nod to Sera hopefully she'll know what he's planning. As Wilhelm takes a drink from his glass Artorias smacks the cup out of his hand then grabs the top of his head slamming his face into the table. Stunned by the blow the boy looks back up only to see a hard punch connect straight to his right temple. He falls from his chair, and is unresponsive. "Sera pay the bartender for his wagon we are going to be commandeering it." He orders as he picks up the boy and throws him over his shoulder. Walking out of the tavern he ignores the shocked faces of all the staff, opening the door the rain pours on him it wasn't as heavy as he feared, but it was still strong. Heading towards the stables he yells out to Sheriff and Nan. Sheriff gives an annoyed huff, and goes back to ignoring Artorias. "Sigeberht could be in danger." Artorias' words are cut off as Sheriff springs to life with the look of a young warrior ready to rescue his comrade. Nan is very upset that much is obvious, but she comes with to aid Sheriff, at least that's the fiction in Artorias' mind.
Throwing the boy into the wagon Artorias looks for rope something to tie the idiot down. Finding a suitable rope he binds the boys hands behind his back, next his feet. Climbing from the wagon he begins to attach Sheriff and Nan, the road to the battlefield will be treacherous in this weather. If he rides hard he can get them there in a decent time, hopefully he can make it before the others before something terrible happens. His hands move fast, setting a record pace when securing the horses. Looking over his shoulder he see Sera, unable to see her face he speaks. "We need to hurry, Sigeberht and the Lady General, hell the whole army could be in danger." A seriousness takes over him like a sergeant commanding his forces he orders Sera into the wagon. "Keep an eye on him I'll drive us. It's going to be rough I won't lie to you." Sullen he pauses. "I'm sorry,but the Queen can wait, she'll take care of herself she always has." He rationalizes while looking away from her and down the road.
What kind of magic could he have? The question burned into his mind, not pyromancy, judging by how the child talked about Eygon. Artorias was unfamiliar with other types of magic, for they were impure. Lost in thought his eye unblinking he continues to stare, waiting for the moment Sera gets in the wagon so he can take off.
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Post by Raz on Dec 8, 2016 20:25:02 GMT
The first blow sobered him up right quick. He felt something warm trickling down the side of his face. He looked up to see the fist putting him down. His last thought before darkness enveloped him was,"Why?" Then he was gone.
The next thing he new he was lying in his side, his face pressed against the boards. A cut above his eye and what he thought might be a broken nose reminded him of what happened. Waves of pain washed over him with each pulsing of his heart. When he looked down he could see a splash of red in the middle of his nose. He tried to move but found his arms and legs bound together. Now he began to panic. "H-hey! What's going on?! Let me go." Before he had sounded confident, now he sounded like the scared child he was. He cut his eyes back and forth trying to look for a way out. That's when he remembered his dear horse, Daisy. What's going to happen o her? To his family? He still had to bring the money. "Please, don't do this!" He begged.
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Post by Serph on Dec 8, 2016 21:44:07 GMT
Sera didn’t even hesitate to start patching things up with the bartender and the staff as Lone dragged the unconscious boy off. It wasn’t nearly as subtle as she would have liked, but it was hardly anything to complain about now. Instead she passed some gold, made some apologies and slipped out to see Lone finishing the packing. “I know the Queen will be fine for a little long,” Sera agreed, getting onto the wagon quickly and settling down so she could keep an eye on their new friend. “Besides, if the army isn’t around she may not have a place to be returned to,” she agreed, unresisting in their change of course. She worried about the Queen a bit, but it wasn’t anything new for her to wander off and find friends, not to mention the Queen was capable of defending herself when she needed to. Sera was sure she’d be fine for a little longer, and if her hunch was right their Queen might come to them herself, tailing the battlegrounds after passing through Ashford. With that in mind, she stared down at the unconscious boy at her feet as Lone drove the cart.
She was tempted to ask Lone how far he thought they’d be, but with how heavily the rain was coming down and how difficult it was to move a cart on slipper roads with older horses, one of whom was quite the grumpy, well…it was probably best to simply wait on that question. So she kept her focus trained on the child in front of her. It wasn’t long until the boy awoke and started panicking. “Shhh,” Sera tried to soothe now that the boy was shifting all about. He was more or less cornered between the walls and Sera herself, so there wasn’t anywhere he could really go. “If you keep moving you’re just going to hurt yourself more,” she continued calmly, already reaching into her bag to grab a salve, bandages, and a second small tonic.
His nose was a bit off, but his cut had stopped bleeding and if he didn’t jerk around and let her, she could patch some of it up. If he really tried to put up a fight and wiggle, well that’s what the second tonic was for. An unconscious prisoner was better than a violent or jerky one. Opening the salve, she carefully tipped her hand so he could see the cream inside the small jar. “It’s a salve for wounds. Will you let me treat you?” she asked slowly and calmly, waiting for him to respond before doing anything. Despite her calm and peaceful facade, she was watching him closely for signs that he might try to use this as his opening. Better safe than sorry even if he wouldn’t be able to do much if he tried.
