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258.75 | 2020-04-07 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "**Elias Armin\nA Road Leading to the Sea, Astoria** \n\nElias stood, back propped against one of the crates containing The Queen's many, many things. He looked around at the boxes and with how many there were, it seemed as though they had packed for every possible scenario. Though, he did know not all of them were filled with Anya's stuff. Some had supplies, others had the belongings of different persons, and one of them even contained Elias' relatively few items. \n\nWherever that crate may have been, it mostly held things new to him. The Queen had financed him to get some more 'proper' dress for the meeting in Taemar. Of course, they were not quite to the ornate-ness of royal cloth. But, they were nice. \n\nAs Elias' eyes wandered the carriage, they soon came to Anya. She sat at the front of the buggy, along with the driver. He stared at her as he thought about taking a seat near her. There were a few questions to be asked and it would break the monotony of the trip. He just didn't know if it was proper to do so. \n\nThough, as he continued to think, she had certainly invited him to take seat in her carriage for a reason. And, if not to talk, he wasn't sure what that reason was. So, Elias carefully made his way to the front end of the carriage and took a seat partly behind Anya, his back once again to a crate. \n\n\"Hello, Your Highness,\" He began with his proper address before continuing, \"I just have a few questions I wish to ask you, if you do not mind them that is.\" And, with those words, he left the Queen to hopefully accept his engagement to conversation."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Anyanka Durkhan\nRoad to the sea, Astoria**\n\nAnyanka had been daydreaming, intentionally distracting herself from the way the carriage jostled on the uneven road towards the coast. Crates shuffled in the carriage, the sound of wood sliding against the floors making her uneasy. It was a very gentle reminder that she'd be on a ship soon, listening to the same sounds as they sailed to Taemar. It wasn't ideal by any means, and hearing Armin address her pulled her from the memory she'd been reliving back to reality. \n\n\"Yes, Armin?\" She offered, turning her head a bit to look over her shoulder at the former Eclipse. He seemed anxious, and followed up with the hopes of gaining some answers from her. She glanced to the driver to her left, then nodded, making a bit of an effort to turn from the place she occupied to address him fully. \n\n\"Of course, I'll answer as best I can.\""
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "**Elias Armin\nRoad to the Sea, Astoria**\n\nAnya agreed to answer Elias, as he hoped, and thought, she would. \"Thank you, Your Highness.\" He had gotten better with the addressing over the past few days. It took a tiny bit of time to get used to, but his old manners soon fell into place.\n\n\"The first thing I'd like to ask, and, this is no challenge to your decision, but I am curious as to why I am here. Why is it that you have chosen for me to accompany you?\" Elias paused as he finished the question, but picked up speaking once more to explain. \"I have no experience in politics, I'm certainly no Nobleman, and, as of yet, I'm not even really proper guard.\" \n\n\"I am simply curious as to why you have chosen me to accompany you, I do not mean to question your judgement\" Elias finished, making sure to clarify his position."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Anyanka Durkhan\nRoad to the sea, Astoria**\n\n\"I won't take offense to your question if you don't take offense to my answer.\" Anya started, then shifted once more in her seat to better face him. \"I asked you to accompany us because I don't trust you to be left alone yet. You've not done anything to disprove yourself to me, but you've also not had your chance to earn my trust. Having you here, among Captain Brightwater and Lord Stafford, means I've got some of my best men in close quarters to let me know if they think there's a reason I shouldn't appoint you into the training for the Eclipse.\" She paused. \n\n\"Again, I have no reason to doubt you, but this is for transparency between us. I also wanted you to be able to see who _you_ will be working for. To see how I act as a Queen, and whether or not Astoria is really a place you wish to protect. The Council isn't just for nobility, it's for... Well, transparency. It's for people to see their rulers in action and to express their concerns as well as our own. It's a good place for you to be.\" She paused once more. \"Would you rather not have been in attendance?\""
}
] | 234.5 | 1,035 |
228.6 | 2020-04-20 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Alastair Provost**\n**Road to the Sea, Astoria**\n\nA few carriages back, Alistair sat with another servant Queen Durkhan had employed along with the luggage taken on for the journey. The array of crates, chests, and trunks did not leave the two with very much legroom for the journey. Alistair sat in mostly silence during the bumpy trek to the sea, taking the time to catch up on some long overdue reading. Supposedly, this Council was to be a meeting of rulers from all over Marin to deduce some sort of solution for the plague ravaging the land. \n\nAlistair allowed for a very faint smile as he turned the page. Surely many of the members who would form the council must have had ulterior motives. There was simply no way any self respecting power grabber would miss such an opportunity. Ah well, what did he know? After all, he was but a servant in the employment of royalty. \n\n\"This is certainly a whole occasion, now isn't it? All the most powerful people in the world at the same table. That'll be quite the show, although it's unlikely we will be in attendance.\" Alistair said to the other servant, not looking up from his book."
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "**Elias Armin\nRoad to the Sea, Astoria** \n\nElias finally relaxed. Their conversation had become more casual and Anya's words had finally assured that his original caution was not needed. He could speak his mind fully and it even seemed to him that it was what Anya wanted. \n\n\"No, I hadn't thought of this as an opportunity to learn trust. You must remember that I know much more about you, or of who you were, at least, than you do of me.\" He spoke, thinking back to the other members of the guard that had been assigned to watch Anya. Many days they had not had much to say, but as they talked it painted a picture of who she was that Elias had not yet forgotten. \n\n\"And, no, it does not bother me to ride with you. It is a good idea, actually. I just had not thought about it in that way. I have only served under one other crown, and, as you know, he was very different from you.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Anyanka Durkhan\nRoad to the Sea, Astoria**\n\nSomething about hearing that Elias knew more about her than she did of him was unsettling, and she felt a prickle along the back of her neck as goosebumps rose on her flesh. She tried to ignore it, but her mind kept circling back around to the statement. \n\n\"What do you mean that you know more about me? I don't remember the Eclipse taking an interest in me, but to be fair I don't remember much of my time in Kath before leaving the palace.\" She looked to the driver, and deciding he was fine on his own she moved to stand, climbing in carefully through the opening of the carriage into the back where Elias had been riding with her personal trunks. She found her footing, clutching the man's hand for a moment as she found something to sit upon, and then released it just as quickly as she had taken it. \n\n\"Were you even around when I was young?\""
},
{
"author": "spunsugar",
"message": "**Ginevra Cohen\nRoad to the Sea, Astoria**\n\nGinevra sat across from Alastair, finally turning away from the passing scenery and riders, towards the man as he spoke. Whereas he was reading, her eyes were constantly on the watch outside their carriage. Taking in the journey, the other attendants, all while her mind churned with thoughts regarding the upcoming council. Her curiosity, as well as her finely tuned awareness was on display for anyone who gave her a second glance. Hands folded in her lap, occasionally worrying at a fraying thread at the cuff of her black gown. Her somber dress did nothing to quell the riot inside her mind, and it was only her fellow servant addressing her that snapped her from the thoughts racing within. \n\nFinally, after a few brief moments of weighing her answers, she responded in a measured, soft voice that could have been made of silk and a nighttime breeze. \"I do not think our duties will be within the chamber itself. Her Highness will need her wits about her in there. And our wits about us outside of it.\"\n\nShe paused, eyeing the book, before glancing away outside the window. \"You are a literate man, I see. Mister...?\" Ginevra trailed off, letting the unspoken question hang between them"
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Alistair Provost**\n**Road to the Sea, Astoria**\n\n\"Alistair. Alistair Provost.\" He responded, looking up from his book. \"Of course we will not be required within the meeting chamber. It simply would not do for servants to be present during such a *Vital* Meeting\" There seemed to be a little hint of edge in Alistair's voice as he said this, his grip slightly increasing on his book, but only just. Letting that moment pass, he continued; \"Reading is one of my favorite pastimes. It is unfortunate that I seem to never have enough time for literature nowadays\" \n\nHe sighed and shut the book, setting it to the side. He brushed a bit of dust off his own grey uniform, the gold crest of Durkhan on the breast pocket\n\"I do not think we have been formally introduced, ma'am\"\nAlistair said cordially, putting his hands on his lap."
}
] | 210 | 1,143 |
210.5 | 2020-04-21 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "spunsugar",
"message": "**Ginevra Cohen\nRoad to the Sea, Astoria**\n\nAs the man spoke, Ginevra allowed her eyes to sweep over Allistair freely, using the cover of friendly conversation for more detailed scrutiny. From the cleanliness of his hands, his posture in the rocking carriage, the set of his mouth between the words he spoke; all these minute observations were done in the amount of time it took her dark lashes to sweep the pale lines of her face. \n\nWhen he was done, she merely nodded her head, returning his introduction with a clipped one of her own. \"Ginevra Cohen.\" Glancing him up and down again, she returned her attention to the window, letting the landscape fly by them another mile before piping up again. When she spoke this time, she neglected to address him directly, letting the lack of eye contact allow him to evade or retreat as he would. Her tones were calm; measured to the brink of disinterest. \"You do not seem to be excited about this trip. Have you travelled much? They say people who have been everywhere like nothing more than their own hearth and bed.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Alistair Provost**\n**Road to the Sea, Astoria**\n\nAfter looking him over, Ginerva saw that Alistair was a very well kempt man, his posture correct and his hands and uniform were very tidy and clean. His bleach blond hair seemed to glow when sun hit it and his deep blue eyes contrasted well against his hair. \n\nHe put a finger to his chin, trying to carefully word his answer. \"To tell you the truth, Miss Cohen, this council...\" He paused, formulating his thoughts \"It has me rather worried. These people coming for the council... One can say that they are the most powerful people in Marin.\" His voice however, did not accurately reflect his feelings. It remained level, as if he was talking in a gala, direct and calm.\n\nHe clasped his hands together and looked out the window, watching the scenery flow by for a moment before turning back to Ginerva, taking the time to quickly study her. \"The tensions will be extremely high. Each person who will be going into that chamber will be looking to gain something. Land, power, slaves... It doesn't matter, they want something, and all I can do is sit by and watch as Her Higness has to weave her way through the intrigue. Can a solution even be reached when there are so many motives going into it? Or will they just be at an impasse, and nothing will be done?\""
},
{
"author": "spunsugar",
"message": "**Ginevra Cohen\nRoad to the Sea, Astoria**\n\nTaking in his words, she ruminated a few moments. Both processing what was said, and laying out a way to proceed. Finally, she turned to face him directly, her dark eyes unflinching as she addressed Allistair. The tone of her voice was keeping with the tight, dark environment of the carriage, but her words held an undertone of searching inquiry. \"If the council lays out beyond its stated scope, does that not bode well? I think it strange to be apprehensive of opportunity...\"Letting the end of the sentence hang between them. Ginevra's expressions drifted from polite conversation to a sharper, more hawkish sort of observation.\n\n\"Unless you suggest that somehow our mistress is outmatched. Are we travelling as sovereigns now, and slaves upon our return? Do you see such a doomed fate as that when we arrive, Mister Provrost?\" The note of impertinence in the question was unmissable, as was the spark of mischief that found its way to the corner of her smile."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Alistair Provost**\n**Road to the sea, Astoria**\n\nAlistair allowed for a brief smirk, his own voice taking an amused tone \"I suggest no such thing. Do you question my loyalty, Miss Cohen? I do not doubt the negotiating experience of Her Highness. She is fully capable of handling herself, I'm sure.\"\n\nHe crossed his arms and leaned back, becoming serious once again \"What I *Do* Doubt, however, is the ability of said council to come to any sort of agreement. It is surely impossible for parties of such varied ideologies and nations to all be fully satisfied with any solution they may come up with. The council may yet drag on, while the plague continues to consume the land\""
},
{
"author": "spunsugar",
"message": "**Ginevra Cohen\nRoad to the Sea, Astoria**\n\n\nPrudently, Ginevra turned her attention to whatever was fascinating outside the window once more. \"Oh... I don't know, Mister Provrost, people are willing to bend quite a bit for what they want. If you give them the right motivation.\" Allowing her words to spool out between them like a fallen thread, lazy and seemingly haphazard.\n\n\"What would it take, for those most powerful, those most wealthy... To compromise? Every single being under the sun wants something, after all.\" Ginevra muses, sliding a gloved hand along the rough wood of the carriage door languidly. Allowing her mind to wander, before addressing Allistair again. \"Everyone wants something. You just have to be prepared to give it.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Alistair Provost**\n**Road to the Sea, Astoria**\n\n\"I suppose it culminates in just how much these Kingsbloods are willing to sacrifice to save us Shitbloods\" He very bluntly says, adjusting to a more comfortable position within the cramped carriage. \"Very few Kingsbloods would actually do anything for those at the bottom of society...\" He paused for a second then continued \"Her majesty excluded of course... The types from say... The north. I'd bet they would not give two copper to the Shitbloods, they're most likely fancying for better land claims, but what do I know?\" \n\nHe said disdainfully, once again watching the countryside roll by, the mix of greens from the flora of Astoria. He saw a loose chord on his well kempt uniform and lightly pulled it off, as if he was bored."
}
] | 205.5 | 1,263 |
200 | 2020-06-01 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nAs Millie looked around, she saw a lot of faces she recognized, and a lot she didn't. That wasn't very surprising to her. People tended to travel very far too see such plays, so she wasn't particularly shocked to see so many strangers within the theatre. \n\n*'let's see. A few nobles from god knows where... I've probably seen them at some point in whatever gala my parents made me attend. A few common folk... And a boy who looks to be about my age. He looks... Familiar? Where have I seen him before?'* Millie was absolutely sure she had seen the boy at some point, though she didn't know where. Perhaps he had been at one of her parents' social events and she just wasn't paying attention? Was he the son of one of the nobility present in the theatre? \n\nThe thought would have gnawed at her all night if she didn't go up and ask. If he was someone she knew, great. If he wasn't, even better, a new acquaintance at least. And hey, she thought he was sort of cute. \n\nShe figured there was still a bit of time before the play started, so she walked up to the dark blonde haired boy and tapped him on the shoulder. \n\n\"I'm terribly sorry, but I've just had this buggering feeling I've met you before somewhere, but I just can't place it. Tell me, are you acquainted with my parents, Lord and Lady Capell?\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava Astoria**\n\nHe had made it to the theater without being stopped, and it was only upon his arrival did someone actually speak up. \n\n\"Your highness, what an honor to host you this evening!\" The attendant said, and Mikhail gave a small smile of acknowledgement, his hand raising a bit to stop the man. \n\n\"I've heard good things about the work Ostrava has put into it's art programs, I'm honored to be here to witness them, though please don't alert the cast to my presence.\" He didn't know if the idea of the Astorian Prince in the audience would affect their performance, and he certainly didn't want to risk it. \n\nMoving inside he made his way toward the front, pausing about halfway down the rows of seats to change his mind. The way the building was constructed had the seats on the smallest of inclines, and he decided the middle section looked best for his height. His hand lingered on the back of a chair, about to make his way toward the center of the row when a voice sounded behind him. \n\nHe turned, silver eyes moving over red hair that made his chest tighten in concern. _Had his mother followed him here?_ Of course not, and his breath escaped him as he looked over the girl who had approached him. She was young, about his age or so, and though the flash of red had first concerned him he realized soon it was different from the rich red tone Amorothians carried. It was lighter, sunkissed and wispy around the girl's face. \n\nShe questioned if she knew him, and he felt his lips part before he closed them. \"Not personally, no.\" He answered truthfully. \"I believe I've met the Lord and Lady in passing at the Hogcock festival last frost, but I'm not personally acquainted with,\" There was a beat \"Your parents, lady Capell.\" He smiled saying her title before revealing his own. \n\n\"You might know my name more than my face. Prince Mikhail Durkhan, a pleasure, my Lady.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nHer eyes widened for a brief moment. The prince! That would have certainly explained why she recognized him. She had most certainly seen him at one or two events. Yet something troubled her in the back of her mind. Rather than one of awe, she took one of confusion, studying him up and down. From what she had been told, wasn't he supposed to have been dead? If he had truly back to life, that instantly made him much cooler than anyone she had ever met. \n\n\"Well then, your highness, the honor is all mine, though I must ask, did you come to Ostrava alone? No entourage, no royal procession, Prince Mikhail?\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava Astoria**\n\nHer eyes flashed bright for a moment, a deer spotted by a hunter in the woods, and he certainly hoped the surprise wouldn't last long. After all, the play was set to start soon. \n\n\"I brought my squire, but he preferred the idea of a tavern over a theatre.\" He explained simply, and looked around. No one seemed to be waiting on her, so he returned her inquiry. \n\n\"No entourage for yourself either, Lady Capell?\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava Astoria**\n\nShe smirked, then shrugged. \"Of course not. I snuck out of the castle for this. There was no way I was going to miss opening night. My parents forbade me from coming because they don't want me mixing with the common people. As if their blood defines who they are.\" She rolled her eyes and sighed. \n\n\"I certainly am the *Pinnacle* Of a nobleman's child, aren't I?\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava Astoria**\n\nHe couldn't quite tell if she was joking, he'd never really had a knack for jokes. Daemon was in the process of teaching him how to be less bookish and more street smart, but sarcasm sometimes eluded him.\n\nLuckily, Lady Capell sighed, and the emphasis she placed guided him to the conclusion she didn't agree with her parents views on the citizenry. \n\n\"We're all one rebellion away from being shitbloods ourselves. It might be wise to remind them of that.\" He mused, and gestured to the seats he had intended to take. \n\n\"Join me, Lady Capell. That way should someone try to scandalize you for sneaking out, you can truthfully say you were here at the Prince's request.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nShe smiled. Watching a pay with the prince of Astoria? That was an opportunity for an experience which did not come around basically *Ever*. She'd have been a fool to pass that up. It would be fun. \n\n\"I would be honored to join you, on one condition. Please call me Millie. Everyone around here does. I come out into town so that I can get away from the noble lifestyle for even just a few hours. It's very freeing.\""
}
] | 152 | 1,400 |
213.7 | 2020-06-02 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava Astoria**\n\nHe noted the preference for titles, his eyes dipping down to the informal attire she wore. Even traveling, he maintained some semblance of his nobility, knowing should anything ever happen and he required assistance, it would help to look the part of a Prince instead of a lying beggar. \n\nBut he wasn't bothered by her attire or casual demeanor, and instead he started to lead her further into the row of seats before settling into one. \"Lady Millie it is then.\" He confirmed, a small smirk on his lips. Daemon would be proud of the jest, he thought."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nShe let out a small laugh at the jest. \"That's probably the best that it's going to get. I'll take it.\" For once she allowed herself to be led to the more forward seats, sitting down into the one next to the prince. *The* Prince of Astoria. Even for someone like her who had a disdain for the lifestyle of a noble, the sheer immenseness of the events that were occurring were not lost on her. \n\n\"I'm glad you came here to Ostrava to see this play. Our culture and our arts are really all that we have going for us, so to have someone as... Well... Important, as you to come see the culture of the people really makes me happy\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava Astoria**\n\nMikhail moved into a seat, taking the one to the right of the pair they chose and waiting until she had taken her seat before dropping into his own. \"I have heard good things about the arts in this area. This is my first time making it out here though, all things considered.\" As he spoke, he kept his eyes on the stage before them. It was small, but seemed about what he had assumed it would. He'd only ever seen productions in Amoroth, and he had been a child. Everything felt huge when you were two and a half feet tall. \n\n\"Is that why you came, to support your people?\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava Astoria**\n\nShe shifted uncomfortably in her seat. While that was true, it was also for slightly selfish reasons. While still looking at the stage, she took a deep breath. \"Well... Yes. I love these people... But it was also for me. My parents forbade me to go, so I came. I do these kind of things because it gives me a sense of freedom. I far prefer these events, among the people than what I'm told I'm supposed to enjoy. My parents think there is something wrong with me because I don't find enjoyment in galas, the fancy clothes, the strict rules, and such.\" \n\nShe paused for a second and pondered. Why was she telling him, not just a stranger, but the future ruler of all of Astoria, that she despised their lifestyle? \n\n\"I'm sorry, I shouldn't be saying these things. Especially not in front of the future king.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava Astoria**\n\nHis brow rose, a quirk he realized more and more he'd stolen from his mother, and he gave her a sideways glance. \"Your parents forbade you to come to a play in your own city?\" He clarified to assure he had the situation correctly. She continued on to explain that she got more pleasure from events like this than events hosted by the Astorian courts, and he clicked his tongue, his eyes moving upwards towards the ceiling. \n\n\"You're allowed to speak freely, Lady Millie. I'm not offended to hear you find plays and festivals with your people more enjoyable than mingling with Astorian nobility.\" He inhaled deeply and returned his gaze to her. \"The court functions are designed to prompt introductions, to let other lords and ladies be aware of the children of their peers and encourage communication and cooperation between cities. It's aimed to made times of crisis easier, if you personally know things about the person you're asking to spare a hundred nurses to help your city survive an outbreak.\" He let his eyes roll over her hair, following a short soft curl. \n\n\"They're not bad, in my opinion, a bit awkward until you _have_ started to develop those relations, but after they're just get togethers with friends. Could definitely be spending my evenings doing worse things than sharing drinks with my friends.\" He paused. \"But I can see the appeal of this too, or I'd like to.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n\nShe diligently listened to every word the prince spoke. He did make some rather good points, after all. She turned her head away after he finished. A touch of shame had appeared on her face and she wanted to hide it from him. \"Well... Yes. My parents forbid me from coming to any of these events or even to come here in general. Apparently it's because these people's blood isn't pure enough for them or whatever. They would far prefer me to be their perfect little noble girl. Modeling the latest insufferable line of fashion, or how to speak like a proper lady, and if don't live up to their expectations, I get punished. Out here, I don't get in trouble for not being perfect down to the smallest minutia. I don't want to be their version of perfect yet. I know eventually I'll have to, because it's what I'm supposed to do, but I'm scared to. I'm scared of losing everything that makes me who I am because it's what I'm supposed to do.\"\n\nShe decided that was rather heavy and quickly tried to change the subject. \"Uhh... Yeah. The events here in Ostrava really are something to behold. They're very fun.\" *'Way to go, Millie.'* She had done an excellent job at making this conversation extremely awkward. She was kicking herself mentally as she gave him the best smile she could manage, shifting in her seat once again."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava Astoria**\n\n\"Pure?\" He questioned, turning his chin to look at her fully. \"Do you think they would say that to the King of the Isles? To the Terresolian Queen? My mother? _Myself_? Trust me, Millie,\" Mikhail started, his voice lowering a bit. \"My blood, your blood, and their blood? It's all the same.\" He held her gaze, silver meeting light blue to hold for a moment. \"Your parents position isn't guaranteed, if I said the word, they would be replaced by far more _tolerant_ minds like yours and mine.\" He licked his lips, and cleared his throat, trying to pull back from the darkness of that conversational path. \n\n\"As for you being perfect, and losing yourself in the process, are you sure you're fully aware of everything that you are yet?\" He asked the question with a tilt of his head, letting it lean against the back of his chair. \"After all, I thought I knew who I was, and I'm no where near that man now.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nShe waved her hands in front of her, eyes wide after his statement. \"I didn't mean it like that! Please don't do that to my parents. As much as their faults hold them back, I don't wish for them to be cast away from the only life they've known, simply because they were taught to fully believe in the bloodcastes.\" He really did have that much power. If he wished, her family could be out on the streets that very same night. She had to admit, it scared her just a bit. \n\n\"Ah... As for who I am... I don't know. I'm me, of course, but I don't know what defines me. I guess... I guess I'm just trying to find what that is\" She pushed a bang that simply refused to stay put out of her face. It was true that she didn't have a direction just yet. Though given, she hasn't put much thought to it until he brought it up."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nShe waved her hands and he raised his own to dismiss her fears. \"Relax, Millie, I'm not going to say anything. Just,\" He pressed his tongue to the inside of his cheek, pulling his gaze from her as he tried to find the words he wanted. \"Just know thinking like that isn't going to be the standard forever. So please don't be fearful of leaving home for things like this.\" He swept a hand over the air in front of him, gesturing to the theatre. \n\n\"Things like this, and putting yourself among your people will keep you on the right track when you're eventually the one in power. You can change a lot of things with a good heart and the support of your fellow man, Millie.\" He dropped the 'lady', wanting to emphasize his point. \n\n\"We've still got time to figure out who we are, I wouldn't worry about it. You'll change regardless of whether or not you're trying to, might as well just enjoy the ride.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell** \n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\n\"That's what I'm trying to do. Enjoy the ride. I sneak out because it's fun, everyone here is so kind. These people... They aren't bad people, Mikhail.\" She paused for a minute, pondering. \"My parents... They aren't bad people either. Misguided? Absolutely. They genuinely want the best for me, but they were raised under a very stiff line of thinking, and they are very strict. Yet I can't blame them. They've never done and never would do anything to truly hurt me.\" She then turned to meet his gaze, his silver eyes were an oddity she hadn't seen before. \"But that doesn't mean that I'm not willing to contradict their ideology. That's why I'm here, about to enjoy a play with the prince of Astoria. That wouldn't have happened if I stayed home like I was told to. I'd say that's pretty neat.\""
}
] | 210 | 2,137 |
159.75 | 2020-06-03 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nHe never once thought the people of Ostrava were bad people, they had been nothing but kind to him since his arrival, and she practically sung their praises. Her parents... That was another story. But he had no intentions of interacting with them on any stage that wasn't political, and even then it would just be to compliment their daughter's progressive thinking. If he could lend a hand to her freedom in the form of a well placed compliment inside the Astorian Court, he would do so. \n\n\"Pretty neat.\" He repeated, try as if trying to taste the words for the sarcasm Daemon always laced his words with. He didn't find it, and he offered a small smile to the girl before the pull of the curtains pulled his attention to the start of the show."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nThe play was as good as the rumors made it out to be, if not better. It was a hit, with laughter filling the theatre at almost every moment. Millie was glad she went to go see it, especially seeing it in such agreeable company. During the play she couldn't help but sneak peeks at the prince. He was just fascinating to her. From his silver eyes to the rumors of his death. For someone as powerful in Astoria as he was, he was very laid back, and extraordinarily understanding. Besides, he was rather good looking. She shook that thought out of her head almost as soon as it came in. Her with him? No chance of that. Better to let it go. Despite all she had said about bloodcastes and nobility, it just wouldn't do."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nThe play had made him laugh out loud a few times, something he didn't expect, and really wished he'd had his friend by his side to comment on. A few times he started to turn to make a comment, realizing the seat to his right was empty of his right hand man, and instead glanced left to Millie. Both times he lost the comment, the joke he was going to throw to his squire feeling inappropriate for the Lady to his left. \n\nWhen finally it was finished, the stage was filled once more with the cast, stepping out of character to thank the audience for their attendance. Once stepped forward, the main character of the story they had just witnessed, and called out to the crowd. \n\n\"_And a very special thank you to our guests of honor tonight,_\" He paused, his hand gesturing to Millie but not calling her out directly, now wanting to get her in trouble for attending, before his hand shifted to land on Mikhail. \"_Prince Durkhan!_\"\n\nMikhail flushed, his cheeks turning red at the call out before he gave a soft groan of _Oh I'm going to regret this_ before rising to his feet. \"And thank you, for the wonderful show you've graced us all with tonight, congratulations to you all!\" He called, giving another round of applause that soon had the rest of the crowd joining. He glanced to Millie and nodded his head towards the exits, prompting her to rise so they would get out of there before they were swarmed."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nMilena gave a curt wave to the actor, and mouthed *'thank you'* To him in regards for not mentioning her by name. She then turned to Mikhail, and pointed her thumb over her shoulder, understanding his meaning. \"I assume you want to get out of here before you drown in the people's questions.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nHe nodded to her comment, letting his eyes travel up over her head to the doors. \"I don't care for crowds without a direct line to an exit. I don't care to stop and talk once we're outside, but I'm not keen on doing so in here.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\n\"That's fair. Come on, we'll go the back way.\" She practically dragged him through the side door and through the corridors. It was pretty clear she knew the way. She had gone this way many times before. Eventually they made it out through the side door and into the alley. \"There we go, no crowds here. I've done this a lot\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nMillie took his hand and pulled him through the seats and the crowd as they started to exit. She slipped into a side door, making her way quickly through thin corridors that lead to a few rooms, ones he could only assume were used for storing costumes and actors between scenes. It wasn't exactly spacious enough to have more than two people walking shoulder to shoulder, so he happily let her lead the way until they broke through the last door and into an alley. He blinked, the sunset gold of the late afternoon a different beast than the lights that had framed the theatre, and lifted his hand to shield his eyes from the sun as it started to set over them. \n\n\"I wouldn't have guessed.\" He teased, giving her a grin when he finally opened his eyes to look down at her. Inside he hadn't realized his height over her, but not it was prominent. \"Sneaking around theatre troupes and winning the hearts of your city. It seems like you've carved a nice little niche for yourself, Lady Millie.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nThe sunset was a vibrant one, with swirling mixtures of orange, pink, and seemingly every color in between. She smiled back and rubbed the back of her neck, looking up at him. He certainly was taller than her, by a fair bit more than she realized. \"You could say that, I guess. I'm curious. What is your niche, Mikhail?\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nHis brow quirked upwards at the question, and he ran his tongue over the front of his teeth beneath his lip, thinking. \"I,\" He started, then stopped himself. \"I'm not sure I have one.\" He finally settled on the answer, as unsatisfactory as it was. He gave a half shrug, his only real ability to give one anymore since the brute ruined his shoulder. It wasn't painful anymore unless it rained, but the specific upward movement of the join always left him wincing. \n\n\"Probably near-death experiences.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nMilena frowned. She wasn't sure to laugh or not. Perhaps the rumors hadn't been to greatly exaggerated. He had clearly been through hell in times past. \"I don't quite think I can relate... Oh! There was this one time a raccoon had me cornered. I was certain I was doomed then and there.\" She laughed, then stopped herself. Perhaps that was a little uncalled for. His past may have been a rough subject for him, and she didn't think of that before making light of the comment. \"Oh... I'm sorry, I hope I didn't offend you. I know that doesn't come close to whatever you have been through.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nHe was about to dismiss the comment about being unable to relate -most people couldn't, he tried not to bring things like that up when he was in better moods, because it tended to stop the conversation. But then she followed up with a story of a raccoon and he felt his brow fold inwards, knitting together at the absurdity of her tale. Was she joking? She was laughing, it _felt_ like she was trying to joke to lighten the conversation dampener that was _I was murdered_. But just as he was about to join in, she stopped laughing, and he blinked as she apologized for her behavior. \n\n\"You're strange, Millie.\" He told her, curious about her now more than he had been before. \"I can't quite read you.\" He added, giving a significantly softer smile than the confused look he had given her just a moment before. \"You didn't offend. Confuse, but didn't offend.\" He pushed his hand through his hair and looked over his shoulder towards the end of the alley, wondering idly if they should get out of the alley to nip any rumors in the bud."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava Astoria**\n\n\"You're right, though. That was uncalled for. It was joke, and a very bad one at that. It's obvious I hit a nerve, and I don't want to make light of what you went through, because I don't know what exactly happened. Please forgive me.\" She immediately felt really bad about her comment, she had tried to lighten the mood, but just made it worse. She had heard the rumors, of course, but it simply wasn't fair of her to joke about something she had no idea about. The shame was apparent on her face. \"I promise not to bring that up again.\""
}
] | 146 | 1,917 |
202.6 | 2020-06-04 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nShe apologized once more, and he couldn't help the laugh that escaped him. \"Millie, it's fine.\" He insisted, his hand reaching for hers. When he found it, he held it as if examining a ring, and placed his other over it with a soft pat. \"I'm aware of the rumors about myself, I'm not going to fault you for commenting on them.\" He held her gaze for a moment before releasing her hand. \"You're forgiven, but I'd prefer not to linger in alleys anymore. Do you want to accompany me into the last dregs of the daylight, or is this where we part ways, Lady Millie?\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nShe held bated breath as he held her hand in his, and let it out as he said she was forgiven. If anyone saw, there would have most definitely been wild rumors about the prince and a noble girl holding hands in a dark alley, and that wasn't lost on her. Better to exit before that happens. \"I suppose we shouldn't hang around in quickly darkening alleyways. I'll walk with you a bit more, if you'll allow.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nMikhail nodded, and started to lead the way out of the alley. Unlike the corridors she had dragged them through in the theatre, there was enough room to walk together without one really needing to pull forward completely. \"I've lost a squire somewhere in your city. He's probably found himself someone pretty to waste the night with, but I didn't exactly make accommodations when we arrived.\" Mikhail looked to her, the last bits of sunlight glinting golden off her hair and cheeks. \"Can you point me in the direction of a decent place to book a room? Or do you not usually find yourself sneaking out late enough to warrant things like that?\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Melina Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\n\"Well, you can always stay the night in the Capell manor. God knows we have the room.\" She laughed and rolled her eyes. \"It's not that far from here.\" She pointed in the direction, shielding her eyes from the sun, it's last rays of light illuminated her hair a golden bronze. \"It will get dark soon, and I'm sure you would be more comfortable somewhere less public than the inn\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\n\"If I were to stay there, you'd be admitting to your family that you'd snuck out.\" He reminded her, his gaze following the length of her arm towards where she was pointing. He'd never stayed in the Capell manor nor visited, and it might be strange to just show up unannounced with their daughter who they _thought_ had been in her chambers. \n\nThe whole thing reeked of scandal, but if played correctly they could tell it for the truth : The Capell heiress was showing him the arts district before their family hosted him for the evening."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nA wry smile appeared on her face. She had an idea, a very mischievous one. \"How could I possibly have snuck out, if I was invited to come by the Prince of Astoria to see a play and show him the city?\" There would have been no way that her parents would have refused the prince. \"After all, we are *Well aquatinted* From all the court functions that we have attended. I was informed that you would be visiting Ostrava, and wanted a guide for the evening. Who better for that than the heiress to the nobles who reside over the region?\" Her parents would eat that up, she was sure. Rather than be angry, they would be *Proud* That their daughter was 'chosen' for such an esteemed job."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nHe couldn't help the smile that drew on his lips. She was clever, he'd give her that. \"That's almost exactly what has happened, is it not?\" He agreed, then added. \"Spare the knowledge we didn't make plans as to when to meet up this evening, you could truthfully say that's exactly how it has played out.\" He brought his free hand to his law, idly rubbing his neck before letting his hand fall back to his side. \n\nThey had reached the end of the alley, and stepped out to the streets bathed in twilight. \"There's only one issue I could see them taking,\" He added, turning to face her fully, his gaze down on her as he gave a half smirk \"I think your parents would be disappointed to see you came out to greet a Prince in _that_.\" His finger caught the light brown of her vest that she wore. \"My mother is horrified when I'm not dressed properly to meet _anyone_. Should we go back and see if your thespian friends have something better suited for a Royal tour of Ostrava?\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nHe made a good point. Her attire certainly would not have flown with her parents. She was certain that her friends in the theatre would loan her a dress for the evening. Her parents had bought so many for her that they would not have noticed that it was borrowed. \"I suppose we shall, they'll understand. It's not the first time I've had to borrow a dress from them.\" So she led him back inside the theatre and to the backstage area. There the cast were celebrating a very successful opening night. The lead actor noticed them first. \"Hey! It's Millie and the prince! We really appreciate you coming out to see our show. Tell me, what brings you to our humble backstage?\" Millie smiled. \"The show was amazing, you should be very proud, but I'm here to ask a favor. You see, I was *Ahem* \"Requested\" By Prince Durkhan here to be his guide around the city and accompany him to the play, but my attire simply won't do. Might I perchance borrow a dress for the night, so that the suspicion from the Lord and Lady Capell can be mitigated?\" \n\nThe actor immediately understood what Millie was implying. Once again, that was something she had done before. He smiled and tapped his chin. \"Ah, but of course. I could *Never* Forget the beautiful dress you wore to our play. Yes. That exquisite blue one with the silver trim. Your sense of fashion is truly unmatched, Lady Capell.\" He went to the clothing rack and produced the dress. It certainly was a fine piece of attire, more fitting of a 'royal guide.' \n\nShe took the dress from him, and felt along it. It would definitely do in a pinch, and it being a theatre costume helped a lot, because they were much more comfortable than court dresses, yet they were almost indistinguishable. \"Many thanks on your compliments. I certainly do my best to look the part.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nMillie hinted that she had done the very same thing before, and he couldn't stop the way his brow rose in silent question. _Just what kind of trouble are you, Lady Capell?_ He thought to himself, but agreed to follow her back into the theatre once more. She headed directly for the same side door they had made their exit through before, this time the milling crowd parting easily for them both. \n\nMikhail dipped his head, offering smiles to those who welcomed him and thanked him for being in attendance that night as they headed towards the back, and let Millie take the spotlight once they were presented to the cast. The dress they offered her was pretty, and exceedingly plain compared to the pieces he saw flaunted in his mothers court. It was nice, and definitely more youthful, as if they had stashed it for the part of a Young Lady in some show. Millie took it, and Mikhail cleared his throat. \n\n\"Thank you for your assistance,\" He told them, then looked to Millie and the gown she held. \"I'll wait out front while you change.\" He added quietly, and squeezed her forearm briefly in farewell before heading back through the corridor, one of the actresses jumping to assist him on his path back out to the main foyer."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nShe nodded. \"Of course. I'll just be a couple of minutes.\" Millie ducked behind a changing divider and changed out of her commoner's clothes and neatly folded them. She then put on the dress. It fit her rather well, and was rather comfortable, not restricting her breathing like some of her other dresses did. After she had changed into the blue dress, she stepped back out and gave her clothing to one of the actors. \"I'll be back for these later when I return the dress, keep them safe, please.\" \n\nThe actor took the clothes from her and gave her a smile. \"I'll put em in the usual trunk for you Millie. Though I must say, I might have you just keep that one. It suits you well.\" \n\nShe smiled at the compliment. \"Thank you, but I will still be returning it. Wouldn't seem right to keep it. I'll be back, of course. Save my usual seat for me, will you?\" With that she turned away, giving a slight wave to the actors before heading back out. She found Mikhail right where he said he would be, and tapped him on his shoulder. \"Well, how do I look?\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nWhile waiting, the actress who had accompanied him questioned him about his time in Ostrava. It seemed Millie wasn't the only one who boasted the city and it's arts district - just about everyone had something to promote that was happening this week. Astoria, thankfully, had been relatively untouched by the plague. There were cased in South Feyshore, but Lord Stafford and Sir Cromwell had locked the borders down as soon as possible, and he hadn't _personally_ heard of any cases in Astorian cities. \n\nBut because of this, festivals and plays and life was able to continue on in towns like Ostrava, and he was glad for it as he watched the young blonde tell him about a market that would be taking place tomorrow. It was bi-monthly so it seemed, and filled to the brim with jewelry and arts and the sweetest desserts in Astoria. He smiled at her description, giving a small laugh. \"I might have to stay long enough to browse this market, thank you for letting me know about it.\" \n\nAs he spoke, he felt a tap on his shoulder, and turned to find Millie. Dressed in blue and clothing of her name, she looked lovely. He gave her a smile, and took half a step back to let his eyes move over the blue and silver of the skirts. \"Like a Lady.\" He answered, and looked the the actress for her to confirm. The blonde nodded, accompanying the motion with an a breathless \"_Oh Millie, you're stunning, that really is your color, did Philip say you can keep it, because I think you should!_\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nMillie laughed lightly. \"Thank you.\" She turned to the blonde actress. \"Aneta, you know Phillip says I should keep every dress I borrow. It wouldn't be very fair of me to do that. Although, I might consider it just this once, since you all seem so adamant that this one suits me so well.