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Post by Raz on Dec 8, 2016 21:58:09 GMT
Upon hearing to voice he froze up. He wanted to kick and bite and scream for help. But even to him, he knew no one was going to help him. He was going to be taken to that witch again and she'd have them flat him alive for information. "I'm never going to see my family again..." he murmured, tears beginning to fill his eyes. Never going to go on rides with Daisy again, because of these monsters. These people he was kind to, people he just wanted to have a drink with. "They're going to kill me." He said lowering his gaze back to the wooden planks. He didn't respond to her or even looked to see his kidnapper.
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Post by Deaths on Dec 8, 2016 22:25:02 GMT
Flashbacks to the night where a combination of Alantus troops and Eygons warmachine fell upon his home. Eygon had convinced the northerners to invade the swamp so he could judge there combat abilities. He wanted to see first hand and wipe out a rival in the same stroke. Artorias was about to eat dinner when his home was pelted with arrows. The Alantus unit to their credit were skilled, like they have been training for swamp combat for a long time. Panicking Artorias stole fire from his hearth and threw it at the invaders. A man in armor that was more for decorations than practicality knocked him over the head. He awoke hours later out of the swamp and in a village to small to have a name. The man told him that his father was dead and so was his mother Eygon cut their heads off and put them on spikes, he then cut out his sisters eyes and drowned her in the mud. Eygon then turned his weapons on the north men, killing most of them before they were able to retreat. This said his name was Curtis Grohl a nobleman who had a wife that was barren from a disease and she wanted a child badly. So he told the boy that if he wanted to live he would be his new son. Artorias accepted his new hostage situation, knowing that home was all he wanted. Looking back at the boy crying on the floor he saw himself there if not for a moment.
The wagon stops harshly as Artorias stood and walked to Sera and the kid. "No one's going to kill you kid. I wouldn't let them." He kneels behind the kid placing his hand on his shoulder. "As a knight of the queens guard I Artorias Vordt swear, no torture will come to you." Trying to calm the boy down his voice softens. "Listen I know your scared I know you just want to go home. I understand that more than you can possibly think." He sits down in a more relaxed nature, trying to pick his words carefully. "Be thankful I was the one who found you kid. If the horse lord, or Lady Apollinaire got there hands on you, you wouldn't stand a chance." He unties the boys hands in a show of good faith. "Listen to me boy Wilhelm was it? Listen Wilhelm telling me everything, tell me about your king, and I let you leave right now." Looking at Sera his eyes full of pity."I promise you on whatever honor I have left. If I think you are lying though, I will let Lady Apollinaire decide your fate." He finishes as the boy processes everything it was a stressful day for all of them, but he had a job to do. He had a queen to protect and what good is a queen without an army. The kid is loyal he had to give him that, but hopefully the fear of the Lady General was stronger than his loyalty.
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Post by Raz on Dec 8, 2016 22:41:27 GMT
He stared up at the knight, his gaze solidifying into one of sheer rage. "But can you promise the same for my mother and father? For my brother and sister if King Jaeger is defeated? Can you promise the safety of everyone in Kleinburg who aren't soldiers? People who just don't want to be part of your empire? Fuck you and fuck your Queen. That's all your getting out of me, imperial." He closed his eyes and waited for the blow he knew would come. I won't break, not in front of him. Not before that elf witch either. I'll die before I tell them anything. His mind latched onto that passing thought. I'll die before I tell them anything...
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Post by Deaths on Dec 8, 2016 23:11:34 GMT
"You know damn well I can't promise that. Can you promise the same if the Rabbit were the lose?' Your king must be agreat man. If he defeated the strongest army in the lands do you think he would just stop at Kleinburg?" His voice growing in rage. "No your king is going to keep marching, he'll sack the capital and burn it to the ground." Almost screaming at the boy, he takes a deep breath. "What of my family huh? When I was a child I was born in the Farron swamps my father and mother had their heads cut off by Eygon himself with the aid of Imperials. He then cut out my older sisters eyes who was only twelve years old and proceeded to drown her in the mud." His voice going hoarse he continues on. "I was saved by a nobleman he raised me as his own. If you or the Wolf win he's dead. My sickly mother who never hurt anyone is dead. The townsfolk who just want to live in peace will be dead." Calming for a moment his gazed fixed on the boy. "Those soldiers he killed when taking back his home lands, how many of them do you think were from Kleinburg? I'm sure most were, when we recruit we station people near there homes it helps them fight better." He explains."So your king killed his own people that he loves so much. He doesn't care about you the wolf doesn't care about you and the rabbit doesn't either. There are no heroes in wars, just killers,winners and losers."