\" \n\nThe dress was beautiful, yes, though Millie wasn't sure that it really made her look *That* Good. She saw herself as just alright, and she didn't understand why everyone talked about her looks so much. \n\nShe then turned back to Mikhail, excited to comment on the market. \"As for what I heard you mention just now, I highly recommend you stick around at least through tomorrow. It's market day. You won't see anything like it in the rest of Astoria, I promise you. Masterly crafted jewelry, works of art, clothes, and food as far as the eye can see, all locally made. It's so much fun!\" She, like everyone else talked very highly of Ostrava. It certainly had a lot of cultural flair."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "** Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nIt didn't feel appropriate for him to comment on her dress further, after all, he didn't want to give the wrong impression to anyone who might overhear. And since Millie almost immediately jumped in to tell him that _yes_ he _should_ stay for market day, it was becoming more and more obvious that people in this town overheard everything. \n\nHe gave a soft sigh of a laugh. \"We'll see what tomorrow brings when we get to it, Lady Millie. As for now, we've got other matters to attend to.\" He reminded her. Really, he was starting to wish he'd bid her farewell and gone to try and find Daemon. Not that Millie wasn't lovely company, but he realized he wanted to settle into a bed somewhere with what was left of his flask and enjoy the warm pre-summer evening. He could probably do that, but there was now a meeting with Lord and Lady Capell to attend. \n\nPerhaps he should have suggested she accompany him somewhere else, as nerves were starting to settle. He cleared his throat, pushing away the thoughts and tapped his thigh, feeling for the metal in his pocket before he lifted the same hand and offered her his arm. \"Shall we, Lady?\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nShe took his arm in his, and gave him a brief smile. \"Of course, your lordship.\" The sun finally settled under the horizon as Millie led him down the streets of Ostrava towards Capell manor, constantly pointing out the different landmarks which lined the streets. \"...And that's Hamilton's Bakery. Best bread you'll ever have... There's the Jindrich art gallery. Most of the works there are done locally. The curator is very nice. You'd like him!\" It was pretty clear that she not only knew practically everyone in town, but that she was also excited to share the sights of Ostrava with someone who wasn't from there. The streets were colorful with various banners, floral arrangements, and street lamps. Even during the night, the city appeared bright. \n\nSometime later, they were just about to Capell manor, it's twin towers marking the edge of the building, with gothic sloped roofs and emphasis on verticality. It was a classic noble house to be sure. \n\nMillie sighed rolled her eyes. She didn't like how droll it was compared to Ostrava. Compared to the city, it seemed rather dreary. \"There it is. Home sweet home.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava Astoria**\n\nIt really was a beautiful city. He'd never taken the time to visit before, but it would certainly be on his list for his summer tour, if that was still going to happen, that is. It was possible things could go very poorly very quickly with the current state of things, and he had yet to hear anything about The Durkhan's summer plans. \n\nThey walked arm in arm for a while, her using her free hand to point out places of interest as he kept them on the path. \"It's nice that you know just about everyone in your home, if not everyone.\" He told her, his attention lingering on the lamplight reflecting on a hanging sign above a tavern. The name rang a bell, and he realized he _had_ been told where his squire intended to spend his night. He'd retrieve him later though, he doubted he'd be up before noon. \n\nSoon enough they were upon the Noble house, and he gave a nod towards the towers before leaning in a bit. \"So which tower do you have to escape from every night?\" He joked, unable to hide the smirk before he laughed."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria** \n\n\"I find the right one far less challenging to climb down\" Millie said, seemingly very seriously, before bursting into laughter herself. \"No, no. My room is on the ground floor. It's no major task to flee from the evil dragons who guard the castle, preventing any fun from entering, or leaving. *Thou shalt never behath any merriment tonight, young maiden*\" She said the last part in her best gravelly, dragonesque voice."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "** Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava Astoria**\n\n\"The first time I slipped from my bedroom window down a lattice I thought I was going to break my neck.\" He paused, then chuckled \"Again.\" He added, and looked once more over the home. \n\n\"It looks like it could house a decent sized dragon. Or a few little ones. Shall we?\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\n\"We shall\" She then led him up the path to the manor's grand entrance. Millie paused for a minute, debating whether to just go in or knock. She opted to just go in, it would have been funnier if Mikhail was revealed a little after. \"So what I'm going to do is walk in, say that I'm home, of course get scolded, then I announce your presence.\" She rubbed her hands together before opening the door, but paused before doing so, and turned to Mikhail. \"Uhh... Unless you'd prefer being introduced the way the prince should be?\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava Astoria**\n\n\"I don't need to be announced, whatever causes the least amount of trouble for you works for me.\" He still wasn't quite convinced she wouldn't get reprimanded, but he hoped his presence at least helped deter it."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\n\"Okay. Thank you\" She gave him one last smile and thumbs up before opening the door to the manor. \"Mother, Father! I've returned!\" She called out to them. *'Heeeeree we go'* Millie thought to herself as she watched her parents storm towards her. As she expected, they looked pissed. \"Where in the blazes have you been, young lady?!\" Her mother scolded her, wagging a finger in Millie's face \"Sneaking out again to frivolous reasons, Milena?\" \n\nMillie smiled innocently, giving them a quizzical look. \"Sneaking out? But mother, I didn't sneak out. Were you not informed?\" \n\n\"Informed of what, young lady? That you would go against our wishes once again?\" \n\n\"You truly don't know?\" Millie put on her best confused look, as if what she were about to say were common knowledge. \"You didn't know that I was asked to guide the Royal Prince Mikhail Durkhan around Ostrava and attend a play with him?\" She then swept her arm in an introductory manner. That was his cue"
}
] | 210 | 4,052 |
222 | 2020-06-07 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "** Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nFrom where he stood, he knew they probably hadn't noticed him in the doorway. He could only barely see the Lady Capell from where he stood, and Lord Capell was out of eyeshot. Millie, however, even from the back - looked as if she was on top of the world. Her posture was the same one of confidence he had seen as she guided them expertly through the halls of the theatre before. A showman, ready to present. \n\nWhen she gave her flourish, Mikhail stepped into the home. His hands were clasped behind his back, hand over wrist as he gave a smile. \"Good evening, Lord and Lady Capell.\" He said as introduction, since their daughter had already made it evident who he was. \"I've just come to offer my gratitude to you for allowing the Lady Capell to be my guide for the evening.\" He glanced to Millie, offering her a pleasant smile as he released his wrist and reached for hers, his palm facing up so she may rest her hand in his. \n\n\"Ostrava has been on my list of places to visit for quite some time, I'm thankful for a competent tour from someone so impassioned about her city and people.\" He returned his gaze to the Lord and Lady Capell, expectant."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nMillie's parents were dumbfounded as she took his hand in hers. They weren't expecting the future ruler of Astoria to be in their entryway. Had he really asked their daughter to be his guide without their knowing? \"Oh... Uh... Of course your royal highness!\" Millie's mother stammered. \"That's our daughter, so very passionate about her... People. I am so glad that you found Ostrava to be quite enjoyable. Is there anything you want? We can serve tea, or perhaps offer you roast pheasant.\" Her parents' demeanor had certainly flipped on a dime. Whatever happened to their anger?\n\nMillie offered a knowing smile to Mikhail, then turned back to her parents. \"Mother, Father? Is this not exciting? It is not often that someone of such high esteem graces Ostrava with their presence, to ask for me directly as a guide, and for them to complement our humble city and it's wonderful people so highly? Certainly you must be proud?\" Millie's penchant for acting had been honed by her acquaintances at Evzen theatre. To anyone who was not in the know, it was a very convincing display. Her demeanor exuded confidence, though it was most assuredly helped by the prince at her side. \n\n\"Proud...? Oh yes! Of course! We are very proud and very humbled that you graced us with your presence, Prince Durkhan.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\n\"Tea would be lovely, thank you.\" Mikhail agreed to the invitation, and let Millie speak her piece. It was obvious to him she was trying to get a point across to her parents in the _nicest_ way possible, and he had to bite back a chuckle at her pointed words. His hand squeezed Millies, and he returned his silver gaze to the Lady Capell. \n\n\"Thank you, for your kind words, however if it's no issue, may we retire to a parlor or sitting room? I do believe Lady Millie has given me the run around of Ostrava to assure I'm well acquainted with all the bakeries and art houses your city has to offer.\" He was teasing of course, but he didn't care much for standing in the hallway any longer. If they moved, it gave them an opportunity to find some comfort and the Lord and Lady might stop stammering and staring at him if they were in 'host' mode."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nHer parents took a second to compose themselves before continuing. \"Yes of course, your highness, right this way\" They lead him and Millie through the decorated halls of Capell Manor to the sitting room. There was a red theme running through the room, with the cushioned chairs and couches a deep red velvet, and the walls a maroon color. Millie's blue and silver dress contrasted sharply with it. \"Please, sit.\" They continued standing until the Prince sat down, their arms clasped in front of them."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nUpon the confirmation and the instruction to follow them, Mikhail looked to Millie, and released her hand. It appeared her plan to get herself out of trouble had worked, and he gave a small gesture with his chin that she should lead between him and her parents. \n\nThey were guided to a parlor, full of colors that reminded him of North Shore, and he took a seat when offered one. \"So tell me, Lord and Lady Capell, why were you two not in attendance tonight at the Evzen Theatre? When I asked for the Lady Capell to join me, my understanding was that the Lord and Lady would have already been invited and in attendance.\" He gave a soft smile."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nMillie smirked as she sat down. It was a very good, very pointed question. She was going to enjoy seeing them try to figure out their response to a question Mikhail knew the answer to. Their elitism was finally being called out in a deviously subtle manner. Her parents seemed rather taken aback at the question. \"Oh... Uh.. Your highness. We were not in attendance of the play because...\" Her mother shifted uncomfortably. They certainly could not tell him it was because they saw anyone under Knightsblood as inferior, although Mikhail already knew that from Millie. Her father jumped in. \"...Because we have never really been playgoers, your highness, they've simply never appealed to us.\"\n\nMillie had to hold herself back from giggling. That simply had to be the worst excuse and lie she had ever heard."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nThe answer was... Strange, and Mikhail felt his brow almost twitch into a frown before he corrected himself. \"Ah, I see.\" He said simply, straightening a bit in his seat. \"My late father never much cared for the arts either. He didn't interact much with those outside of the court, it's probably why they turned on him.\" He mused aloud, then cleared his throat. \"My apologies, not a story for a night as lovely as this has been.\" Mikhail looked to Millie.\n\n\"Your daughter has offered a room for the night, since there seems to have been a mix up in my arrangements for the evening. Perhaps tomorrow, the Lord and Lady Capell might be interested in joining us on our outing.\" He caught her fathers eye. \"I'm told there's a special market being hosted tomorrow, I'd love to be in attendance.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\n\"..Turned on... Him?\" One could almost see Milena's parent's blood run cold at what on the surface appeared to be a passing remark from the prince. It was clear he didn't buy their answer. Their attention was then immediately focused onto the fact that their daughter had so graciously offered him a place to stay. \"Yes, of course. It was only right for her to offer our home to you. Better for the prince to stay in luxury rather than in a comm- ah... Any *Uncomfortable* Arrangements.\"\n\nMillie couldn't help it anymore. She audibly groaned at their last remark. This brought the attention of her parents off of the prince and onto her. \"Milena Capell! That is no acceptable way to conduct yourself in the presence of the prince!\" Her mother scolded. She then turned to Mikhail once again. \"You must forgive my daughter. She appears to have lost her manners\" \n\n\"Sorry, mother.\" *'Oh, and lying to him about your disdain for your... No. His people is any more acceptable?'* Millie thought to herself, and crossed her arms. \n\n\"As for the market we would be ahh.. *Delighted* To join you tomorrow\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava Astoria**\n\nHe didn't care much for the snap,and also refrained from commenting on it. \"I think her manners are fine.\" He said simply, and brought his gaze to the Lady Capell. \"Would it be a trouble to get the tea you offered? I'm sure we could all use some refreshments.\" He then looked to the Lord Capell, trying to size him up. From what he could tell, the Lady was the one who ran the household. \n\n\"Thank you for your hospitality, but I think it might be best if Lady Milena and I take that refreshment in..\" He tried to remember if there was a garden, and looked to Millie for help. \"A veranda? A garden perhaps? Somewhere we may speak alone. I have a few more questions about the show from this evening, and would hate to bore you both with my commentary since plays aren't to your liking, My Lord.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\n\"Oh... Yes of course, your highness.\" Lord Capell responded. He then clapped his hands and a blonde haired servant entered the sitting room and cordially bowed. \"Yes my lord?\" \n\n\"Please fetch Prince Durkhan and my daughter some tea, and show them to the garden courtyard.\" Lord Durkhan instructed the servant. \n\n\"It will be done. Please come with me.\" Millie got up when Mikhail did as well, and offered her hand to him as they followed the servant through the halls to the interior courtyard. \"The tea will be along in a minute.\" The servant said before entering back into the Manor. The courtyard was very different from the rest of the manor, with bright flowers lining the cobblepathways, a small stream running through the middle of it. It was a very serene atmosphere. \"What was it you wanted to talk about, Mikhail? I assume it's not about the play\" Millie asked"
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nHe wasn't going to take her hand, but she offered it, and he could hear his mother scolding him for not doing so in the back of his mind. So his hand lifted, finding it's place beneath hers as they were guided from the room. The rest of the manor was decorated in much of the same way as the parlor, and when they stepped outside into the night he took a long breath. \n\nThe servant who had guided them would be back shortly, and Mikhail released her hand, pushing both of his through his half-blonde hair before tilting his head. His neck popped with the motion, sending a small 'crack' sound against the bricks as he looked over the garden. It was nothing like the one in Zahrada, but it was definitely on brand for Astoria's season defying gardens. \n\n\"I just wanted an excuse to get out of there.\" He admitted with a sheepish smile, his eyes darting from the path to her. The exterior of the home had torches to keep them lit, but it looked like the further they would go into the garden the more they would have to rely on the moonlight to guide them."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nMilena sighed glumly. \"That's fair. My parents aren't exactly a joy to be around\" She had immediately dropped the noble speech pattern for the one that was more natural to her. She walked to a bench just outside the torchlight and sat down. Millie then laid her chin in her hands, staring at a particularly nice arrangement of roses. \"This garden? The flowers are all me. If my parents had their way, it would be nothing but boring hedges. I love my flowers. They're the bit of rebellion I don't get in trouble for. This is my Ostrava when I can't get away\" She admitted to the prince."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nShe seemed upset he didn't have something secretive to tell her, and he watched as she moved to the bench, propping her head in her hands to overlook the flowers. He followed her gaze, remaining standing. \"It's lovely, I could see why you'd like to build a place for yourself here. Have you ever seen the ones in Zahrada?\" He asked, moving to the arrangement of roses. He reached out for one, and his lip twitched as a thorn caught his thumb. He pressed a finger into the pad of his thumb, watching the droplet well up to determine if it was worth tending to. It didn't seem like it, and he raised it to his lips before shaking his hand to get rid of the sting. \n\n\"There is something about the soil in Astoria that makes the gardens that grow here so fertile. Could be magic, but it really makes the day to day a little less mundane, don't you think?\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nMillie smiled as he talked about her flowers and the wonder that is Astoria's capital. \"Personally, I've never been to Zahrada, though the stories I've heard certainly do make it sound magical. I'd love to visit one day.\" She said whimsically. \"Perhaps a bit of magic could be what people need nowadays. Maybe not even real magic, though that would be awesome. But perhaps just taking the time to admire a sunset, or a lovely red rose, just slowing down for a bit you know? Enjoying the little moments that make life so magical. I wish my parents understood that. You could very plainly see them earlier. They aren't not play people. They enjoy certain aspects of theatre. Their problem is that they aren't people people. They refuse to go into Ostrava simply because the people there are shi- no. I refuse to call them that. The people there aren't in the same blood caste as my parents therefore they have less worth, to them at least. That's why they try to make me a perfect noble, so that I don't imitate anyone that doesn't have a stick up their ass.\" She looked to him and gave him a soft smile. \"No offense to you or your mother. I'm referring to... Well you know who. Nobility who think and act like my parents.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "`\n**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nHe let her talk, and when the servant from before returned with a silver platter loaded with two cups, a kettle, a small saucer of sugar and two spoons. He laid it down on the small table on the veranda, and Mikhail thanked him before dismissing him. \"It doesn't offend me. I've seen so many courts run so many different ways. Ours is probably absurd to the Taemar nobility, and it's probably drastically different than the Witherland court.\" He started, pouring a cup of steeping tea into one of the teacups. \n\nIt's herbal scent caught the wind, and added to the smell of rose and earth and night that had felt so much like home to him since he was brought back. He found himself laying in the gardens beneath the obelisk in the patch of poppies to watching the stars a lot more than he had ever imagined. There weren't any stars in tombs.\n\n\"There's real magic in Astoria, it's not hard to find if you know what you're looking for.\" He started, then paused. \"Sugar?\" He asked, looking over his shoulder to her."
}
] | 214 | 3,330 |
139.142857 | 2020-06-08 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\n\"Yes please\" Millie watched him pour the sugar for her, mean while she thought about what he had said. Her demeanor immediately became more energized. \"Magic? Like real magic from the fairytales? It exists? I would very much love to see it one day!\" Millie had only heard of magic in stories, never before seeing it herself."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "** Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nHe nodded, adding a spoonful of sugar into the tea for her before turning and holding it out to her. \"It's hot.\" He warned, before giving a nod. \"And yes, real magic. Like the kind from fairy tales, but scarier. I've never seen it used in any kind of mundane way, but it's definitely real.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava Astoria**\n\n\"Fascinating\" She said, taking the cup from him. She blew on her tea, the herbal smell of it was very enticing. \"You seem to know a bit of everything, Mikhail\" Millie said, before taking a sip of her tea. It was just right, as usual. The servants at Capell manor were really good with their teas. \"Real magic...\" She said again, before leaning back into the bench. \"Wow\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\n\"It's a privilege of nobility, I assume, to be exposed to a lot more opportunities to learn things.\" He admitted, making his own cup from the set that was brought out. He moved away from it, contemplating taking the seat beside her but thinking better of it. Instead, he leaned against the wall beside her, his legs sticking forward to keep his back against the wall at a comfortable angle while he stood, nursing the teacup as they looked over the gardens. \n\n\"One of the first things my mother did when she came into power here was lift the ban on magic use. Durkhan's are said to carry magic, though I think the trait only applies to the women in our lineage. I've not noticed any affinity for it myself, and from what I've heard my mother say, my grandfather didn't possess much either.\" He paused. \"But the Queen is,\" There was a beat and he lifted his cup to his lips. \"Well, she's powerful.\" He finished taking a sip."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nMillie watched him pour his own cup, and though a little disappointed he opted to stand rather than sit by her, didn't think much else of it and listened very intently once he explained that the Durkhan line, the women at least, had affinity for magic, and even more amazingly, The queen of the land she loved so much was powerful in magic. That was simply astounding to Millie. \n\n\"Astoria's very own Dutchess is a magician, and a powerful one at that. That's... That's just amazing, Mikhail!\" She very nearly spilt her tea on herself as she expressed her excitement. \"Whew. That was close\" She said, pausing for a moment before laughing. \"I'm sorry, this is just so wildly fascinating to me. You've taught me so much in such a short amount of time\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nHe chuckled as she jostled her cup, and then mentioned that he had taught her so much. He didn't feel like he'd taught her anything. \"What do you mean I've taught you so much?\" He asked. \"As far as I knew, it was common knowledge that magic use was allowed in Astoria, doesn't that lend itself to mean there are magic users here?\" He had always assumed everyone just knew. But now that he was thinking about it, it could easily have been played off as rumors."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\n\"I had just thought they were rumors. I've personally never met any magic users before. Then again, I don't exactly leave Ostrava often. Though perhaps taught me isn't the correct phrasing. You've made me think very introspectively so far tonight. You know, where I belong, and who I am. Getting all philosophical I guess.\" She took another sip of her tea, then looked up at the night sky. \"I really should get out more.\" Of course, she 'got out' all the time, out of of Capell Manor at least. In reality, she wanted to see what else was out there rather than Ostrava, as wonderful as it was."
}
] | 124 | 974 |
131.875 | 2020-06-12 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nMikhail listened to her elaborate, and gave a small nod. His back found the stone wall behind him, and he slid down the length of it to take a seat, his knees bent and up to provide a place for him to balance the cup of tea he was nursing. \"It wasn't my intention to make you question your life as you know it, Lady.\" He murmured, his gaze dipping to the dark liquid in his cup. He had taken a sip to find he couldn't taste it, so he was no longer interested in it nor it's contents. \n\n\"Most of the world is full of terrible and cruel monsters. Astoria is really a haven for forgetting about the cruelty of the world outside of it.\" He told her, tipping the cup a bit to watch the liquid catch the moonlight. \"There's still things to fear here, but they're trying their best not to be fearsome.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava Astoria**\n\nMilena watched him sit down on the ground across from her, then looked into her own cup, swirling the contents around. \"Well, you know a very wise man once said that it is not death that a person should fear, but not beginning to live. I don't know if I can get over fearing death, but perhaps it's time for me to broaden my horizons a bit. My whole life I've been away from Ostrava maybe six or seven times. I want to see the world. The good, and the bad.\" \n\nShe paused for a second then laughed to herself. \"Although I might just start with the rest of Astoria. I don't quite fancy the thought of terrible and cruel monsters to be honest\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nHe listened to her speak, and after a moment he set his cup aside, draping his forearm over the tops of his knees. \"Death isn't that bad, after it's all said and done.\" He told her, then paused. \"Do you believe in an afterlife? Do you adhere to any gods?\" He questioned."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell** \n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nThe question caught her by surprise. She wasn't expecting to have to answer such a question. \"Oh... Umm.\" The paused to think for a few seconds. \"As for the afterlife. I hope so. It would be quite dreary for death to be the end of it. As for gods... I don't know. We had to get here somehow, I suppose, and it would be comforting to know there's a higher power up there watching over me.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nThe Prince pressed his lips together, watching as she seemed to search for an answer. He'd experienced an afterlife, but hadn't encountered any kind of proof there had been a pantheon involved in it's creation. But he wasn't going to tell her that, according to Romanov, he hadn't had the same experience. For all he knew, it wasn't a guarantee for anyone. \n\n\"It would be comforting.\" He agreed. \"You're easy to talk to, Milena.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nShe smiled at him. \"Thank you. I try to be. You certainly make for interesting conversation, Mikhail. You're a lot more well travelled than I.\" She set her tea down, then got up and walked over to a shrub of pink hibiscus. She held one tenderly, looking for any bug bites or damage. It seemed alright. \"I would love to see the flowers of Zahadra one day. I bet as much love as I put into my garden here, that it does not hold a candle to the Capitol.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nShe stood, and moved to the flowers before her. Inspecting them, it gave him a change to look over her, and he found a weird lump in his throat at the way her voice softened. It was strange, and he didn't really know where it had come from, but he swallowed it down quickly. \"You could visit, it's not that far. If you wanted tomorrow after the market you could return home with me to see the city. I doubt your parents would protest a personal invitation to court from the Prince.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nHer eyes lit up at his offer to visit, and she twirled around to him, the hem of her dress swirling around her. \"Do you mean it?!\" She asked very excitedly before regaining her composure. \"Umm... I mean... Yes. That sounds very nice, thank you. I'm sure my parents would not object.\" The prospects at seeing Astoria's Capitol's flowers excited her very much. She had heard talk about their splendor, and had always wanted to see it for herself."
}
] | 123 | 1,055 |
148.571429 | 2020-06-13 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nHer excitement made him smile, and the was thankful for the darkness that hid just how bright it had been. She composed herself, and he did as well, letting the smile fade. \"Of course I mean it, there's no reason for me to lie about an invite.\" He reminded her how foolish that would be, then turned his palm over, his finger running along the underside idly. \"Unfortunately, you'll actually be required to wear something nice, on the off chance we run into my mother, but I'm sure you can manage that.\" He teased."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nShe smiled at the tease. \"If it means I get to see Zahadra, then I will gladly wear a nice dress for a day or two.\" She was absolutely ecstatic. Millie could not have guessed that things would turn out this way when she was just going to see a play. To not only be personally invited to see the capitol by the prince of Astoria, but also to see its legendary floral gardens for herself was simply amazing to her. Millie had to stop herself from laughing giddily. \"I cannot express my excitement in words, Mikhail. I can't thank you enough.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava Astoria**\n\nShe was adorable this way, fawning over the idea of the Astorian palace and it's gardens. They were a wonder, and he himself got lost in them for nights of escape. But it was sweet to see someone else so excited at the idea of their eternal gardens. He moved to stand, wiping at his pants should he have accidentally sat on any debris. \"You don't have to thank me, Milena. It was a pleasure to spend the day with you, and I'd be remise to not return the favor.\" He nodded his chin in the direction of the garden. \"Why don't you show me the garden in it's entirety? Before the twilight fades and it's hard to see?\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nMikhail had a certain charm about him that Millie rather liked. He was kind, and smart, and a touch mysterious. He was rather good looking too. She lightly shook that thought out of her head. There she went daydreaming again. \"Yes, I'll would love to show you the rest of my little paradise.\" \n\nShe then led him through her garden, pointing out the various roses, hibiscus, carnations, and other flowers. There were many instances where she said \"Oh, I love these, come look.\" And \"These turned out very nicely\" Eventually, they reached the center of the garden; a small bridge which crossed the stream that cuts the garden in two. \"This is my favorite spot in the whole manor. Right here on this bridge\" She said, while leaning on the railing."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava Astoria**\n\nShe agreed, and he once more clasped his hands behind his back, falling into step with her as she guided him through the garden. The further they got from the estate the less light they had from the torches, but the moon was doing well to keep things from being too dark. \n\nHe'd never really had an issue seeing at night anyway, and the little stops they made along the way gave him time to stop and admire as she spoke. He let her talk, enjoying the way her voice lit up at each new flower they came across, talking passionately about how she had started each and their growth until they came upon the bridge. Stopping in the center, she leaned on the railing, causing him to do the same. \n\n\"Why is this your favorite spot, Milena?\" He asked of her, his attention on her instead of the scene before them."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nShe closed her eyes and listened to the sound of the running stream. \"It's just quiet and serene. This spot helps me forget about my troubles for a while. My own little private escape. I can stay in this garden for hours, basking in the moonlight, and listening to the water.\" She turned to look at him leaning beside her on the railing. \"I'm glad I could share this with you. Nobody else seems to appreciate this garden's true worth\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava Astoria**\n\nHer eyes closed before she answered, and he took the moment to look over her without her knowing she was being observed. She seemed so... Genuine. \n\nHe gave a small nod, and swallowed down that lump from earlier that seemed to make another appearance. \"I'm glad you felt myself worthy to see it.\" He started, then added. \"You seem to be thriving here, carving out your own spaces to breath. It's lovely to see from an outsiders perspective - how many Haven's you've greatest for yourself.\""
}
] | 138 | 1,040 |
113.538462 | 2020-06-14 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\n\"To be honest, my havens are anywhere that aren't in there.\" She pointed at the manor. \"It's suffocating, the way I'm treated. They ask for perfection when perfection is simply impossible. Out here, in my garden, it's simple. Quiet. I find you worthy to join me because you haven't asked for perfection with me. You've been understanding, and you listen to me. You cannot begin to understand how much it means to me just to have someone *Listen* For once.\" She had to do her best to not tear up. She had been holding onto those feelings for a long time, and it felt good to finally say what she needed to."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nShe motioned back towards the manor, and he pressed his lips together into a tight line. He didn't personally understand that sentiment, but he had been blessed with a relatively normal upbringing. Besides the murder of his presumed father and brother, the kingdom hopping and all that- he'd enjoyed life in Vincentien before moving to Marin. \n\n\"They're just wanting to assure you all the opportunities. Very little nobles actually realize the best way to make a statement is not blending in with the rest of the court. I'd probably not have known you if you'd just been another someone in a crowd at a gala.\" It was the truth, and he offered a small smile to try and soften it if it felt like a blow. \"You're easy to listen to, you're enthused about things and actually seem to care about the conversation you're carrying.\" He raised his good shoulder in a half shrug. \"I certainly am enjoying your company, perfect or otherwise.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nShe listened to his explanation, and gave him a smile in return, turning to hide the blush which traitorously appeared on her face. \"I appreciate the compliments. You're too kind, Mikhail. Though, I also suppose you're right. I'm not trying to blend in with the crowd at all. I don't want to. Just another faceless noble who's content with the noble lifestyle with no regards for the people. That's not where I want to see myself.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava Astoria**\n\nHer comment brought up a good point and he straightened before turning around. His elbows found the railing she was leaning on, and he leaned back against it, letting the wood press into his back as he let his eyes trail upwards towards the moon that hovered over them. \"Where do you want to see yourself?\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\n\"I want to help people. To use the benefits granted to me when I was born to benefit those around me. I don't want to one day be a ruler of anywhere simply for the sake of ruling. The people deserve better than that. I want to be a servant for the people. That's where I want to see myself. I don't care that I won't be very popular with the rest of the upper class. I don't do it for them.\" She looked at him, gazing up at the sky, then she turned her gaze to the stream which ran underneath them. \"You probably think me strange, like my parents and the other nobility do. I wouldn't blame you.\" She brushed a bang out of her face."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "** Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava Astoria**\n\n\"I think those are very Noble thoughts, Lady.\" He countered. \"That's exactly the kind of attitude I should hope to be seeing from a future Lady of Astoria.\" There was a pause before he continued. \n\n\"Have you attended court with anyone our age before, Lady?\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nShe smiled. \"Thank you. I'm glad to know that my ideals are shared by at least one. As for your question...\" She paused, thinking. \"Now that I think about it, no. When my parents forced me to go to any functions, there have only been adults. Perhaps that's why I always felt out of place.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "** Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava Astoria**\n\nMikhail nodded, pushing himself off the railing of the bridge. \"I think you might benefit from seeing the court members from the rising generation. You'll find your ideals aren't strange to them.\" He turned and offered his hand to her once more, \"We should was back, it's been a long day.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\n\"That sounds nice. I suppose we should be heading back. It is getting late.\" She took her hand in his once again, and together they walked back towards the interior of the Manor. As they went, she turned to him. \"Perhaps it would be better if you were the one who told my parents of your invitation to me to return to Zahadra with you?\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava Astoria**\n\n\"I can do that, though I might wait until tomorrow. It seems a better topic to bring up over breakfast instead of now.\" They headed towards the manner, and before they entered her paused, brining her hand up to his lips. \"Thank you for showing me your garden, Mil.\" He said, releasing her hand with a small smile. Holding her hand for longer would imply things to those who might see in the house, and he wasn't going to cause a scandal for her."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\n\"I agree. Breakfast is a much more opportune time for such news.\" She replied to him as they walked. When they got to the door and he kissed her hand, it was hard to hide her blush. She smiled and turned her head away in a very poor attempt to do so, once again attempting to brush away that infernal bang which refused to cooperate with her. \"I'm glad you liked it. It's very special to me. Is there anything else you need before we retire for the night, Mikhail?\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "** Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava Astoria** \n\nShe blushed, and it made him feel heat rise in his cheeks. He hadn't intended on making her blush, but it was sweet he had. \"No, Lady. I'll be fine. Thank you for your company today.\" As they moved inside, a servant came to usher him to his room for the evening. \n\n\"Goodnight Mil. Sweet dreams.\" He called. Giving her a smile as he looked over his shoulder once more before ascending the stairs."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\n\"Oh! Um.. You too!\" She called back, heading to her own room as well. It had been quite a day. A very good one at that. She looked forward for the next day, the market, combined with a trip to Zahadra had her excited the whole time she was preparing for bed."
}
] | 111 | 1,476 |
268.666667 | 2020-06-19 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nUpon his arrival, Millie was the first to great him. \"Good morning to you, Lady Milena.\" He paused, and continued the greeting upon the two adults who sat at the table as well. \"Good morning, Lord and Lady Capell. Thank you for waiting for me, however it wasn't necessary.\" He took a seat, and thanked the woman who filled his glass with fresh water. He didn't touch it, instead looking to Lord Capell. \n\n\"Lord Capell, I was hoping to find a moment after the market today to ask, but now seems opportune. Would you or the Lady Capell be opposed if I invited Milena to visit Zahrada this afternoon?\" He let his gaze move to his wife, offering a small smile. \"She spoke so fondly of the gardens here, I know she'd love the ones back home, and would personally like to be the one to assure she sees them.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nThe question took Milena's parents by surprise. They were not expecting the prince to invite their daughter to the capitol with him. They looked at each other then to Millie, who was trying her best to act surprised as well, and not as if the plan were a premeditated one. Lady Capell cleared her throat. \"Umm.. Yes. Our daughter is very fond of her little garden project in the courtyard. I see no reason to not permit our daughter to join the prince in his return trip to Zahadra.\" \n\nMillie smiled as she took a sip of her own glass of water. She hadn't had any doubt that her parents would not refuse a request from Mikhail. It would have gone against their personage to do so. \"I am thankful for and gladly accept your most generous request, your highness. I am sure that the arrangements can be made swiftly.\" Inwardly, she cringed. She hated having to sound so *Pretentious* During such formal conversations. \n\nThe Lady Capell continued; \"I assure you Milena will not cause any trouble to you, *Won't you, Milena?*\" A very pointed jab. The glare that went with it was icy enough to freeze hell over, and chilled Milena to the bone. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat. \"No, mother. I will be of no issue during my visit to the capitol.\" She responded meekly, turning her head to where Mikhail sat, her face flushed of color."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nAs they spoke, they were served their breakfast. Mikhail gave brief thanks to the woman who placed a plate before him, but just as he had with his water he made no move towards it. He was watching the tight smiles of the Lord and Lady as they accepted his offer, and his brow twitched inward, the same way his mothers did when she noted something odd. \n\n\"Pardon my questioning, but you seem concerned.\" He noted, \"If you're uncomfortable having Millie accompany me and my guard to Zahrada, the invitation extends to a later date as well, if that would be more convenient for you both. I know the offer comes at a short notice, if you'd rather decline-\"\n\n\"No, your highness.\" Lady Capell started, an apologetic smile gracing her lips. \"Surprised, but not an unwelcome one by any means. We'll just have to spend a little time making sure Milena is _properly_ prepared for travels.\" Lady Capell shot her daughter another glance, and Mikhail noted how Millies gaze moved to him after the comment, red rising in her cheeks. \n\n\"Wonderful. After the market today we'll return briefly for her things before heading out to Zahrada.\""
}
] | 272 | 806 |
342.25 | 2020-06-21 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "** Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nLady Capell stood, and with a gesture to her daughter they were gone. Mikhail gave a brief smile to them both as they left, leaving him alone with Lord Capell. He had thought the man might dismiss himself as well, but he didn't instead standing and offering a tour of the estate since it was missed the night prior. \n\nThey spent the next half hour wandering the halls, Lord Capell pointing out this and that - things he thought might be of interest to a Prince who had somehow ended up in his home. Mikhail did his best to pay attention, but he was itching to head out into the markets for the day. When finally they circled back around to the foyer, he caught sight of the first servant he'd seen since the dining hall. \n\n\"Would it be a trouble to check in on the Lady Capell and Lady Milena?\" He started to ask, and the servant gave a small nod before stopping, gesturing for their attention to turn to the stairs, where both Capell ladies had just reappeared."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nMilena's mother led her through the hallways to her room. As they went, the walls felt as if they would close in and suffocate her. The trek from the dining hall to Milena's bedroom was a silent one, neither party had any words for the other. Eventually, they made it to the door of her bedroom, which the Lady Capell opened, a stern look adorning her face. Milena dutifully entered, with the Lady Capell closing the door behind them. \n\n\"Mother, I-\" She began, and was immediately cut off by a snapping of her mother's fingers\n\"Ah. Ah. Ah. Do you have something you want to apologize for, young lady?\" Her cold, impassive voice seemed to resonate throughout the room. \n\n\"Apologize? For what?\" She hadn't done anything wrong that morning. In fact, she had been absolutely perfect for her mother, not once speaking out of turn, and following all the rules of conduct that had been established for her. She had no idea why her mother was so furious. \n\n\"Young lady, last night, in the parlor. Your outburst was not only utterly disrespectful, but completely disgraceful. Have you no shame?\" \n\n\"But mother! Prince Durkhan said that it was-\" Milena's defense was cut short by a swift slap, strong enough to knock her down. \"Insolent Child! Do not talk back to me! Do you wish to disgrace the Capell family name?\" \n\nMilena paused as her cheek stung red from the slap. \"No... Mother.\" \n\n\"That's what I thought. And do you regret your actions?\"\n\n\"Yes mother.\" Milena really didn't, but she was afraid she'd get slapped again. Her mother really thought she was doing her favors? It wasn't discipline, it was a power trip. All her mother succeeded in doing was to have Milena fear and resent her and the lifestyle she 'represented'.\n\n\"Now get up, we don't want to be late for the *Market*, now do we?\" Her mother called back as she opened the door to Milena's room. \"Oh, and put a shawl on. It is not flattering for a noble girl to show a bruise to the public\" \n\nMillie did so, only after her witch of a mother exited the room. She slowly raised herself up, and gently touched her cheek with her fingertips. It stung, and was practically glowing red. The outline of her mother's hands and fingers could clearly be seen across her cheek. It would most certainly leave a bruise. \n\nMillie selected a shawl and threw it over herself, then joined her waiting mother outside the room. Together they walked down the stairs to where Mikhail and the Lord Capell were waiting. Millie said nothing, and averted everyone's gaze. To anyone who knew her, she seemed uncharacteristically downtrodden. The shawl, however, did its job at hiding her mother's handiwork. \n\n\"Shall we be off to the market, then, your highness?\" The Lady Capell asked him, her demeanor once again of faux gracious hostess."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "** Mikhail Durkhan-Maith \nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nThere was a brief exchange between husband and wife, and then they were guided out of the manor. Mikhail shot a glance at Milena, who didn't seem to return it. Once outside, Mikhail fell into step with Lord Capell, who seemed to take the lead with him. The two ladies fell behind them as they moved down the stairs, and he found himself struggling to find something to speak about. \n\nThankfully, the market took up most of the city. Tents and displays had popped up, and just outside the manor gates they were met with the hustle and bustle of the market. Performers took to the streets, swirling around and playing instruments as they entered the market, and Mikhail couldn't help but smile at the colorful display."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nMilena loved Ostrava's monthly markets. The mix of vivid stalls, lively music, handcrafted works of art, and orators lining the winding streets of the city never failed to put a smile on her face, even despite the still tender mark on her cheek. She spent the day perusing around the stalls with Mikhail, while also keeping her distance with her parents when possible. Whenever she would catch Mikhail's eye, she looked away while also bringing a hand to her face. She got some passing glances from the people because she never wore shawls outside, and it was very apparent that she was down about something. Glares were the only thing that were sent to the Lord and Lady Capell, who gladly reciprocated them. \n\nAfter a few hours, Millie and Mikhail managed to get separated from her parents. She had bought a few things from the locals, mostly handmade jewelry because it was the easiest thing to slip under her parent's radar. It was midday, and the summer heat was bearing down on Millie. Her shawl was making her extremely uncomfortable. She made sure Mikhail wasn't looking, or so she thought, and she removed it so that she could wipe her forehead. The slap mark had left an ugly hand shaped mark on her cheek, and it had swollen up. The shawl was only off for a moment, but it was enough for him to see it and discern what it was."