"Your king just wants his land poor child I shall send him my pity. Oh woe is him for having almost everything he could want. Instead of using his position to help improve the land he will rip it asunder. The streets will run red with blood of the innocent, homes will burn, and woman will be raped. You want to help your family I want to help mine. Unfortunately at this rate one of has to lose. Hell the wolf might win and they he will turn his forces on your king, then we both lose." He's back to yelling hoping his words make sense to the child. "Your king will march, and the people with no power the weak and the downtrodden will be the ones who pay they always are." His breathes becoming faster he continues."You need to make a decision kid what's more important to you. A king who won't give a damn about you once the war is over, or those who just want to live their lives regardless of who rules." He pauses for a moment. "I am a Knight of the realm I fight for the people first and country second. I'm sorry for the cheap shot from earlier. Man to man I am sorry for all of this." He sincerely apologizes. "It's only a matter of time before the war finds itself on your doorstep. So no matter what your family is going to be in danger, now my last question is do you want to be with them when they are, or would you rather be in a cell them thinking you dead, and you not knowing their fate?" His voice softens as the wind and rain can be heard all around.
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Post by Alexodia on Dec 8, 2016 23:31:40 GMT
"I like to think that it could be both, don't you?" She asked sardonically as her mouth curved up into a smile. "I don't know what's going to be happening on Richthofen's side, but if he's smart he's going to be hitting us both where it would hurt, and where he may conceal his actions as best he can. Probably the supply lines you were on about earlier." She began, pacing forwards and backward inside the tent, refusing to look once at Sigeberht as her eyes turned searching. "He may be dumb as all hell, but I'd rather not take that chance, hmm? Especially when he has the men that he does. He's likely figured out that we're likely to have problems with the settlements should we be forced to use them for supplies, so it would be a good way for him to trap us down." She mused out loud, before stepping straight past Sigeberht and heading for the entrance of the tent. "I look forward to what you can muster up, Sigeberht; come to me when you've done and try to be smart about it. Keep me posted." She announced as she strode out of the tent and left Sigeberht standing in her tent, hoping that the gears were already turning in his head. They certainly were in hers, after all. Once she strode out into the main camp, the obviously listening soldiers having scurried back to their tent, her eyebrows furrowed in slight concern as she noticed Clea's complete absence from the spectacle; she was here, but she obviously hadn't stuck around to hear the arguments between them. Although she had a good idea where she would be, she mused, turning right and heading towards the back entrance of the camp into the forest they had entered.
Hearing a sharp, powerful thudding routinely get louder as she walked further, it took her about a minute of walking to come across Clea next to one of the trees, having lain her sword down and punching the tree in front of her with alarming strength, enough to make the gigantic tree itself cave a dent into its bark. Silently walking forwards, she watched as Clea continued to violently pummel the tree in front of her, her expression notably darkening as she noticed Saira come into her peripheral vision. Saira winced slightly; she was pissed. Hitting the tree with one last powerful slam, Clea turned half of her body to look at her Lady, her expression carefully impassive as she stared her Lady down. Only Saira would have been able to note the anger in her expression. Doing her best to keep her own expression passive, she continued to step forwards towards her knight, who could still snap her in half with one hand.
"Look..." She began, struggling to articulate the words properly, her eyes turning frustrated as her mouth failed her. "I, um.. I-" She began again, before Clea suddenly punched the tree once more with force, making Saira jump and never taking her eyes off of her Lady. Steeping out from the tree roots, Clea stepped forwards slightly and slowly stalked forwards until she was two metres away from her Lady, who by this point was rather nervous. Cracking her neck to the side, Clea suddenly banged her fists together, before lifting them up in a challenging position, Saira's eyes widening as she did so as she realised what she was doing.
"You...want to fight?" She asked confusedly, her eyebrows narrowing as Clea's raised in nonchalance.
"We haven't sparred in a while, my Lady; I was meaning to do this. And with the situation becoming more complicated, one cannot become lax, hmm?" She proposed softly, her expression morphing into one of effortless concentration. Silently debating with herself, she stared at Clea, rather at a loss as for how to respond.
"I...understand the reasoning," She began, her voice still rather confused. "But, after all, I don't see why-" She was cut off instantly by Clea leaning forward and planting a sideways kick directly into her chest before she could even begin to respond, lifting Saira off of her feet with a forceful exhale of air as she flew a few feet back and landed directly on her back, wheezing.
"That's why." Clea spoke up nonchalantly, her expression carefully indifferent as she slowly stepped forwards to both anticipate her Lady's movements and prepare, changing her stance into a fighting position once more. "Come on, my Lady. Practice makes perfect." Clea added innocently, pretending not to notice how her Lady's eyes widened slightly at the small grin she was unable to keep off of her face. Observing as the grin on Clea's face stepped over into pure schadenfreude, she let her head loll back onto the ground, the back of her head hitting the ground in a painful thud. Of course she was still pissed about what happened, she mused; she cursed her foolishness to think anything different.
And from the looks of it, it appeared that she was going to pay for it before she was done. Sometimes being an arsehole just wasn't quite worth it.
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Post by Raz on Dec 8, 2016 23:48:39 GMT
"I can." Came his simple reply. "I can guarantee the safety of the vast majority of civilians if Jaeger wins. Not all, but most. People like me and my family would be safe. The Queens army will be dashed upon the stones. Your empire has allowed for the systematic rape and murder of my people for decades. Where were you when the Mercians invaded three years ago? Where were you when my village was destroyed? Where were you and your precious Queen when Jaeger's father and sister were murdered? Don't talk to me like your Queen helps people like us. We die by the thousands every day in every part of the continent because her highness couldn't be bothered with sending patrols to keep us safe. Instead they bleed us of every copper we have so that we can pay for help that never comes." He sat up, his voice turning into a shout. "You think he had his own men butchered because they were at Daxio?! Of course he didn't. Seventy five percent of the men there were men of the Empire because they knew we'd not stay under their rule if we had the chance. She was right, the men of Daxio were the ones who destroyed it."
He let out a breath of exasperation and shook his head. "Everything he wants huh? Define everything. He has a large cold stone house on the top of a hill. He's never there. He has money to spend on wine and women, yet he spends it on windmills and waterwheels. He has no reason to help us, no reason to fight among his soldiers when sending the raiders back to Mercia. But he does. He's helped us more than the empire ever will." The sound of roaring thunder can be heard in the distance."You have no right to rule us. You take our money and young men to throw to wars we want no part of. Do with me what you will. Jaeger will see me avenged."
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Post by Deaths on Dec 9, 2016 0:10:05 GMT
Artorias stands over the boy, slowly he draws his fathers sword, and cuts the rope around the boys legs. "If only your guarantee meant something." He whispers to himself. "Let Sera fix your wounds., she's the best healer in the land." He pleads with the child, no what stood before him was a man now. "After that you can leave, I won't take a man from his home if I can help it. I told you I fight for the people not a king or queen." Sheathing his sword, he nods at Sera."I see myself in you Wilhelm, you carry a weight bigger than yourself on your shoulders. You won't back down, because you think your right. I'm the same way." He walks to the front of the wagon checking on the horses. "Sera tell Nan I'm really sorry and I owe her two bags of dates now." He muses to himself while he watches the rain. "I'm putting my neck on the line for you Wilhelm, The good Lady will have my testicles as a necklace if she hears I let you go." A small laugh sneaks past his lips.
This was the right thing to do every kindness mattered in times like this, he hoped anyway. He got quiet lost in thought, dread did set in a bit he spared the wolf, and let an informant go in less than twenty four hours. Which side of the war was he on? His loyalty will be questioned at best, imprisoned was more likely. Perhaps he could plead insanity, and beg for mercy. He looks over at Sera his eyes screaming 'Did I do the right thing?'
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Post by Raz on Dec 9, 2016 0:28:02 GMT
He stared up at the man though the fire in his eyes was still there, it wasn't directed at him. He scratched the back of his head. "Thank you. Seems there's good people on your side after all. Listen, there's more to this than you know. My King will be coming soon, he'd want to meet with you. A man who fights for the people and not for those with titles is the kind of man Jaeger wants on hid side. You'd be someone he'd want as an ally. If you'd like to be involved in a little bit more treachery, meet me back at the Seven Cats tavern tomorrow night." With that he hopped off of the wagon and into the mud. "I hope we meet again, Artorias." With that he disappeared into the downpour.
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Post by Serph on Dec 9, 2016 1:05:19 GMT
Sera didn’t even blink as Lone stopped the horses and immediately went to the child. No one would kill him, at least not until he gave anyone a reason to. Though even Artorias wouldn’t be able to protect the boy if the generals or the Queen truly wanted to hurt him, but it was an unlikely event. If he was able to get out of the camp in the first place and could lounge around idly at a tavern, then he probably wasn’t in serious danger to begin with. Not to mention there’s nothing to really gain from hurting him anyway. Watching quietly, Sera didn’t respond to Lone’s emotional look of pity when it passed over her, instead shifting her gaze back to the child who was throwing another fit. This time about how everyone he personally knew or cared about might die. It wasn’t long before Lone was shouting back. Sera listened, but she had more pressing matters to deal with than Lone’s tirade. He sympathized with this child. He saw himself in him. He was going to do something stupid. She was already slinking easily to where she needed to be for what was to come. She knew he was going to do something.