}
] | 267 | 1,369 |
139 | 2020-06-23 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nMikhail let his eyes hold on her for a moment to long before nodding. He remained tight lipped as they headed into the store she indicated. It was small, but exactly what he would have expected from Ostrava. It was much cooler inside, away from the heat of the high noon sun, and he ushered her inside, his finger lingering on the shawl she wore. \"Do you not want me to ask, Milena?\" He questioned simply, his eyes lingering on the shelves instead of her in case she wanted to dip away from the question."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nShe stopped in her tracks at his blunt question. He obviously knew. What could she say to him? She looked to the floor as she compiled her thoughts. \"I... I'd rather not.\" She answered honestly. Millie was grateful that he left her the option to duck out of the pressing issue. \"Y'know, this place sells some very nice jewelry, come look!\" She dragged him over to a selection of very nice jewelry, obviously crafted by hand. \"Mister Gabriel is a master, I say\" Despite her best efforts, the question of her mark still hung in the air over her. \"Yeah...\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nOstrava, Astoria**\n\nShe didn't want to talk about it, understandably, and he drew in a long breath. It wasn't his place to force her to comment on it. After all, he barely knew her or her situation. For all he knew it was a one time occurrence, but he had the inkling that it wasn't. Instead, she deflected the comment onto the jewelry, and he clasped his hands behind his back as they wandered slowly thought the shop to the shelves. \n\n\"It would probably be wise to return home with some kind of souvenir, mother might favor a trip here if she has a token to remind her.\" He mused, trying to keep the conversation on the rings and pieces they were standing before instead of what he'd caught a glimpse of."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Ostrava, Astoria**\n\nShe was grateful that Mikhail was not pressing the matter any further. Though she knew he had his suspicions. \"I'm sure she would. A visit to Ostrava makes for a wonderful holiday. Honestly, you could take your pick of any of these, each one is masterly crafted.\" There were a very wide array of rings to pick from, from rings of gold and emerald to silver and sapphire. The designs were intricate and thus representative of the rest of the city"
}
] | 137 | 556 |
243 | 2020-06-30 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Road to Zahadra, Audemaus forest, Astoria**\n\n__**TIMESKIP**__\n\nMilena spent the next few hours of the market with Mikhail, and had purchased a few miscellaneous things she really liked. She always made a point during Ostrava's bimonthly markets to buy a few things to support the populace. Her closet was full of handcrafted jewelry, clothing, and other items that were made by the people. After the market had concluded, Mikhail found his guard drunk and passed out in the local tavern, and shook him awake. After Millie and Mikhail reunited with Lord and Lady Capell, the five of them returned to Capell Manor for some extremely uncomfortable words of departure from all parties present. Millie returned to her room and collected the pack she had packed the night prior for the journey to the capital.\n\nMilena was escorted by Mikhail and his guard, (who she decidedly wasn't a fan of due to his hungover nature and strong aroma of whiskey), to the royal carriage they arrived in. It was extremely lavish, and far nicer than any carriage she had ever been in before. Much more comfortable too. The ride to Zahadra had been pleasant, up until they entered Audemaus forest. The forest was dark, quiet, and eerie. She had heard tales of terrible beasts and evil hags who were rumored to live within the bowels of the woodland. She couldn't believe how calm Mikhail and his guard appeared to be traveling through the Audemaus. Instinctively, she scooted a little closer to Mikhail as she nervously gazed outside the window of the carriage. \"How long do we have to travel through here, Mikhail?\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nRoad to Zahrada, Audemaus Forest, Astoria\n**\n\nHe had been a fool to think the Coridon squire _wouldn't_ have indulged in drinks during the festival, but he was partially glad for it by the time the trio had moved into the carriage. Mikhail took to one side, allowing Millie the seat beside him instead of across with Dae, who seemed to be trying to nap off his upcoming hangover. Mikhail would have offered him a drink to help keep him a little buzzed for it, but he didn't have his flask on him. \n\nInstead he and Millie chatted through the ride, until they two quieted down. They entered the dense wood, following the winding path to Zahrada, and Mikhail took to watching the woods pass through the window. Her question pulled his wandering mind back to her, and he looked over his shoulder at her with a curious look. \"I'm not certain, I've never really kept track of this part of the journey.\" He told her truthfully, and gave a small twitch of a smile before letting it fall. \n\n\"Does it frighten you?\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Road to Zahadra, Audemaus Forest, Astoria**\n\n\"Yes. It does\" She answered honestly. \"There are many legends about this place, not many of which are good\" She glanced about the scenery passing by them, and imagined all the horrible things that might have been lurking just out of sight, in the shadows. The forest itself felt as if it were imposing on her, the shadows with a life of their own. Many would chalk it up to superstition, but to Millie, who'd before then never even gotten remotely close to the Audemaus, it felt all too real."
}
] | 245 | 729 |
161.714286 | 2020-07-02 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nRoad to Zahrada, Audemaus Forest, Astoria **\n\nHe gave a small smile and nodded. \"A lot of them are simply that; legends. \" He reminded her. \"Your fear is warranted, but I've traveled in and out of the forest on many occasions and never once have come across anything frightful.\"\n\nIt was supposed to be reassuring, but he noted how it could be seen as a statement that warranted 'Well it's only a matter of time' after it. \n\nHe kept his voice low, not wanting to wake the sleeping squire across the bench. \"And if anything does happen, it's more likely they'll want me - the magically inclined,undead Astorian heir than you. So I think you're safe.\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Squire Daemon Coridon\nRoad to Zahrada\n\n\"Mhmmf...\" He grumbled, his eyes flickering open while his head felt like it was splitting open. Instinctively, he placed a hand on his head and adjusted to a better position. A bottle slipped out of his hand and fell on the grond of the carriage. The bottle didn't quite shatter, but it did break. \"Ahh..._fuck_.\" He muttered.\n\nThe platinum blonde squire's blue gaze shifted toward Mika, then to the girl sitting next to him. \n\n\"Where-?\" He began, wincing from the pounding in his head. \"Where did she come from?\" He said in a tired, raspy voice. He leaned his head back to rest it on the wall of the carriage while waiting for the answer."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Road to Zahadra, Audemaus Forest, Astoria**\n\n\"Un... Dead?\" She went back to that word over and over in her mind. So the rumors had been true? He *Really* Had died and been brought back to life? Anyone else would have been afraid of him after that remark, but rather, Milena was curious. He hadn't done anything to harm her yet, and she doubted he would. He also looked decidedly rather good, all things considered. Her attention was snapped back to reality as the hungover squire woke up and questioned her presence. \n\nShe looked at the squire across from her with a mix of curiosity, and distaste. \"You don't remember? I've been here the whole carriage ride.\" She looked to Mikhail with a look as if to say *'What's his deal?'*"
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nRoad to Zahrada, Audemaus Forest, Astoria**\n\nAs he spoke, Daemon grumbled. He thought it was him making noise in his sleep, but he stirred and a bottle fell from hand onto the floor of the carriage. It broke at the neck, and the smell of the alcohol bloomed into the carriage. \n\n\"I thought you were out for good, Daemon.\" Mikhail chuckled, watching as his friend and squire came back to reality. He questioned Millie, and Mikhail looked to her briefly. \n\n\"She came from Ostrava, the place you've spent the last twenty hours getting hammered in.\" He reminded him, and gave a small smile. \"Dae, this is Lady Milena Capell, Mil, this is Squire Daemon Coridon. I had hoped you'd sleep the entire way home and could be introduced under better circumstances, but here we are.\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Squire Daemon Coridon\nRoad to Zahrada\n\n\"I'm sorry, my lady.\" He began pausing to rub his temple for a moment. \"I scarcely remember a thing from the last twenty-one hours. A pleasure to- ahh..-\" He groaned slightly as he shifted his posture to be more proper. \"To meet you. As his grace Mik said: I'm Daemon Coridon, heir to Lord Roger Coridon of South Feyshore. Often called the cheese lord.\" Daemon added. \"So we're making our way back to Zahrada then?\" Daemon asked."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Road to Zahadra, Audemaus Forest, Astoria**\n\n\"The pleasure is mine, Mister Coridon.\" She replied, trying her best to remain courteous to the man nursing a hangover. \"I am Milena Capell, heiress to Lord Antonín Capell, of Ostrava. I'm glad you uh... Heartily indulged yourself in the culture of my city.\" *'Drinking until you blacked out'* While technically correct, came off to her as a bit rude. \"Yes, we are riding to the Capital.\" She said, peering once again into the dark forest though the window."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nRoad to Zahrada Audemaus Forest Astoria**\n\n\"Aye, Milena was kind enough to host me last night, and in that time she showed me her garden. She expressed interest in seeing the Capital city's gardens, so I extended the invitation for her to spend a while at court.\" He looked to Millie who had returned her attention to the window and the woods outside. \n\n\"Would you prefer to sit on this side, Millie, so you don't have to watch the woods and there's a body between you and any monsters we may come across?\" He was partially teasing at the last bit, but the offer was genuine to switch seats. \n\n\"Two, now that Coridon is awake. He's a better fighter than you'd think at his age.\""
}
] | 169 | 1,132 |
153.947368 | 2020-07-03 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Daemon Coridon\nRoad to Nowhere\nHe smiled to the Milena, \"I enjoyed your city. One of the better ones in Astoria, certainly better than most of Feyshore.\"\n\n\"On the note of me being a capable fighter, if Sir Cromwell asks about what I did on this trip, the answer is: Protecting Prince Mikhail. Only a glass of wine at dinner, maybe a sip of whiskey before bed. The truth would get me sent back to Knight's Landing. I do not wish to go back.\" He said with a smile, \"I'd be forever in both of your debts.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Road to Zahadra, Audemaus Forest, Astoria**\n\nShe smiled at the jest and mention of monsters. \"I know, I know it's probably all just superstition, but it would make me feel better if we switched.\" She answered honestly, taking the offer. She stood up the best she could and waited for him to scoot over before sitting down again where Mikhail was sitting originally. \"Thank you\" She said to Mikhail before smiling at the squire. \"Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me. After all, 'Twas but a single drink of wine during dinner, and you were by his side the whole time, anyways.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "** Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nRoad to Zahrada Audemaus Forest Astoria**\n\n\"You protected me from to nights of boredom by forcing me to go wander the city alone and find our Lady here. \" Mikhail pointed out, moving to switch seats with Milena when she rose from her seat. Once she had settled into his, his hand found her knee and patted twice.\n\n\"Now if something does kill me, you can say the Prince died protecting you. You'll win every round of story time for the rest of your life. But make it sound more impressive, if it's no trouble.\" He added, and looked to Daemon. \n\n\"How _is_ your training with Sir Cromwell going, better than with Lord Stafford?\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Daemon Coridon\nRoad to Zahrada\n\nHe raised a finger loosely and pointed to Milena with a smile. \"I like her.\" Daemon said with a nod before thinking on Mikhail's question. \"Lord Stafford and Sir Cromwell...\" He thought, \"Lord Stafford was nicer. He played a more 'dad like' role while he let his captains be the mean ones. I'd only seen Lord Stafford angry with us a couple times, but we were also his first class and he wasn't sure how to train us. Though, I will never anger Lord Stafford again. He fucked us up for a day and a half. Dismissed Captain Aldvis and Berringer. It was the original sixteen squires and Lord Stafford. I could scarcely stand for days after that.\"\n\n\"Sir Cromwell is, well, a prick. He's mean, he yells and berates us. But it's all within' reason. He trains with us and teaches us things we should know. I can also tell that he is playing up his anger with us most of the time. He doesn't play the dad role like Lord Stafford did, he leaves that to Captain Aldvis and the others to make sure we feel as good as we can feel. I wouldn't say either is better, they both know a lot and takes what we're being taught seriously. The two are just different, personally I prefer Sir Cromwell. He's much more humorous than Lord Stafford.\"\n\n\"I won't ramble on anymore, I'm sure Lady Capell is already bored of my opinions on training doctrine.\" Daemon finished, surprised such coherent sentences came out of him. He returned to leaning on the carriage wall and nursing his headache."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Road to Zahadra, Audemaus Forest, Astoria**\n\nMillie respectfully listened to Daemon's description of two men she had never met and their methods for training potential knights. It was interesting, but not exactly her area of expertise. \"No, no. I thought it was interesting. I've never met these men myself, so I can't exactly argue with your assessments\" She pointed out with a laugh. \"I admittedly don't know much about the training of knights, so I'll take you at your word\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nRoad to Zahrada Audemaus Forest Astoria**\n\nMikhail grinned at Daemon declaring he liked her, and his hand found hers, squeezing once reassuringly before releasing it. \n\n\"I like Sir Cromwell enough, I feel he's better at training me than Stafford was, but only because of the bizarre dynamic presented between Stafford and myself. He acted more as mentor in regards to training rather than a man who was going to ignore my title and force me to do things until I got them right. I prefer Cromwell's method of treating me like I'm nothing, it makes me want it more.\" \n\nGranted, he spent one day a week with Cromwell and not the usual hours Daemon and the other squires did, so his opinions might have been biased."
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Daemon Coridon\nRoad to Zahrada\n\n\"Lord Stafford is too nice for that sort of training environment. He's a much better field commander than he at breaking a bunch of noble and shitblood boys down into nothing. It's doubled by the fact that he knows you, he struggles to separate those things. So he's not going to go all in. Sir Cromwell on the other hand likely gets a little bit of enjoyment out of treating a prince like shit for a day. Hopefully he brings you on an expedition near Knight's Landing sometime. That's where things are fun. Two groups of squires go out with maps, set up a base, and have to wage a mock war on each other.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Road to Zahadra, Audemaus Forest, Astoria**\n\nShe grinned as the two discussed the mentors and their training habits. Knight culture was something that was a mystery to her, so while she couldn't provide any input, she was enjoying the conversation. \"That must be fun.\" She mentioned at the idea of a mock up war with two groups of squires."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nRoad to Zahrada Audemaus Forest Astoria**\n\nMikhail frowned and scrunched his lip to the side. \"I have to disagree, nothing about that sounds fun.\" He mused, adjusting a bit in his seat as the density of the woods outside started to taper off. They would be exiting the forest soon.\n\n\"I've never seen a war myself, but I try not to romanticize it. I remember the letters mother wrote during the taking of Astoria, and she be tried to keep it light handed but you could tell there was a lot of blood behind the ink. I'd be happy never to go to war.\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Daemon Coridon\nRoad to Zahrada\n\n\"It's fun the first few times, a lot of practical experience but after that it gets to be a hassle. Field preparations and coming back to cleaning armor and weapons for a day or two gets old.\" He said at the 'Sounds fun' remark, \"Usually the younger squires first time out there is a blast for them. Most of us from the first class know the terrain too well to really care anymore, we don't surprise each other anymore and generally know what the others are going to do. We don't get sent out much anymore, which is fine by me.\"\n\nHis look shifted to Mikhail, \"Closest I've seen was when Lord Stafford took us to hunt down a group that had been hitting caravans between Zahrada and Stormalong. Wasn't much of a fight.\" He shrugged, that whole adventure hadn't bothered him much. They were murderers, he'd cut down about four of them by the time the clash was over. \n\nTruthfully, Daemon had never felt more alive than with steel in hand and carving through men older and larger than him. The sound of steel around him had filled him with a rush nothing could ever replicate. But he wouldn't admit it to people he knew wouldn't understand it."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Road to Zahadra**\n\nShe waited for him to finish describing how it got old after a few times. That made sense. There wouldn't be any fun in always knowing what each other is going to do, she supposed. \"That makes sense.\" She said, watching as the thickness of the trees began to taper off. She thanked the gods they were almost out of the forest. The squire then said that he had seen combat before, which wasn't surprising, she supposed. It was good that they stopped the raiders, though in her mind, she supposed they captured them, unlike what had actually happened."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nRoad to Zahrada Audemaus Forest Astoria**\n\nHe nodded, letting Daemon finish what he had to say before pushing to change the course of the conversation. \n\n\"Let's talk of lighter things, war prep isn't exactly what I want to think about at the moment.\" He urged and glanced to Daemon. \n\n\"Why don't you tell her a little about Astoria and S. Fey from your families holdings, my opinions are obviously biased towards it being paradise.\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Daemon Coridon\nRoad to Zahrada\n\n\"A paradise...\" He mused, enjoying the prince's more restricted view of his country. It was better than he remembered when he arrived at his new home. But there were still scars from before. There were still plots of land that you could tell were once heavily farmed that are now overgrown from a lack of manpower to plant it. Occasionally a scout would stumble on the overgrown remains of a small village that was abandoned or worse during the fall. \n\n\"South Feyshore is gorgeous, compared to many places in Marin. While the Fall of Feyshore was horrible on the people the land seemed to benefit significantly. The forests around my father's keep are dense and overgrown and teeming with wildlife since there was a lack of people to really overhunt the area. Before I became a squire I used to like to go out with some of our woodsmen and make trails. We found a few empty villages from before the fall, which my father hopes to repopulate someday. I made a little hideout there when I was younger. Hid my wine there.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Road to Zahadra**\n\nMilena had never travelled to South Feyshore, so she listened intently to Daemon's description of the country. It was a little somber to hear of abandoned villages, but the mentioning of plans to reinhabit them have her hope. She, of course, had heard tales of the Fall. The whole ordeal sounded simply horrible. \"So, is South Feyshore healing, then?\" Millie asked the squire. She didn't know what state of disrepair the country was in, but she figured there was still much to do to stabilize the land from his description of it."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nRoad to Zahrada Audemaus Forest Astoria**\n\nMikhail took the time Daemon was speaking to let his mind wander. He had slipped back into the seat he now occupied, watching the forest as it thinned and finally tapered out. The road before them was lush with green, growing strong in the warm seasons, and he leaned to the side to check how far the sun had moved through the sky. They would arrive in time for dinner at this rate, and Millie could be properly introduced.\n\n\"South Feyshore is healing. The last four years have done it wonders in regards to restoration. Having a stable council of leadership and trade within the boarders has helped the villages and cities that struggled restart. \" Mikhail chimed in, making them aware he was listening despite his gaze being in the window. Zahrada would soon be in sight."
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Daemon Coridon\nRoad to Zahrada\n\n\"It's most definitely healing, things are significantly better than when I got here with my father. People are happier, more food now that people can grow without being attacked. A lot more children as well.\"\n\nHe shifted uncomfortably, ready to be out of the carriage and back on his feet."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Road to Zahadra, Astoria**\n\n\"That's good to hear\" Millie remarked. She was glad to finally be out of the forest, and soon to be upon the Capital. She too, was ready to get out of the carriage. She felt stiff from sitting for so long."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nRoad to Zahrada Audemaus Forest Astoria**\n\nConversation died down in the carriage, and Mikhail tapped Milena on her hand to get her attention, moving once more to stand a bit so they could switch seats and she would have access to the window on the carriage door to watch as they approached and passed around Zahrada. It was easier to reach the palace through the outside of the city, and he didn't want to draw a scene by passing through. He wasn't particularly inclined to stop at the moment and didn't want to be rude. \n\nSo they bypassed Zahrada for now, heading to the palace. When they arrived, the carriage pulled to a stop. Daemon would exit first, and if his manners served he would wait for Mikhail and Milena to exit the carriage before serving as escort. A few had already gathered at the door to greet them and be ready for any requests the travelr party may have."
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Daemon Coridon\nRoad to Zahrada\n\nGathered his things and placed his sheathed sword back on his belt. He stood up in the carriage, hunching slightly so he didn't bump his head and began to press down on his clothes to make sure he looked presentable finishing by running a finger through his hair before he stepped out of the carriage and into the sun. He blinked it out of his eyes and held the carriage door open for the other two to get out. \n\nAs Mikhail would begin to get out, Daemon would whisper \"Don't trip.\" With a slight smirk before closing the door behind the two once they were fully out."
}
] | 140 | 2,925 |
150.5 | 2020-07-04 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\nMilena watched in awe as they passed the city. They didn't even pass through it and she could already tell it was far and away the largest city in Astoria. She couldn't see much else due to the massive walls around the city, but she knew she'd see it in due time. Introductions to his court would have to be first. \n\n\"Wow.\"\nShe was enthralled by the gardens that lined the entrance to Durkhan palace. Those gardens alone easily dwarfed her own personal one back in Ostrava. If that single garden alone was so awe inspiring, she couldn't wait to see the rest of the city."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "** Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada, Astoria**\n\nMikhail stood after Daemon exited the carriage, stepping out and down the short step onto the cobblestone beneath the carriage. Daemon gave a whispered warning with a smirk, and Mikhail returned it with an eye roll. As if he was going to trip _right now_ of all times. He turned, offering his hand to Milena as she stepped down and out of the carriage, probably just as thankful for the freedom of movement as the other two were. \n\nHis eyes moved once more to the shawl she wore, and the way it was being used to mask whatever mark he had caught a glimpse of earlier. Thankfully, the sun had passed it's highest point during their travels and was making it's way towards the horizon to bath Zahrada in warm tones and she wouldn't feel discomfort if she decided to keep it on. \n\n\"Daemon, do you have to report back to Sir Cromwell immediately, or will you be available to escort myself and Milena for a while?\" He asked, his eyes on Millie's smile for a little too long before turning to his friend."
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Daemon Coridon\nZahrada, Astoria\n\n\"I'd better report to him first, else he may send a search party after me.\" Daemon said, \"I'll catch with you too later. A pleasure to meet you Lady Capell.\" Daemon finished before turnning on his heel and walking off to find the Head Knight."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\nMilena took his hand and stepped down from the carriage onto the ground. She was glad to get up after sitting for so long. \"Thank you\" She smiled at Mikhail before turning to the squire who was taking his leave. \"Have a good evening, Daemon!\" She called after him with a wave. \n\nThe mark on her face had faded enough to be barely noticeable, so she opted to remove her shawl. She then gazed at Zahadra palace. The sheer size of it made Capell Manor look like a peasant's cottage. \"This is all so exquisite\" Millie said to herself as she looked around the ornate gardens and palace exterior."