And he certainly did. Sera watched the ropes fall as Artorias cut them himself. Her ears twitched as she watched the two. They seemed to be having fun in their little fantasy. She silently loosened the cork on the vial she was holding onto. Lone was already moving away and the boy was focused on him, before attempting to run away. She didn’t even hesitate to step out after the kid. He thought he could disappear so easily and hide from a train Forest Elf hunter? He was a fool to think so. Ducking to the left so he’d be forced to look into the rain and deal with the mud under his feet when he tried to defend himself, she silently sprung to drive her elbow into his throat, ready to shove the liquid she had with her into his mouth the moment she hit. He'd be out and paralyzed quickly when it went down. She's make sure he swallowed if she had to.
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Post by Deaths on Dec 9, 2016 1:22:45 GMT
In an instant they were both gone. For a few moments he was alone, his life was over everything was over. He ruined everything it was his fault no one else. Sera knew he'd do that she knew him to well it was a trap for the poor boy. He'll only get as far as she will allow. He didn't have much time, so he looked towards Nan. "It's three bags of dates now." He said solemnly. "Sheriff knows where to go he'll get you three there." He pauses tears rolling down his face. "Tell Sera I'm going home, and I'm sorry." With that he sprinted out in the opposite direction. She won't chase him down he hoped, not with the valuable Wilhelm. He had to keep moving though she had the advantage in the woods. Luckily he wasn't wearing his plate, so a small silver lining in this thunderstorm.
He ran as far and as hard as he could. Until he found a river he crossed it completely lost he just kept running. Like a deer running from a hunter he can't stop no matter how hard he tries, he swears he can hear Sera's voice right behind him. Turning around looking through the trees he spots an owl flying around. "Don't you fucking tell her where I am." He thinks to himself and takes off running again. Running as hard as he can until he stumbles on to the same river he crossed. How many circles did he run. Frustration sets in he decides to follow the river, but he runs to fast slipping on a rock he falls in, and hits his head, then darkness.
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Post by Raz on Dec 9, 2016 1:27:52 GMT
The elbow took him in the throat before he had the chance to do anything. Taken unawares there wasn't much that the young man could do. His legs were swept out from underneath him. His head bounced off the ground. Before he could utter a sound she had the bottle wedged between his teeth. When he refused to swallow she punched him in the gut causing him to gasp, in the process he swallowed the potion. His struggles quickly ceased soon after.
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Post by Serph on Dec 9, 2016 1:38:27 GMT
Sera waited for the boy to stop twitching under her. When she was sure he was out she wasted no time dragging him the short distance back to the wagon. Hefting him inside she got to work grabbing ropes and tying these knots right. Lone had been a fool to tie something loose enough that could be cut off so easily. She made sure to carefully tie knots that would even keep a wild animal’s limbs bound together with no hope of release. Next she carefully made sure to go for a tie on his mouth so he couldn’t do something like bite his tongue off or something like it and lastly to the wagon in a knot he’d have no way of undoing himself, especially without the help of his hands so that she could move around to go yell at Lone now that she was done with all her preparation.
Stepping outside quickly she glanced around in the rain for Lone. Except that he was missing. Of course. She glared into the rain and turned her eyes down to the mud, his tracks clearly visible. As much as she wanted to run after him, leaving an unconscious enemy alone in the middle of rainstorm with her horse and all her supplies was foolish and reckless. She knew Lone wouldn’t have been far enough to truly get away, but he was far enough that she’d lose a lot of time, time she needed to get to the camp and warn the generals. Clenching her fist in anger, she let out a breath and went back to the horses. She had to report to the generals first. As much as she wanted to chase down her friend and drag him back, she had to prioritize. She double checked on the ropes and satisfied they would hold even in a moving wagon and her captive wouldn’t escape, she sat in the driver’s seat and with some difficulties got the horses to go again. At least she knew where she was. She’d be at camp within the hour.
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Post by Deaths on Dec 9, 2016 2:27:21 GMT
Thirty years he's been waiting for this moment. To get revenge on the north, to burn their homes, conquer their lands, and payback that bitch general that routed the last purging. Eygon was ready his men were ready, and the north was at war the perfect time to advance. He called forth all the tribes whether they were under his banner or not. The thought to strike back at the north, and bring the sacred flame glory was enough to rally them. The Unmarked was on his throne, surrounded by his wives, while Boneshaker sat in it's corner. He never liked the thing, but it's power was amazing. Eygon was not a pyromancer at all, but with the help of his counsel he mimics the miracles of the fire. "Boneshaker!" He yells the dark priest doesn't respond. "I called you." He states annoyed. Boneshaker turned it's head slowly, as if annoyed by the distraction. "When will the rest of the tribes be here."
"Four days." It's voice is a loud whisper as if carried by the wind itself.
"Good we should have a thousand men then, plus our five hundred. We will destroy any resistance." His voice fails him as the words can't leave his mouth.
"Silence." Boneshaker whispered again staring back at nothing.
"How dare you." Eygon is angered he stands ready to kill Boneshaker. Two of his wives cling to him convincing him to sit back down. The sound of war drums beat through out the night, the warriors on energized. Small fights break out all over the camps though, as songs of old heroes are sung. The swamp was coming, and it was bring the rage of the flame with it.
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Post by Deaths on Dec 9, 2016 6:36:22 GMT
Waking up with a gasp he pulls himself from the river. The rain was still falling he couldn't have been out for to long,judging by the amount of blood flowing from his head wound, and by how dark it still was. He stood up looking down stream, there it was his freedom, the swamp. Upstream was the unknown, just fear, and Sera. Was this freedom worth losing what little he had left. "Damn it." He grumbled through his teeth, his survival instincts losing out to his conscious. He headed back to the road, from where he once fled. He found the tracks of the wagon, Sera wasn't a skilled driver in these conditions it'd take her an hour or more to get to the camp. "I hope my cardio is good enough." He jokes to himself as he inhales a deep breathe.
He sprints ahead his legs tired,head woozy, and being weighed down by mud he runs as fast as he can. He told Nan he was going home, and he meant it home was where ever Sera was. That was the only thing he knew, the only thing he believed. He had to get to her, what happened after didn't matter the only thing that matter was right now. "Sera!" He screamed in between breathes, though there was no response. He called again and again, with each scream he was more motivated to run. All his tiredness faded away, his lungs hurt though it didn't matter. The rain was mixing with his blood, making it near impossible to see. His foot slips into a hole in the road, he falls feeling his ankle sprain in the process. Pulling himself up covered in even more mud he kept going, though slowed with his new found limp.
Mud covering nearly all of his body, he see's a wagon ahead. There's no way another one would be out this far in this storm it has to be her. "Sera!" He yells, the wagon slows to a stop. A smile fills his face, he ran to the front of the wagon, and there she was. "You really are an angel aren't you?" He ask unable to see her face through the mud and blood. "Everything Nan told you is completely true." Hard of breath, and barely able to stand he leans a muddy hand on the wagon, waiting for a response.
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Post by Serph on Dec 9, 2016 14:14:20 GMT
Sera heard her name being called, even in this rain and for a moment she thought she was just absolutely losing it if she hadn't heard it again, but sound didn't travel far in a rainstorm! And then it came again. Closer this time. Slowing the cart she heard her friend calling for her from the side of the wagon and with a turn there he was, bleeding and injured and out all sorts. Wide-eyed she barely paid attention to his ramblings and instead swiftly dragged him onto the wagon. She was almost amazed how far he'd run like that, especially since they were less than a couple minutes from camp.
Forcing him into the wagon now, she swiftly started taking out a cloth, making him sit and press it to his head. "I'll yell at you later," she said, making sure he was keeping up the pressure before shifting back to the drivers seat and snapping the reins. "We're essentially at camp now. I'll treat your wounds proper when we're there," she said, ears flicking off water as she spotted the first watcher already calling back to camp that a carriage was coming. Someone from camp would be waiting for them. Hopefully one of the generals or someone from the medical staff.
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Post by Snoe on Dec 9, 2016 16:04:47 GMT
Offering a kindly nod to my companion rider I accept the drink and find a seat in the bar. Listening to the chatter around the bar it turned out to be rather insightful. Guess is have to step into the action after this evenings revelry.
"I never got your name by the way good sir." I raise a browser toward him questioningly.
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Post by Envy on Dec 9, 2016 17:02:59 GMT
"Why I am Michael Ranlong madam if I could have the same pleasure of asking your name madam." Then raises is drink in the air bring his drink to his lips, water rush into the depths of his mouth setting the drink back onto the oak bar. "So what is your doing out here so close to battlefield madam?" Asks Senbo with a hint of wonder on his lips.
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Post by Deaths on Dec 9, 2016 17:06:55 GMT
"I'm so sorry, I'm so fucking sorry." He says while holding the cloth. "I panicked, I was scared. I shouldn't have left you. This is all my fault." A small laugh comes over him. "Lets agree that you will never handle horses again, and I will never have to run in the woods again. I went twenty feet and slipped on a damned rock." A look of slight embarrassment covers him "Knocked myself out, then I saw it all the freedom I could have wanted, but I couldn't fucking do it." His face feels warm again he looks down at the side of the road. "I couldn't walk away I'm so sorry I fucking almost threw everything away. I'm such an idiot aren't I?" Kicking himself while he was down was his specialty. "Then you swoop down, and save me again. You must be so tired babysitting me."