}
] | 149.5 | 602 |
189.666667 | 2020-07-07 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada, Astoria** \n\nHe pressed his lips together then clicked his tongue once. \"We'll do introductions later, I'm sure she's finishing up her tasks before dinner.\" He mused, and looked to Milena. \n\n\"And I know you're probably itching for a chance to stretch your legs, so we can walk the property for a bit before.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\nShe nodded her head. \"Okay. That sounds good Mikhail. I am rather stiff from the carriage ride, so walking will do me some good. By all means, lead the way\" She smiled to him then looked about the grounds once again."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada, Astoria**\n\nHer confirmation was enough for them to veer off from the path straight to the palace. Instead, he took her on a tour of the grounds, showing her the courtyard and the stables, introducing her to those he recognized enough to know their names as they passed. He showed her inside from the front entrance, requesting an announcement _not_ be made in regards to their arrival yet. The palace was three stories, the first was public space - where court affairs and the citizenry mixed. It was full of big open parlors, a grand dining hall, and of course the library Anyanka had built and filled as a homecoming present for the Prince. Too bad the first time he'd been within it he'd been a corpse fished out of the waters and laid along the long oak table. \n\nThe second floor was for the court itself, those who stayed in Zahrada seasonally or full time were granted chambers and full access to the studies and parlors on the second floor. It had a lovely set of windows towards the back of the home that overlooked part of the gardens, but the view was better on the third floor. He didn't wander up there through, considering it was only for family and he doubted that a) they would be able to be upstairs without his mother being disturbed or b) that she would have any interest in his chambers. He didn't sleep much anymore, so his bedroom was piled with books and notebooks full of thoughts. \n\nWhen finally he finished the tour, he could tell she was practically itching to see the gardens he had promised her, and he gave her a smile. \"We should save those for after dinner- so you'll have nothing to pull you away from it, and so you can see the nocturnal flowers as they start to bloom.\" He explained softly, leaning in a bit to tell her this. A throat cleared behind him and he straightened, turning quickly to see a guard awaiting them. \n\n\"Dinner is being served, your highness.\" He warned, and Mika nodded. \n\n\"Time to meet the Queen, Mil.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\nShe walked with Mikhail throughout the palace, an ever presence of awe fixed upon her. She warmly greeted everyone he introduced to her along the way. From the library to the court hall, everything seemed larger than life. The palace was everything she expected it to be and more. She *Had* In fact been waiting with excited fervor for him to lead her around to the gardens she got a glimpse of from the second story window, and was only a little disappointed they'd have to wait. That feeling did not last long however, as he told her it was time for her to meet the most powerful woman in Astoria. \n\n\"I guess it is.\" She said, giving him a nervous smile."
},
{
"author": "mcblademouse",
"message": "Robyn Victor\nZahrada, Astoria\n\nRobyn sighed softly as he looked at the empty seats surrounding him, idly drumming his thumbs along the edge of the large table as he waited for anybody to show up. Aunt Anya was off doing something with his father, Nero was at The Blazing Bull, and Mikhail had gone to Ostrava for a time.\n\nBoredom had never struck faster to the young man, and he had taken to exploring the Estate more, stopping just before he got to the dungeons. He didn't have a reason to go there, so he'd rather not risk it.\n\nThe door to the dining hall opened, and Robyn's gaze shot to the door. A small smile broke out on his face, and he waved at Mikhail.\n\n\"Hey, Mika.\" The room's slight echo seemed to diminish as he walked towards the table with his guest. \"And who is this you're with?\" Robyn asked, nodding politely to the redhead."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada, Astoria**\n\nThey headed to the dining hall, and he gave a brief pause before the doors that were wide open, inviting those who were at the court in for dinner. As far as he could tell though, most of them were gone at the moment. With the council in a weeks time, everyone had returned home; without a royal to impress or tend to, there wasn't really a reason to not be home with their families. \n\nHe looked to Milena, giving her a small smile. \"I promise it will be fine, she's not scary.\" He assured her, his tone soft in case for _some_ reason his mother could hear him. He lead the way, turning the corner fully expecting to see his mother at the end of the table, but instead he was met with Robyn. \n\nHe blinked, and recovered, offering a smooth. \"Good evening, Robyn.\" At the question of who was at his side, Mikhail gave a half turn, his hand gesturing to Milena. \"This is Lady Milena Capell of Ostrava, she's come to see the capital. Milena, this is Robyn Victor, my cousin.\" A beat and he looked back to Robyn \"Where's mother?\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra Astoria**\n\nShe smiled at his reassurance, and swallowed as the door to the dining hall opened. She expected it to be full of the court, the Duchess, and many other high ranking officials. Instead she was met by a single person, not much older than she, who Mika introduced as his cousin. \n\nShe sighed slightly out of relief and gave him a smile. \"It a pleasure to meet you, Robyn\" It felt odd to be in such a large dining hall that held just the three of them, but she supposed that the Zahadran court must have been busy."
},
{
"author": "mcblademouse",
"message": "Robyn Victor\nZahrada, Astoria\n\n\"The pleasure is all mine, Lady Milena.\" Robyn bowed his head as he spoke, before glancing back at his cousin. \"Her and my father are discussing something.\"\n\n\"Gods know how long that will take them though, so it'd probably be best to just take a seat.\" Robyn gestured to the table, and shrugged a bit. He didn't mention how happy he was to see other people, but his small smile never faltered."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada, Astoria**\n\nMikhail gave a soft 'ah' of understanding. If his mother and the spymaster were up to something, it probably wasn't good. He glanced at the empty seats where the court usually would be, and then pulled once out for Milena. \n\n\"What luck to calm your nerves, Milena, it seems there won't be a full court to attend to tonight.\" He mused, carefully pushing her seat in when she took a seat before taking his own beside her. \n\n\"It's strange she would dismiss the entirety of the court, I knew there were some heading home now, but I thought there would be a few lingering around before they were fully dismissed for the council.\" Mikhail mused, taking the seat across from Robyn. \n\n\"If this really is the case, we might move to the private dining hall, it would be nicer to sit around a smaller table if it only ends up being less than ten of us.\" He couldn't count on both hands the skeleton crew he would imagine being left behind to run Zahrada while they were gone, but he knew only a dozen or so were comfortable enough to join them for private dining."
}
] | 156 | 1,707 |
187 | 2020-07-08 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\nShe laughed. \"That is Milena walked to the chair he offered her and sat down in it, giving him a smile. \"Thank you\" \n\nThe entire court had been dismissed? That explained the empty dining hall they sat in. Mika had mentioned some 'council' and that caused her to look in his direction curiously. \n\n\"Council? What council?\" Milena asked Mikhail. She hadn't heard of any council, but she supposed that made sense."
},
{
"author": "mcblademouse",
"message": "Robyn Victor\nZahrada, Astoria\n\nRobyn's smile dropped as he heard Mikhail mention the council, and he had to stop himself from looking down at his hands, his conversation with his father still in the back of his mind.\n\nRobyn nodded softly, before plastering the same small smile back onto his face. \"I wouldn't be opposed to moving to the private dining hall. This feels to grand, for the amount of people we have.\"\n\nWhen Milena asked Mika about the council, Robyn's expression faltered once more, but he tapered it down, standing from his seat and moving slightly. \"I'll move there first, if you don't mind.\" He managed, hoping the small hitch in his voice was only his imagination."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada, Astoria**\n\nRobyn stood, having now faltered twice in his voice, and dismissed himself. Mikhail noted the strange behavior, but wouldn't question it in front of company. Whatever it was that made the man's voice hitch before he left had to be bad. They had both been raised in Vincentien, they knew how to hold their tone in court. \n\nMikhail watched as his cousin departed, and heard the brief discussion of rerouting dinner to the private dining hall outside the door. His gaze lingered before it softened, and fell once more upon Milena. \n\n\"The Council of Marin.\" He elaborated to her, taking the seat beside her anyway despite knowing they would rise and move in a few moments. \"It's a meeting, essentially, of all the Marinese elites and their teams. It happens every few years in regards to new issues or policies that need full continental guidance or acknowledgement.\" Mikhail shifting, leaning a bit to brace his arms on the table, fingers knitting together. \n\n\"It's also a chance for the citizenry to speak out to the leadership, address issues that might not have been solved before. This one is being held in Taemar- Vallen, specifically. It's been called in regards to the plague and trying to find a cure or share ideas that might lead to one.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\nShe watched as Robyn excused himself. Something about mentioning the council had bothered him slightly. *'Off to a great start Milena'* She thought to herself as Robyn stepped out of the room. As first impressions go, mentioning something that makes someone feel troubled was not the best. \n\nIt was then Mikhail sat next to her and explained what that council was. She raised an eyebrow at the mentioning of all the Marinese elites meeting together. That sounded like a breeding ground for disaster. She wasn't convinced that it would not simply end as an opportunity for egos to be stroked and agendas to be advanced. \n\n\"I see.\" She said after he finished. \"All the most powerful people in Marin... That sounds like it will either turn out wonderfully or terribly\" She looked to the door Robyn had walked out of prior. \"He seemed upset. I hope I didn't say anything to put him off.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada, Astoria**\n\n\"I have no doubt it's going to end with someone dead or gravely injured, and at least one war being declared.\" Mikhail said it with a sad, half-smile of a man who knew how things like these tended to turn out. It was rare that you could get so many kingdoms in one place with such high tensions and _not_ end up with a disaster. \n\n\"I'm just hoping Astoria and South Feyshore won't be involved in any of those things. We're going to get information on a cure, the best we can hope for is that someone has produced one. Taemar is disease free, somehow, we want to know their secrets.\" He scrunched his lip to the side, adjusting his seat and moving his gaze to his mothers empty chair. \"By any means, it would seem.\""
}
] | 185 | 935 |
173.166667 | 2020-07-12 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada, Astoria**\n\nShe asked if he genuinely thought they would get a cure, and he pressed his tongue to his teeth. \"No, I don't. I think it's us being hopeful, but I don't think there's a cure to be found in Taemar.\" He admitted. When she looked to the door he looked over his shoulder as well and nodded. \"Right, we probably should.\" He agreed, and moved to stand. \n\nThey stood and left the main dining hall, headed for the private, more intimate one a few doors down, and Mikhail paused, hearing conversation inside. It wasn't just Robyn, so it seemed. He recognized his mothers voice as well."
},
{
"author": "mcblademouse",
"message": "Robyn Victor & Zane Harmattan\nZahrada, Astoria\n\nAfter he got the dining arrangements changed, Robyn slowly made his way to the private dining room, his mind wandering as he walked.\n\nWhile he understood why his father told him the truth of what happened, his mother being Mika's killer, he didn't realize how much it'd affect his ability to speak to his cousin. As it stood, once his happiness at seeing another person passed, he could hardly stomach being in the same room. He had no doubt his mother had done some shady things, politics demanded it, but to kill her nephew?\n\nRobyn had to repress a shudder at that.\n\nVoices coming from the private dining room had him raising a brow. He slipped inside the room, and managed to put a small smile on.\n\n\"Father. Aunt Anya.\" He greeted the two, nodding at them as he walked over to a chair and took a seat.\n\n\"Hey, Robyn.\" Zane greeted back, nodding to his son. \"Finally decide to come have dinner?\"\n\nThe smile got a bit tighter, and he nodded. \"Yeah. Mika and his friend will be joining us in a bit.\"\n\nZane raised a brow at that, and glanced at Anya. \"Mika has friends?\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\nMilena nodded her head at Mikhail's belief that there would not be any cure to the plague at the council. She walked with him to the private dining room and waited for him to open the door. It sounded like Robyn wasn't the only person in the room, as there were two other voices she did not recognize. \n\n\"After you, I suppose.\" She said to Mikhail. It would have been rude in her opinion to walk into the room before him."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "** The Durkhans\nZahrada, Astoria**\n\nAnya raised a shoulder in a shrug at the comment. \"A few, I wasn't told about him bringing anyone to dinner.\" She explained, looking to Robyn for a clue, but it wasn't needed. As soon as her eyes moved to Robyn the door opened to reveal her son. \n\nAnd a _girl_.\n\nAnya blinked, and Mikhail paused a moment before entering the room fully. \"Good evening, mother, Zane.\" He paused and then gestured to his right, letting Millie step into the room. \"We have a guest this evening. May I introduce Lady Milena Capell, of Ostrava.\" There was a beat, and then he added. \"Lady Capell, meet Sir Harmattan, and Queen Anyanka Durkhan, my mother.\""
},
{
"author": "mcblademouse",
"message": "Robyn Victor & Zane Harmattan\nZahrada, Astoria\n\nZane's brows rose a bit when he saw the young lady with Mika. When the young man introduced her, he just nodded slightly. \"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Capell.\" He gave her a small bow, before casting a quick glance over at Anya. Zane had seen Robyn chatting up plenty of women at The Blazing Bull, Robyn was typically drunk when he did that, but this was the first time the man could remember Mika near any female not associated with their court.\n\nAnya's reaction to her son bringing home a girl was something the man wanted to catch.\n\nThe way Robyn's forced smile dropped a bit into a smirk showed that his son was interested in this as well."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\nHer heart skipped a beat at the introduction of Queen Anyanka Durkhan and Sir Harmattan. She was about to have dinner with some of the most powerful people in Astoria. To say she was starstruck was an understatement. Milena prayed that her nervousness was not too apparent on her face as she clasped her hands in front of herself. \n\n\"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.\" She cordially greeted the room's occupants. \"The Prince Durkhan was gracious enough to invite me to tour Zahadra after I had granted him a tour of my home city of Ostrava, and hosted him within the Manor Capell. I am deeply humbled to be in your presence\""
}
] | 164.5 | 1,039 |
195.75 | 2020-07-19 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "mcblademouse",
"message": "Robyn Victor and Zane Harmattan\nZahrada, Astoria\n\nZane watched idly as the staff filled the room, plates being set in front of everyone, and couldn't help his small smirk. He hadn't had much to eat since his conversation with Robyn earlier, and from the looks his son was sending the food, neither had he.\n\nZane gestured to one of the staff, asking for a new glass of wine, before he turned back to the food. He'd wait til he had his drink before he ate.\n\nRobyn spent no time waiting though, the young mans appetite dictating his actions. Luckily, his upbringing stopped him from eating like a maniac."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\nMilena had not eaten since before the carriage ride from Ostrava, so she too was rather hungry. She thanked the servant who placed the plate of food in front of her, and seeing Robyn begin to eat, she started to as well. \n\nDespite her nerves, Milena found the dinner with the Queen to be as of so far, quite pleasant."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "** Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada, Astoria**\n\nMikhail, as always, was the only one who didn't touch his food. He did however take his glass and pull it forward, drinking easily. That was Daemon's doing, a year ago he couldn't touch alcohol, now he didn't even notice it. Since he wasn't eating, he kept the conversation going with his mother. \n\n\"I noticed the court has cleared out.\" He started, looking down to his plate and the roast. It smelled nice, but meals tended to make his stomach churn more and more. \"I thought they wouldn't be leaving for a few more days.\" \n\nAnya nodded at his observation, and plucked a piece of bread from her plate, tearing a piece. \"I dismissed them early, with worry over illness I thought it best to not have the castle full. That, and most of them have families to attend to, sending them home early just seemed the best way to assure there weren't any lingering that Sir Cromwell would have to deal with when we leave.\" She answered, and dipped her bread into the stew-like broth on her plate. \n\n\"Will it be an issue then, to have Lady Capell in the palace, or should I accompany her back home tomorrow morning?\" He questioned, and Anya looked up, looking to Milena. \n\n\"Of course she's welcome to stay. Unfortunately she'll have to leave before we do at the end of the week, but she's welcome to return once the council has finished. Maybe you'd enjoy the Astorian Yul court, since it's about that time. Or, if you're more suited to the time of Amberhols, you could always return then.\" She glanced to Zane. \"I believe the boys will have a full schedule until Sundown, but just because their duties will increase doesn't mean you won't be welcome to come visit.\""
},
{
"author": "mcblademouse",
"message": "Zane Harmattan and Robyn Victor\nZahrada, Astoria\n\nZane nodded softly as Anyanka and Mikhail talked, and had to stop himself from sighing. With everything going on, he truly would be busy until the end of the year, and when it came time for the boys to go to Vincentien, he'd be to busy worrying to do anything else.\n\nA quick thought passed through Zane's head when he remembered Vincentien, and he glanced at Anyanka. \"We need to have a quick discussion after dinner.\" He wanted to know if they were going to talk to the boys before or after the council about their upcoming trip.\n\nRobyn just glanced at the two, before turning back to his food, lost in his own world."
}
] | 149.5 | 783 |
211.75 | 2020-07-29 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "The Durkhans\nZahrada, Astoria\n\nAnyanka smiled. \"All Astorians are welcome to visit whenever they like.\" She told Milena, then paused. \"Whether or not they're seen right away depends on the day, but we love having guests.\"\n\nMikhail had worried it would be awkward, that Robyns look would be mirrored on Anya and Zane's faces, but it seemed it wasn't. They spoke as if Milena was a regular at the table, and he smiled behind his wine glass as he lifted it. \n\n\"After dinner I intended to show Milena the gardens, while that's happening we'll have a room turned down for you.\" Mikhail said, his eyes moving to Milena and offering a crooked smile he couldn't help. He was trying _not_ to grin, knowing it would make Robyn tease him into oblivion. But she looked good at his table, and he liked how easily she pulled the conversation."
},
{
"author": "mcblademouse",
"message": "Zane Harmattan and Robyn Victor\nZahrada, Astoria\n\n\"Knowing you, Anya, you'd drop anything to see a guest.\" Zane lightly ribbed, nodding to the servant who brought him his wine, before beginning to eat.\n\nRobyn had caught the look on his cousins face, and couldn't help the small smirk that slid onto his face. After learning of everything that happened to the young man, he was glad to see the closest thing he had to a brother have a crush.\n\nDidn't mean he wasn't going to tease him into oblivion, though.\n\n\"You know, if you're both going to be free after the gardens, my father would love to have us at the Bull.\" Robyn said to Mika and Milena, choosing not to comment on the look his father sent him.\n\nZane sighed a bit before shaking his head. \"So long as you three don't burn it down, go wild.\" A small shrug, and he smirked to his son. \"Tell Azule I'll foot the bill.\"\n\n\"You own the place.\" Robyn reminded him, rolling his eyes. \"You shouldn't have to pay.\"\n\n\"I don't.\" Zane said with a smug look. \"So if you three want to, go have some fun.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\nMilena didn't catch Mika's look, but smiled to Robyn and Mikhail anyways. \"I'd love to join you for a drink after the gardens, Robyn. I doubt I'll drink more than one, but I'm sure it will be a lovely time.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada, Astoria**\n\nMikhail glanced to his cousin, a brow raised at the suggestion of taking Milena to the Bull. Granted, this was the woman who he had caught sneaking out of her home to attend a play and interact with the city, but that place didn't feel like it would earn the approval of his mother as a place to take their guest. \n\n\"We'll see how the night turns out.\" He answered simply. For all he knew Milena was just being polite and wanted to sleep. They'd had a long day already with the Market and travel from Ostrava to Astoria. Maybe she _didn't_ want to spend the entire day at his side. \n\nWhen dinner was finished Anya looked to Zane, prompting him to take his glass when she stood. \"It was a pleasure to meet you, Lady Capell. I hope to see you again in the future, enjoy your stay in Zahrada, and please don't hesitate to ask if you find yourself in need of anything.\" She gave Robyn a look that said *'I know your parentage, behave'*, and then cast the same to Mikhail, because his genes could also be disastrous with too much wine.\n\n\"And Milena, don't let these boys disrespect you in any way. I raised them better than that.\" \n\n\"I would never.\" Mikhail countered, feigning offense as Anya passed, ruffling his dirty blonde locks with a grin."
}
] | 233.5 | 847 |
156 | 2020-07-30 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "mcblademouse",
"message": "Zane Harmattan and Robyn Victor\nZahrada, Astoria\n\nZane sighed as Anya stood up, and shook his head. He grabbed his wine and looked at his son, patting him on the shoulder as he stood. \"If you go down to the Bull, make sure Nero is there.\"\n\nRobyn rolled his eyes before nodding, idly batting his fathers arm off his shoulder. When the two adults left the room, Robyn just glanced at Mika and Milena, before he began to stand and excuse himself. \"If you two decide to do anything later, you know where to find me.\"\n-\n\nZane glanced at Anya as the two walked, nodding as he idly drank his wine. \"Should we wait before we invite Milena on the trip with the boys? Or should we let Mika run off with her to Vincentien?\" Zane teased, smirking over the top of his glass."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\nShe was excited for Mikhail to show her the gardens, and to meet with Robyn afterwords for drinks and a chat in a less formal setting. She smiled at The grand duchess's quip. \"Don't worry, I'll do my best to keep them in line.\" \n\nShe then turned to Robyn. \"We'll see you soon, Robyn.\" Milena said affably as he turned to leave. Once I was just her and Mika in the room, she gave him a very warm smile. \"Your mother is very kind. I like her a lot. The same to Sir Harmattan and Robyn. They treated me not as a random girl of nobility, but as an honored guest, and a friend. I found myself very relaxed in their company. That means more to me than you could know\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada, Astoria**\n\nEveryone from dinner departed, and Mikhail was left alone with Milena in the private dining room. He watched as Robyn left after Millie's comment, and turned to look back at her as she spoke. \"I'm glad to hear you were comfortable with them. My mother tends to make it a point not to frighten those I bring to Zahrada, she only scares nobles.\" He grinned, and looked to his unfinished plate. He wasn't going to eat it, he wasn't particularly hungry and he was enjoying the way the wine hit on an empty stomach. \n\n\"So, shall we head to the gardens?\" He asked, moving to stand and holding out his hand for her to take."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\nMilena had finished her dinner, and stood up as he did. She took his hand in hers and returned the smile. \"Absolutely. I have been waiting with anticipation. Lead the way, Mikhail.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada, Astoria**\n\nWith her permission, he helped her up and out of her seat. They moved out of the dining room and out into the halls, taking the same route they had the first time back towards the back of the house. The veranda was illuminated with torches on the walls, their flames sending light out over the area. The sun was setting, but there was enough light for them to explore a bit, and just like the night prior, the moon would hang full and high in the sky once the sun started to fall. \n\nHe lead her outside, releasing her hand as they stepped out. \"There's a lot to cover, the main gardens you caught a glimpse of are mostly day blooms, but the ones further out near the are night blooms, they should start opening by the time we get out there.\""
}
] | 181 | 780 |
110.777778 | 2020-07-31 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria** \n\nShe looked around at the garden's edge, and immediately the breath caught in her throat. Just that area alone dwarfed her private garden. \"That sounds wonderful. Please, let's take our time. I would love to see as much as we can.\" She replied, the smile evident on her face. \n\nAs they walked, her head was on a swivel. There was so much for her to see. It was just so *Immense*, and there were many exotic plants and flowers she hadn't even seen. The light from the sunset only worked to wash the garden in yet more color."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada Astoria\n\nHe nodded, guiding her down the path and acting as chaperone for her exploration. He didn't move to rush her as she moved through the blooms, speckled with vibrant hues from the sunset. Instead he followed by her side, commenting on the ones he knew. \n\nThey made their way through the first set, and he guided her to a set of stairs that led them deeper into the grounds. A cobblestone wall dropped them down into a well groomed lawn, hedges surrounding plots of white poppies- in the center a tall obelisk. \n\n\"The family tombs are undere here.\" He commented, nodding to the building towards the end, columns lining the length where the tombs were beneath. \n\n\"The obelisk was for me, so I'm told.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\nShe admired the courtyard with a quiet respect. It was beautifully melancholy. \"It's a very nice obelisk.\" She mentioned honestly. \"Even this area is just as beautiful as the rest, in its own special way.\" She sighed whimsically as she looked around. \"I could spend an eternity here\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada, Astoria\n\nHe smiled softly as her change in time, from wonderstruck to awestruck. He didn't intend to linger here long, as he thought she wouldn't care much for it. He liked it here though, there had been nights he didn't feel quite human where he laid out beneath the shadow of the obeslisk in the field of sweet white poppies to ground himself once more in the fact he was alive. \n\n\"One day you might.\" He commented, his eyes moving up the length of the obeslisk to it's peak."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\n\"Wouldn't that be the dream? To spend my days within this beautiful garden?\" She sighed as she looked around the courtyard once more. To her, there didn't seem like there was much of a chance for her to do so. \n\nShe pushed that aside and smiled once more to Mikhail. \"Thank you for bringing me here and showing me the gardens. It's been wonderful\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada Astoria\n\n\"I promised I would.\" He countered, watching her face more than anything in the gardens.\n\nShe was really pretty. \n\nHe let his gaze linger for a moment before clearing his throat. \"There's more to see, if you're finished here for now. We can cycle back around later if you wish \""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\n\"You have made good on your promise\" She replied with a smile. She looked at the courtyard once more before she nodded. \"Yes. I suppose we can move on for now, I've really enjoyed this, Mikhail. Thank you\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada Astoria\n\nHow many times she had thanked him for simply holding to his promise to her wasn't lost on him. He gave a nod, leading her past the obelisk and the poppies, through the connecting archways the lead towards the lake. Heavy vines of green and lilac crawled over the length of the arches, creating a mock canopy as they grew upwards towards the unlight. Eventually they would fade away as they reached the greenhouse. Beyond it were the night blooms and the small lake before the property ended and hit the Audemaus Forest. \n\n\"What is it about gardens that you like so much, Milena?\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\nEach section of the garden was just as, if not more beautiful than the last, and she could easily see herself getting lost in it for hours. She gazed at the moonlight reflected off the lake's waters and the forest beyond. \"Gardens are quiet, and serene. Each plant is beautiful in its own right. I just sort of connect with them, if that makes any sense at all\""
}
] | 98 | 997 |
98.181818 | 2020-08-01 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada, Astoria**\n\nHe didn't notice his head tilting to the side as she spoke, leaning carefully on the stone marker that lined the path. It was intended to keep geese out of the vegetable gardens, but they ignored it just as everyone else did who wanted to hop it to get to the lake. \"In a way, I suppose.\" He agreed, and took a seat on the stone, facing where she stood on the path. \"I didn't take you as the type who was looking for 'quiet'.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\nShe brushed a bang from her face as the cool wind rolled in from the lake's waters. \"There's a time for revelry, merriment, and being social, and there are times to be quiet. I enjoy both. Gardens are a safe place for me to sit, to enjoy the quiet and the flowers.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada, Astoria**\n\nHe let that settle for a moment, and his mind was reminded of the note Maith had sent to him once about the shallow grave. _I want to feel the rain_. It had been something to keep him from panicking at the quiet in his head sometimes. He gave a small smile and patted the stone, turning so he was straddling the wall - his back to the stone he'd just patted a moment before, and he laid out along it, giving a soft sigh as his back straightened. His shoulder was a constant pain, and it wasn't usually until he laid down that he noticed the reprieve from the pressure. \n\nLaid out, the sky was a deep violet and periwinkle of twilight, and he laced his hands over his stomach, awaiting her to sit or do the same. Technically, the stone was wide enough for their heads to be side by side if she laid the opposite way, and their gaze on the sky would only be an inch or two apart. \"Then come enjoy the quiet with me, Millie.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\nShe paused for a moment, unsure of what to do. There was the prince of Astoria, offering for her to lay next to her on that stone wall. It wouldn't have been proper, but when did she ever care for proper? *'To hells with it. I like him well enough'* She thought. Milena nodded and walked to the wall, hopping up onto it and laying down as well, her head inches from his as she took in the quiet and gazed at the night sky. It was a beautiful night to be sure. Nary a cloud in the sky, so their view of the heavens were rather grand."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada Astoria**\n\nIt took a moment before she laid out beside him, and her curls grazed his ear as she laid out. He grinned unintentionally, his hand moving up to wipe it away, pausing at how soft her hair was. He lingered, then pulled his hand back away, relacing his fingers together. \n\n\"I'm glad you agreed to come to Zahrada"
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\nShe rested her own hands on her stomach as she gazed at the stars, trying to make out the constellations she knew. She felt him wipe her hair away from him and grinned, though she wasn't completely sure why. \"I'm glad I came here as well. I've had such a wonderful time with you. Thank you again for bringing me along\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "** Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada, Astoria**\n\nHe raised his brow, turning his head to look at her. He found himself gazing at her profile, illuminated by the full moon. \n\n\"Why do you keep thanking me, Millie?\" He asked softly"
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\nShe opened her mouth to answer, but stopped and though for a moment, continuing to gaze at the stars. \"I... I'm not sure, to be honest. You been doing such kind things for me, I suppose it's only right to thank you. Am I doing it too much?\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada Astoria**\n\nHe chuckled, and shrugged a shoulder. \"I suppose not, I just don't think being kind to you deserves thanks, it's just how people should be.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\nShe turned to face him after that and gave a soft smile. \"There never have been truer words. This world could always use a bit more kindness. Or so I say, anyways\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada Astoria**\n\nShe turned to face him, and her smile made his chest flutter. He swallowed , his eyes dipping to her lips briefly before returning to her own. \"Well, we can certainly help add a bit more.\" He agreed, lifting his hand to her chin to tilt it upwards, pressing a careful kiss to her lips."
}
] | 81 | 1,080 |
94.857143 | 2020-08-02 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\nHer heart skipped a beat as he kissed her. It was a surprise, but not an unwelcome one. To say she didn't want to do that was a lie, but nerves had kept her from doing anything. She sat up after the fact, trying to hide the stupid grin on her face. \"Oh.. Wow.\" She said whimsically."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada Astoria**\n\nShe didn't pull away from him, but she did sit up immediately after their lips parted. Was that good or bad? \n\nHe pushed himself up onto his elbows, twisting a bit to try and catch her gaze, unsure if she was upset or not. \"Is that a good 'wow' or w bad 'wow'?\" He asked carefully."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria** \n\n\"A good wow, just surprised is all\" She replied with a soft smile while she returned his gaze. \"I didn't think you shared those feelings.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada Astoria**\n\nMikhail swallowed, and gave a half grin. \"It appears so, if that's alright with you.\" He confirmed, and moved to sit up fully. He pushed his hands through his hair, suddenly aware of how _giddy_ he felt and the rising need to laugh."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\nMilena rubbed her arm, with a smile as well. \"Yeah, that's more than fine, it's just..\" She let out a slight laugh. \"I didn't expect the *Prince* To really care about me at all, at least not in this capacity.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada Astoria**\n\nHe laughed when she did, glad the tension broke with it. \"To be fair, the prince didn't expect to do that either.\" He admitted, and straightened, sitting up taller as he inhaled. \"But he's glad he did.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\nShe smiled and looked back up at the night sky, thinking on it before turning her gaze back to him. \"I am too, but what would the people think? The prince with the noble girl from Ostrava?\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada Astoria**\n\nMikhail shrugged \"I don't know,\" He admitted, and returned his gaze to her. \"But neither do they, at the moment, so I don't really care what they _might_ think I care what you _do_ think.\" As he spoke he held his hand out to her in offering."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\nShe took his hand in hers. \"That's a fair point... I think I want to at least see where this goes.\" That time she was the one to kiss him, just for a second."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada Astoria**\n\nShe took his hand, and he gave a pull to guide her back to him. She beat him to the kiss, and be laughed against her lips briefly before she pulled away. It was a small one, but she had started it, and that was what mattered. \n\nShe pulled away and he accepted that, knowing that they should _probably_ compose themselves anyway. His hand squeezed hers and he stood, guiding her up. \n\n\"There's still the greenhouse to see, if you'd like, or we can return back, Robyns offer is sounding a little nice right about now.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\nShe stood up with him, and gave a smile. \"We should probably return back. I'd hate to keep him waiting for too long, as I did say I would join him.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada Astoria**\n\nRobyn wouldn't mind, but Mikhail also didn't mind to go back either. His fingers were tingling with newfound excitement that made him feel foolish, and be was glad they were beneath the moon instead of the sun and his rosey tint couldn't be seen as easily. \n\n\"Right, of course.\" He agreed, and gestured for her to take the lead on the path back. The walk out had seemed so serene, the one back in comparison felt like they were school mates trying to out pace each other, adrenaline making them both step a little more quickly than their previous leisurely pace."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\nThere was nearly a skip in her step as she made her way back with him to the palace interior. She, likewise was thankful for the pale light of the moon to hide the blush that would otherwise be apparent. She had to stop herself from wringing her hands together out of excitement, instead, she snuck her hand into his. \"Is this okay?\" She asked, giving him a glance."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada, Astoria**\n\nHer hand moved across his palm, fingers curling around his as she took it with caution. At her question he glanced down at her hand in his and gave a small nod. \"Perfectly.\" He confirmed. They were back on the veranda in no time, and it was only then that he released his hand from her hold, stepping back to allow her to climb the stairs to the back doors before following suit. The doors were guarded, and he was all too aware that the man posted to the left was one of Harmattan's men. If he reported that Mikhail was seen holding Lady Capell's hand after a moonlit walk, he had a feeling he'd be blushing at every dinner table for the next month. \n\nOnce inside, he nodded towards the main hall, falling once more into step beside her. \"Robyn will most likely be in the main parlor.\" He explained their course as they started upon it, \"Please don't feel obligated to keep up with him, I can't even manage most days. He got his thirst from his father.\" Mikhail smirked."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\nAs nice as it was to hold his hand, she could understand why he let go. Guys'll be guys, and he'd likely not ever hear the end of it if they were seen together. \n\nShe nodded with a smile as Mikhail told her of Robyn's proclivity for drink, and waved her hand dismissively as they walked. \"Don't worry, I don't really plan on having more than one. I'm just looking forward to having a nice conversation in a less formal setting\" She said as they made it to the parlor door."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada Astoria**\n\nThat was fair enough, and he pushed a hand through his hair to settle himself. \"We'll be fine so long as Daemon doesn't show.\""
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\n\"What's wrong with Daemon showing up?\" She asked, though she figured she might have known the answer from the few interactions they had. He seemed to be a heavy drinker, of sorts. \"Anyways, shall we go in?\" She asked, indicating the door"
},
{
"author": "mcblademouse",
"message": "Robyn Victor\nZahrada, Astoria\n\nThe young man had decided he'd take his time walking to the parlor, letting his mind ruminate a bit on all that had happened today. He was still in shock over the news of his mother's hand in Mika's death, but it didn't even feel real to him, knowing the young man had been present at dinner.\n\nDeciding it wasn't worth it to focus on that, he instead changed his thoughts to Milena, and how easily she got a smile from the people around her. She'd make a nice woman for Mikhail, the young man sometimes being a little too serious for his own good.\n\nWith a sigh he waved down a servant for a refill, grimacing as he realized he was on his third mug of ale already. The door to the parlor opened, and he glanced up, smirking at the two.\n\n\"You sure took your sweet time.\" He taunted lightly, leaning back in his seat."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada Astoria**\n\n\"Big garden.\" Mikhail answered simply, leaning against the frame of the door. His arms crossed over his chest, and he kicked the toe of his boot into the wooden floor. His attention moved to the drink in Robyns hand, and he looked over his shoulder to Milena. \"We may not even make it to the bull if he's already started.\" He teased"
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\n\"The gardens are quite magnificent, and I certainly did us no favors. I constantly stopped to look at the plants even closer. Sorry we took so long\" She said with an apologetic smile. \"Shall we go?\""
},
{
"author": "mcblademouse",
"message": "Robyn Victor\nZaharada, Astoria\n\n\"Ha. Ha. Funny, Mika.\" Robyn mumbled, shaking his head with a smirk. \"And worry not, Milena, I'm just going to blame Mika.\n\nWith a small nod, Robyn gestured at the parlor door and began to walk. \"I'll lead the way.\" He made it about half a step out the door before he turned to the two. \"Don't fall to far behind, lovebirds.\""
}
] | 79 | 1,992 |
152 | 2020-08-03 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada, Astoria**\n\nMikhail has started to roll his eyes when he stepped out of the parlor, but was caught off guard by Robyn calling them lovebirds. He choked, unintentionally, and tried to play it into a cough before looking to Milena. His lips pressed into a tight line, unsuccessfully surpressing a smile before he nodded, his chin jutting out a bit to nudge her on. \"After you, Lady Capell.\" He said, falling into step with her."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\nMilena's own breath was caught in her throat at Robyn's remark. \"Hey, that's not-.\" She tried to respond, but he was already out the door. \"Of course, Prince Mikhail.\" She nodded to Mikhail and followed Robyn, hoping the red which had appeared on her face wasn't too apparent. '*Real smooth, Milena*' she thought to herself as they walked."
},
{
"author": "mcblademouse",
"message": "Robyn Victor\nZahrada, Astoria\n\nHe heard the sputtering from the two behind him, and let a small laugh leave him as he walked out of the parlor. He kept a few feet ahead of the two, managing his way through the estate with ease, idly nodding at those he recognized. When he opened the door leading to the outside, he took a deep breath of the night air. The moon hung high above them, and he couldn't help the small smile that set on his face.\n\nWith a quick shake of the head, he continued on to the Bull, idly swaying to tunes he remembered his mother singing to him."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada, Astoria**\n\nThe trio walked though the palace and out towards the actual city of Zahrada. The night was settling in, but he didn't mind the walk. It certainly helped to calm his head, and he took the place between Robyn and Milena more out of assumed habit than any kind of statement. Robyn whistled, and Mika raised a brow. \"I know that, Aunt Amal used to hum it, right?\" He noted. Before long they had gotten to the city that resided just outside the Durkhan's home. The Bull was a staple for late night mischief, and also home of the majority of the Astorian spy network. \n\n\"All the employees here work for Sir Harmattan.\" He explained in turn to Milena."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell**\n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\nThe city was relatively quiet as the night settled in. This was interesting to Milena, who was used to the streets of Ostrava, which seemed lively at all times of day and night. That wasn't to say the city wasn't grand and full of life in its own way, far from it. Zahadra, and it's equal mix of fauna and buildings fascinated her. It seemed like it was taken straight out of a page of a fairytale. Flowers, herbs, and ferns lined the streets as they walked to the Boar, and she took it in with the same awe that she had for Zahadra castle. She nodded at the mentioning that the staff of the establishment worked for Robyn's father. The Boar reminded her of Ostrava, still awake and full of noise and merriment despite the hours which grew late. \"I see, so it must be alright for a *Lady* Such as myself to enter and have a drink.\" A pause. She then laughed. \"I'm kidding. I've been in theatre houses seedier than this.\""
}
] | 137 | 760 |
140.25 | 2020-08-06 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada, Astoria\n\n\"More that if you need anyone to get you home, just ask any employee. It's not of any better repute than anywhere else.\" He smirked, realizing he'd referred to the Zahradian palace as 'home' but not wanting to backstep and clarify. He was already fumbling over his words, he just hoped they'd all breeze past it. \n\nWhen Robyn spoke up, and asked where they wanted to sit. Mikhail took the lead on that one, motioning to the table a bit towards the back. \"So we're out of the way. I don't really want any of us getting recognized.\" Mikhail murmured, and headed towards the table he was scouting."
},
{
"author": "ninjagedon5136",
"message": "**Milena Capell** \n**Zahadra, Astoria**\n\n\"The back is fine, though I doubt anyone here would recognize me\" She jokingly pointed out as they walked towards the table. \"Though I'm sure you mean you and Robyn\". \n\nShe sat down first in the chair, then looked around the Bull. It seemed to be your pretty average tavern late in the evening. People were talking it up, getting to various levels of drunkenness, and generally having a merry time."