He sighs seeing the beginnings of the camp "I've never actually spoken to Lady Apollinaire, I've seen her a few times at the castle, I know her knight Sir Clea a bit. I squired for her once in a tourney must have been maybe fives years ago. She won the whole thing." A mix of nostalgia and pride fills him. "Twelve year old me was so proud. I knew I wanted to be a knight after that. I wanted to be half as good as her. Then I go, and runaway from my problems. I'm a coward, and an idiot." Remembering why he chose to come back he tries to look at Sera, but he can't. "So I made a decision to come back, I was scared I wanted to throw up, but I kept going. I figured that." He pauses his face hotter than it's ever been. "That I love you more than I fear her."
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Post by Raz on Dec 9, 2016 17:16:17 GMT
Wilhelm lay in the wagon his eyes were closed and he couldn't open them. He felt light taps falling all over his body. Must be raining still, the chill seeping into his body. He wanted to shiver, but he couldn't. He wanted to scream but he couldn't make his mouth move. He wanted to be anywhere but here but he couldn't will himself out of here. He couldn't feel any sensation in his body aside from the slight pressure that came with each drop of rain. It was as though he was a corpse who's spirit refused to move on. He could hear the rolling of the carts, the pattering of rain, he could even hear the knight speak to the elf. He could hear him begging for forgiveness saying that he loved her. He was asking forgiveness because he had let Wilhelm go. He hated that man, he hated him because he was a coward. Because he was fighting for an evil monarch. Because he isn't wringing that elfs neck right now. He felt a warm drop roll down the side of his face. It took him a moment to realize he was crying. If he had been able, he would've taken his own life by now. Instead he is forced to endure what will likely be the most agonizing few weeks of his short life. In his heart he knew, he was in hell. His mind was ablaze thinking what he'd do, they won't get anything out of me. They won't. The first chance I get...I'll do it, for mom and dad, for Hailey and Iver. For the Fatherland. But as time passed and he heard the sounds of other people he held out hope it was King Jaeger come to rescue him. His last hope died when he heard the soldiers say, "Welcome Sir Artorias. The Queen eluded you again?" Followed by a kind hearted laugh. His thoughts began to roam to his horse,Daisy. He hopes the poor girl will find a new owner, one that gives her wide open spaces to run and fresh apples every day. But he knew that wouldn't happen, he knew something much worse was going to happen to her...and what about poor Iver? He's never going to get his cherished sword back. His big brother failed him...he failed everyone. He begged and prayed as hard as he could to Svarvog, the God of Death to take him now. To remove him from this agony that claws at him. The faces of his loved ones appear one after another behind his closed eyes. He can see their smiling faces, hear their laughter, and he can see a small charcoal drawn picture of himself, circled by a number of candles. A funeral shrine. He can see two of these scenes playing out. One has the shrine with the words "Patriot, Warrior, Hero" written out above it. In the other his home is burnt down, his family lies butchered on the road. In the dirt are written the words, "Traitor. Informant.Coward." He knew which one he would choose.
Feeling came back slowly as he sat in that cart. He tried opening his eyes and found that he could however it took time to will his frozen body to do as he willed. He was able to make his index finger twitch after what felt like an eternity. Being able to make his tongue move was easier but that didn't much matter as he felt the gag that the elf had fastened him with. When the guard moved past Artorias to inspect the wagon he saw a young boy with a broken nose and a bloody temple staring up at him. Wilhelm tried to ask for help what he got was a low,"Hnn." The guard didn't seem very inclined to help, instead he walked back to the front of the wagon again. "Since I take it you know there's a child tied to your wagon, I'll imagine you know what you're doing. Go on ahead." He said as he stepped to the side and waved the wagon forward. "Hnn." The boy groaned out again. "Hnn, hnnn, hnn" In his thoughts he was shouting his heart out, "Help me!! Help me!! Oh God's help me!!!!" None however, came to his rescue. He felt the wagons beginning to turn once more as the wagon moved forward. It's wheels squelching in the mud. He heard the sound of metal on metal as men sparred with each other. There was the sound of horses snorting and moving about. He didn't see any of this, no, all he could do was stare into the sky. They hit a bump in the road causing his head to bounce off the boards with his head now turned to the right. When they stopped again he finally mustered up the strength to lift his head. He wished he hadn't, standing not far from the wagon was the Knight Clea...if she was close that means... He slammed his head back onto the buggy. He raised it up again and slammed it back into the board. Either his skull will give out or the board will. Each impact hurt but when the image of his family's burned out home came to mind he went back at it."Mff!" Thwack. "MFF!!" Thwack. Just. Let. Me. DIE!!
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Post by Serph on Dec 10, 2016 6:29:10 GMT
Sera didn’t speak as Artorias continued on his delirious tirade of why he left and why he came back. Babysitting? Sera felt her ears twitch, but it was hard to think of anything to say that wasn’t just agreeing with him at this point. He bashed a boy’s face in at a bar and took him in plain sight and left her to deal with it. He screamed at the hostage and then released him and again she had to deal with it. Ran away and left her to deal with it. And now he’s back again and injured and she’s dealing with it. Babysitting was a really apt way of putting it. She remained silent as the horses turned towards camp. Sheriff knew what he was doing and Nan knew to follow him. The horses knew how to handle themselves. They almost always did.
She was barely listening anymore as Artorias started speaking of Clea. Lady Apollinaire was here then. She knew Sigeberht was about. They passed too many horses for this to be anywhere else. Sera kept an eye out as the horses continued their walk towards camp. She didn’t need to look at Artorias to know what kind of face he was probably making when he said he loved her. He was probably red all over, fidgeting and nervously avoiding her gaze. Wasn’t that how he always reacted when it got to talking about their relationship? Just this morning he’d been fidgeting about saying she was his best friend. She pinched the reins harder between her fingers. “I’m sorry,” her voice that was full of mirth but a few hours prior only sounded empty and dead now, “I can’t deal with this right now.” She didn’t look away from where she was going. She wasn’t responding to this right now.
If he was trying to woo her, he failed. She’d yanked him into the wagon because he was her friend and she wasn’t about to leave him to die even if he had been stupid. Their friendship was worth something to her. His confession felt like nothing more than an insult. It was probably supposed to be romantic. He’d given up his freedom for her, left his life in her hands and was now confessing that he gave it all away for her because he loved her. She was still trying to figure out how throwing his everything away was supposed to make her feel anything but pity for him.
Sera barely blinked when the guard recognized Artorias. He’d made a joke about the hostage and let them through, ignoring the sounds of muffled cries coming from behind her as they rode on. The paralyzer must be starting to lose its edge if he was active enough for that. He was younger so she used a smaller dosage, that was probably why is was wearing off this quickly. He wouldn’t have full, or even useful, mobility for some time yet though. Even if he did, he had no hope of getting out of her knots without help. The horses stopped at their destination, Sera immediately shifting her gaze for any sign of the generals or anyone who actually knew who she was. Instead the sound of thumping invaded her ears. Her eyes cut to the boy who was trying to hit his head on the wood. It was almost comical with how hard he thought he must be hitting. He was bound up in ropes that prevented him from doing little of anything and pumped with enough paralyzer that he couldn’t even dream of enough mobility to toss himself up and down to gain and real force in hitting his head and yet here he was trying. Only succeeding in lightly bruising himself with the nice thought that he’d accomplished something to go along with it. She squatted close enough and put her hand on top of his head, forcing it to lay against the wagon without moving. She didn’t take her eyes off him when she spoke. The guards were close enough to hear her no matter where she looked. “I need a medic for Sir Artorias and someone to guard the hostage.”
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Post by Raz on Dec 10, 2016 13:05:37 GMT
Wilhelm stopped trying to move when the elf forced his head against the cart. He stared up at her with just a burning desire to see her die in the worst way possible. Being trambled by horses until her skull and ribs were paste. Being burnt to ash as he watched. Crucifying her for weeks until her body finally gave out. He didn't make a sound, just stared at her. What he would give to reach up to her and carve a long jagged red line through that neck of hers. This evil bitch was the reason why he's lost everything. I hope your friend dies, I hope the Queen dies, I hope you have to watch everything you love burn around you. Then after some time simply staring at her hoping she'd suffer in horrific ways, he realized that wouldn't happen. After all, he was in hell. He didn't get what he wants here, bad things don't happen to bad people here. A resigned sigh escapes his broken nose as he closes his eyes. I'm not getting out of here alive but I have to wait for my opportunity to end it. I won't give them the satisfaction of watching me struggle constantly.
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Post by silent15 on Dec 10, 2016 13:09:39 GMT
Sigeberht had left Sairahiniel's tent deep in thought. Dealing with one army was perfectly doable, but dealing with two where one was almost a complete unknown? They were at a disadvantage here and he knew it. Walking through his camp he glanced up at the treeline, only to see Sairahiniel knocked on her ass by Clea. Sigeberht stared blankly at the scene for half a second before bursting out into laughter, drawing stares from nearby soldiers. Calming himself before the men decided their general had lost his mind, he moved on. As much as he wanted to stay and watch, he still had a plan to work on. "Still, at least there's some justice in the world." he thought to himself.
Heading towards the stables, he decided that one of the major problems was that they knew very little about Richthofen's forces. Without some knowledge of his forces it was much harder to plan against him. Planning to dispatch a few scouts to asses Richthofen's forces, Sigeberht arrived at the stables only to stumble across to an unexpected sight. A shamefaced Artorias, an exasperated Sera and a bound but rather familiar messenger kid.
Looking back and forth between Sera and the kid, who had gone wide-eyed at Sigeberht's arrival, he paused for a second before focusing on Sera, "Care to explain what this is all about?"
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