},
{
"author": "mcblademouse",
"message": "Robyn Victor\nZahrada, Astoria\n\n\"He's the crown prince, and not only does my father own the bar, but I come here weekly. We'll be recognized regardless.\" Robyn mumbled under his breath, shaking his head a bit. \"But whatever makes you feel safe.\"\n\nWith a smile Robyn glanced around the tavern, taking note of who all was there. Idly nodding and waving at a few people who recognized him, Robyn glanced at the two he sat with. \"Good news, we don't have to worry about paying, or about our cups going empty. Bad news, we may not be able to stop some people, so Mika, be ready.\" Remembering how Milena said she didn't want much to drink, he smirked at his cousin.\" You might have to drink for two.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nZahrada, Astoria\n\nSomething about being called 'The Crown Prince' made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up, and as he settled into a seat he lifted his leg, letting his ankle rest over his other knee. \"I'm actually rarely approached in public. I always assumed it was the 'is he really undead or is that a rumor' thing.\" He noted, and rolled his eyes when Robyn mentioned he would be drinking for two. \n\n\"As long as you're not pressuring Lady Capell to drink, I'll take whatever you throw at me.\""
}
] | 143 | 561 |
227.25 | 2021-03-12 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "hobbit_viking77",
"message": "Jax Brightwater\nThe Eclipse Sanctuary of Astoria\nRoughly 3 months before the Council of Marin to deal with the Plague.\n\nJax's time in Astoria had been nothing if not interesting. His first day he dueled the Head Knight, his second he was allowed to stay in the palace. Now he was to be tested by Moths. The idea was alien to him, but so were many things he's seen in the last 15 years, and he wasn't in the business of pissing off queens. So he kept walking, pushing branches out of the way, and constantly looking back over his shoulder.\n\n\"Do you know how much farther it is, Your Highness? We shouldn't be in the woods after dark, especially without an escort.\" Why they didn't have one was also alien, this had to be the only Monarch he'd met that never had any guards around."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "```\nAnyanka Durkhan\nEclipse Sanctuary \n```\n\n\"You worry too much.\" She chided, though she wasn't actually upset that the man was concerned for their well being. She had offered him a position in her guard, blindly - mind you, and he'd been told in order to secure it fully there were rites to attend to. She would have been apprehensive too if she were him. Giving up a life he knew for one in a new Kingdom, under a new monarch, wasn't a decision she envied of him. \n\nShe knew a lot about starting her life over. \n\nThey moved through the woods, the forrests lining the coastal region of Astoria denser than those that had been cleared out for the sake of progress through South Feyshore. Grasslands started to give way to moss and looser soil the closer they go to the sea and the cliffs, and Anya clutched the front of her dress upward a little high to keep it from dragging. Her furs helped with the winds, but she was still generally uncomfortable and anxious with every step. \n\nShe'd never preformed this ceremony before. It was one she knew of, but she'd never been the ruler on the other side of it. Whether it would work or just be for show was still to be determined, and she gave a glance to the man walking at her side. \n\n\"Do you think I'm crazy, Brightwater?\""
},
{
"author": "hobbit_viking77",
"message": "Jax Brightwater\nSanctuary of the Eclipse\n\nJax couldn't help but chuckle.\n\n\"Before I was a beat cop for the Romanovs, I served under King Cleburn. I don't necessarily agree with the majority, that he was a mad and deranged man, but he was insane. After you spend half a year guarding a monkey who just so happens to be the King's advisor on how much you get paid, you stop asking questions.\" He then realized that wasn't an answer.\n\n\"No, Your Highness, I don't think you're crazy. The craziest thing you've done is hire me out of the blue.\" Another chuckle."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "```\nAnyanka Durkhan\nEclipse Sanctuary \n```\n\nHe chuckled, and normally the sound would have made her tense. _'Do you think I'm crazy'_ followed immediately by laughter was usually a bad sign. But he'd yet to be malicious towards her or her court. If anything he was more respectful than she expected. Being picked out of the blue and asked to come home with a Queen surely was an ego boost if there ever was one. He could have taken it and run with it, and he hadn't. \n\n\"I was in his court briefly, I remember the shenanigans.\" She had tried to keep her head down- but there were certain things you couldn't really miss back in those days. It had been a madhouse, even if he didn't think the man was truly mad. \n\nShe nodded up ahead, before them on the cliffside was a small structure. New in construction but old in design, a small version of the confessionals that could be found scattered over Kath. It was made of three walls, the place where the fourth was missing an archway so the roof had some support to keep the interior safe from the elements. It's open face offered a lovely view of the treelines, and in the fall and winter one could see towards the cliffs. Now, the greenery was too dense, but she preferred the privacy."
}
] | 235.5 | 909 |
154.666667 | 2022-04-07 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "darktheblackknight",
"message": "Aldora of Astoria\nZahrada\n\nInteresting. It seemed that he truly was a foreigner if he could not speak the language, not to mention how he wore nothing on his feet, and carried a bow. Aldora found it intriguing, to say the least. Of course she would endeavor to learn more of this strange man. \n\n\"Are you hungry?\" The woman would question, or at least her inquisitive tone and the subtle tilt of her head would make it seem. Aldora remembered that he was incapable of speech, gesturing to the food stalls then to him as if to offer it herself.\n\nThere was something different in regards to this lady as well. From the mere manner she held herself to the unchanging expression of neutrality that was neither a smile nor frown — nearly the complete inverse of the jolly masses who beamed at each other as if they had no care in the world."
},
{
"author": "munchy_",
"message": "Enoch\nZahrada\n\nEnoch looked around before looking back down at her as she gestured toward the food stalls, asking him if he was hungry. He may not be able to speak, but during his journey from the deep north, he learned to listen, and understand. He nodded curtly. Yes, yes he was hungry. \n\nThere was something almost comforting about how neutral her expressions were. It reminded him of the village he hailed from, no one seemed to carry any emotion besides survive there. Perhaps this fancy woman was the same.\n\nHe pointed at her, then at the food stalls. Was she hungry too?"
},
{
"author": "darktheblackknight",
"message": "Aldora of Astoria\nZahrada\n\nThe white-haired woman went over to one of the stalls, putting some coins down in exchange for a loaf of warm, perfectly soft bread. It was cut evenly down the middle, so she offered one of the halves to Enoch. Taking a bite of hers, it was deliciously sweet and had an airy consistency, but was more than adequate to sate her appetite.\n\nIn reaction to the exquisite taste, her lips curved upwards in a slight grin, proving that she did in fact harbor emotions of her own. It seemed as if she expected no compensation for the meal, treating it as a simple act of kindness; the foreigner seemed to be an individual who would certainly appreciate it."
}
] | 149 | 464 |
158.75 | 2022-04-09 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "darktheblackknight",
"message": "Aldora of Astoria\nZahrada\n\nThe sheer voraciousness with which he devoured the delectable bread was proof enough for the woman that he held gratitude. An attitude that took nothing for granted was a welcome sight for someone that had grown exasperated, irritated with the common mindset of a comfortable life being a given. Whereas the stranger finished his food swiftly, Aldora took a brief pause following every comparatively miniature morsel of the pastry, and so she ended up having eaten a third of her half by the time her acquaintance was done."
},
{
"author": "munchy_",
"message": "Enoch\nZahrada\n\nThere wasn't much for him to do now except wait for his new acquaintance to be done. He had several chances to just walk away, but he stayed put, hands behind his back as he watched the crowd, taking glances at the woman next to him every once in a while.\n\nHe seemed quite blank, perhaps even plain when it came to his face and actions, but just like her, he had emotions. He had decided in his head he would spend time with this person until survival or the act of the Gods took him elsewhere without her. He didn't mind someone who bought him food and smiled while eating bread. Anyone who smiles at food was probably a good person in his book."
},
{
"author": "darktheblackknight",
"message": "Aldora of Astoria\nZahrada\n\nIn truth, she fully expected him to wander off and disappear into the crowd, but it seems that she had been disproven — by a man who lacked the speech to offer any retort, no less. Seeing as she had someone patiently waiting for her, the white-haired woman managed a feat of eating both quickly and in a dignified manner. \n\nThe playwright would turn back up to him, unable to decipher his thoughts unlike those who spoke. Finally, she came to the conclusion that the man wished to accompany her; however, she had some doubts lingering that he would be entertained by the theatre.\n\nThen again, she was well knowledgeable of the outcome. The script she had been written herself, of course, therefore there was no reason for it not to succeed.\n\nWorried of his getting separated in the flood of people, washed away by the rushing tide, Aldora took his arm very gently as if she intended to lead him someplace."
},
{
"author": "munchy_",
"message": "Enoch\nZahrada\n\nThe young man looked down at her as she took his arm, and he allowed it to happen—albeit he was confused at the gesture. There was never a lot of physical contact that Enoch had to deal with, so this felt off-putting at first.\n\nBut easily observing the world around him would answer his confusion. Everywhere other were people holding hands and linking arms, laughing as they filed in to watch the stage. Enoch had never seen a play before, and had no clue what was about to happen. He first thought it was an execution, but even to a barbarian such as himself, these people seemed too cheerful for something like that.\n\nHe looked back down at his new companion and nodded. If she wanted to watch this thing then he would let her hold onto him and watch it."
}
] | 159 | 635 |
152.333333 | 2022-05-01 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "darktheblackknight",
"message": "Aldora\nZahrada\n\nThe new friend possessed none of the detestable qualities of her acquaintances in high society. He was quiet, unassuming, yet respectful and gracious. It had truthfully been ages since her last meeting with an admirable sort of person, though it was doubtful that she could cherish his presence for long. Foreigners had that disappointingly dependable habit of traveling from city and country, to city and country. \n\nPeople on the stage were dressed in odd, colorful costumes. They appeared to be re-enacting some event with emotions ranging from grief to fury to bliss. It was all quite dramatic, to say the least."
},
{
"author": "munchy_",
"message": "Enoch\nZahrada\n\nEnoch was only slightly interested in what was going on. He had never seen the art of theatre before, so he would tilt his head to the side whenever something interesting would come into view. The tall, odd stranger was almost like a puppy, watching with a tilted head. \n\nHe liked the big capes the men wore and the dresses that the women skirted around in. He was impressed by the quality. He still had no idea what was going on. They were talking, fighting, laughing, and crying. Yet Enoch found that they weren't in any real danger, since the entire crowd was watching with bated breath, unfazed by the situations being presented on stage.\n\nHe looked down at Aldora and tilted his head to the side. He couldn't ask any questions, although his eyes seemed to wonder something. He glanced back at the stage and rolled his shoulders back. Whatever seemed to be making him wonder didn't seem to be too important."
},
{
"author": "darktheblackknight",
"message": "Aldora\nZahrada\n\nWell, of course. It came as no surprise that the audience was mesmerized by the play, after all, she had written it herself. Aldora had even taken the liberty of selecting the actors. All with the greatest care.\n\nAldora turned to glance up at her tall companion, questioningly. She hoped that he was enjoying this, though foreigners tended to find different forms of entertainment pleasurable. On the other hand, she was intensely concentrated on the stage, critiquing every miniscule edit she could have made on the final draft of her script."
}
] | 132 | 457 |
324.333333 | 2022-05-17 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "udbv_1",
"message": "Charity Lane\nZahrada\n\nAfter the Council of Marin and her subsequent flight from Terresol, Charity felt like she had broken unspoken promises, both to Terresol and Astoria's Grand Duchess. Settling into a new norm in the Southern Isles as the Minister of Education served only to reinforce these feelings. For Terresol, she could do naught but wait, and throw her support behind Caderyn. For Anya, Charity only stayed in the Isles for as long as she needed to to get her children settled and for her duties to be supported temporarily without her. Then, she boarded a ship destined for Zahrada. \n\nDuring the nearly month-long voyage from Tonate to Zahrada Charity was plagued with thoughts of her children, her perceived failings, and the jeopardy her position in the Isles may have been placed in by leaving so soon after arriving. She forced the thoughts to the back of her mind as she stepped out onto the docks of the capital of Anya's garden kingdom. She'd visited Zahrada before, and though from a different direction; she had some vague idea of how to get to Anya's castle. There she would request an audience with the Grand Duchess, hoping to get by on recognition from her last visit to the city."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "```\nAnyanka Durkhan\nZahrada, Astoria\n```\nMikhail had taken to the edge of her desk, a thigh propped up onto the wood as he perched, looking between the parchment in his hand and the ones spread out on her desk. He flipped between a few, finally deciding that the one in his hand was the one he needed. Anya shifted in her seat, having taken up residency in the plush chair that sat before her desk rather than the one behind it. \n\nShe had no idea where Jax was at the moment, probably handling Eclipse training or tending to other matters, they'd both been so busy, it was hard to catch time together before the sun set. Natalia was asleep, down with her nurse in the room down the hall, and probably would be for another half hour or so. She'd not slept through the night, which Anya had conveniently forgotten about. Mikhail had always been good about that- or maybe time had just blurred the memory of early childhoods. Either way, she was grateful for the moment with her first born, even if he was taking the time to try and educate her on warships he hoped to have commissioned. \n\n\"There are plans for more merchant ships already, summer winds will be starting again soon and trade with-\" A knock sounded on the door, pulling both Anya and Mika's attention to it. Mika looked to his mother, a brow raised in question, and Anya gave a shrug of _Idunno_ before moving to stand. Mikhail stopped her, his hand holding up to pause her motion of standing as he headed towards the door. \n\n\"Your majesties - my sincerest apologies for the interruption.\" Valentine was looking between them both, and gave a small, sympathetic look to Mikhail before looking to the Queen. \n\n\"You have a visitor.\"\n\n\"Who?\" \n\n\"Charity Lane, your grace.\" \n\nThe redhead blinked, rising from her seat fast enough to give herself a bit of a head rush with the motion. \n\n\"As in, former Queen of Terresol, Charity Lane?\" She asked. As if there was another. \n\nValentine nodded, and Anyanka moved to the door, pushing past the Eclipse guard and heading down into the main halls. \n\nThe sound of her heels carried through the warm woods of the Zahrada manor, servants and soldiers alike yipping and stepping out of the Queens way as she made her way through her home. Hand found the railing of the stairs as she hurried down them, and when she entered the receiving hall a familiar voice. Her smile lit up, and hands gathered her skirts before her as she took to a sprint, joy overtaking her voice as she closed the distance across the long room towards the brunette. \n\n\"_Charity!_\""
},
{
"author": "udbv_1",
"message": "Charity Lane\nZahrada, Astoria\n\n\"So... Spring in Astoria, Zahrada certainly lives up to Anya's vision of a garden, don't you think?\" The guard didn't respond, he didn't seem interested in small talk, much less any form of talk. The two sat in awkward silence before Charity tried again, \"South Feyshore must be rebuilding nicely, right?\" Still, the guard remained silent. Thankfully Charity didn't suffer through the awkward silence for much longer, just after her second question she could hear the rushed tapping of heels upon the floor, and before she could turn her attention to it, she heard Anya's voice ring out.\n\nThe elation that Charity felt as her worries of broken promises fell away, because as much reason as Charity thought Anya had to not be happy to see her, there was definite joy in her voice. Charity's legs moved on instinct carrying her to meet the redhead, where she wrapped her arms around Anya in a tight embrace.\n\n\"Anya! It's been too long\" She relaxed her death grip a bit, \"I'm so sorry I haven't been by sooner\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "```\nAnyanka Durkhan\nZahrada, Astoria\n```\nWas it a regal display, running to embrace a Queen who had abdicated her throne? No, not really. But with Charity stepping down, formalities didn't matter much with her - and Anyanka herself had been a thousand things before 'Royal'. Some hold habits died hard. \n\nShe returned the embrace, her arms wrapping around the woman's frame and pulling her tight against herself. Her eyes closed, the speed in which they had collided into each other making her sway a bit on her feet before finding her footing again. \n\n\"Too long, what could you have _possibly_ been doing that kept you from visiting?\" She asked, finally releasing her full grip on the woman to take half a step back. Her hands remained on Char's arms, keeping her close. \n\nIt wasn't until she has pulled back that she noticed the tension in her guards, all looking on at the exchange as if they would need to break it up. Charity wasn't a threat, and Anyanka rolled her eyes before returning her gaze to the woman before her. \n\n\"Are you well, is everything alright? I hope this is a good visit and not one with bad news, right?\""
},
{
"author": "udbv_1",
"message": "Charity Lane\nZahrada, Astoria\n\nCharity lamented the embrace's end, wanting to make up for the missed year, but she knew that could turn uncomfortable in front of the rest of the castle. At least they were still close, \"I've been working to set up teaching institutions in the Isles. I couldn't get away any sooner, else some of my work would get undone.\"\n\nAs Anya briefly eyed people behind her, Charity for the first time in this encounter got a full look at Anya. Her leg looked to be much better, which Charity would've been surprised if it hadn't in the year or so since the Council. Charity was never one for the popular fashions, even as Queen, but never before was the difference between them in dress so disparate. She kept herself as well-groomed as she could on her voyage over. But with very little resources to do so on a ship, she still looked like little more than a fancy peasant. At least the guards were still able to recognize her, \"No, no bad news, thankfully. I just wanted to see the woman of my affection. Why? I didn't come at a bad time, did I?\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "```\nAnyanka Durkhan\nZahrada, Astoria```\n\nHer gaze softened when Charity mentioned her work in the isles. It was something she didn't quite understand, how willingly Charity had given up her home and title in Terresol for a home in the Isles. But it wasn't her place to push, maybe she had never wanted it to begin with, and ruling didn't suit her the way Anyanka had thought it did. \n\n\"Right, best to see it through than hope someone can follow through on your plans without your guidance. I understand that. Math is lucky to have you in the Isles implementing education reform.\" She finally released the woman from her hold, noting the brief survey of her being that Char gave her. The bites had healed, the topic of fear from their last true interaction at the council long ago. Heath's beast had marked her, and while she still felt fury over it, she mostly was just exhausted and ready to move on with things. \n\n\"No, not a bad time at all.\" She assured, her smile soft as she reached for Charity's hand. \"Mikhail is home from the Isles as well, even though he's practically begging to return.\" Her eyes rolled playfully but she squeezed her hand. \"How long do you intend to stay?\" \n\nThe queen looked to the guards who had been lingering, pinning her eyes on the first who's name came to mind. \"Coldwater, have a room made up for our guest. And alert the kitchens that another guest will be joining us for dinner.\" It took half a moment for the man to nod and head off for his duties, and Anya turned back to the brunette with a soft smile. \n\n\"I'm glad you've come. Actually, I've someone I would like you to meet.\""
}
] | 260.5 | 1,946 |
478.333333 | 2022-05-18 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "udbv_1",
"message": "Charity Lane\nZahrada, Astoria\n\nCharity couldn't help but smile along with Anya, but when the duration of her stay was brought up it weakened, \"If I could, I would stay forever, but unfortunately my duties only allow for a month-long stay, give or take however long it takes to find the passage back to Tonate.\" It was true that Charity placed great importance on her new position within the Isles. She saw it not as a change from her previous position in Terresol, but as a continuation of it. Also, the political climate of the time forced her out in favor of a more proper heir to the Vortigon dynasty.\n\nHer smile returned when an idea entered her mind, thinking back to moments before what Anya had said about her son, \"If Mikhail is aching to return to the Isles, maybe we three could all go at the same time?\" She left the suggestion to hang in the air for a moment, something to think about for the next month.\n\nCharity's mouth moved to the side as she looked down slightly, looking confused like she was trying to remember something. She wondered who Anya would have for her to meet that she didn't meet on her last visit. After a moment of thought, she gave up trying to think about it, her face returned to normal when she looked back up to look at Anya \"I'm interested to see who it is.\""
},
{
"author": "hobbit_viking77",
"message": "Captain Jax Brightwater\nZahrada Palace, Astoria\n\n\"Atten-***Tion***!\" His deep, command of a voice filled the stone chamber like an expanding air cushion trying to catch an actor in the midst of a leap. His hands sharply clasped to each other behind his back not shaking an inch from their position as he walked. The Captain of the Royal Eclipse Guard was the epitome of grace, poise, and fashion as he walked down the line.\n\n\"This behavior is not acceptable.\" Jax spoke calmly but his voice was nitrogen, \"I expect the best, because you are the best. They might accept this behavior in South Feyshore, but here you represent the pinnacle of Southern Civilization, and the future of the Durkhan Empire. I will not tolerate this happening again, and if it does I will hold you personally responsible. Do I make myself clear?\"\n\nJax turned ninety degrees to his left sharply, locking eyes with the young woman and holding that same steel in his eyes that he carried on his hip. A second passed, and Natalia blubbered out a hysterical laugh. She had been chewing on a wooden doll in the shape of a large cat that was supposed to be a Shadowcat, Jax's old sigil, but now sent the toy flying at her father with a light toss of her left arm. The toy had no proper aiming or actual force behind it, so it fell harmlessly to the floor at Jax's feet, mixing with the mess of fluid on the floor that had been the original purpose of Jax's scolding. The knight sighed as he watched it roll around briefly on an axis.\n\n\"You're going to cause me more trouble than your mother.\" Jax said, smiling at the little Princess in her chair.\n\nNatalia answered by laughing even harder, and waving her arms together like she was trying to fly out of her restraints.\n\n\"Is that an order, Your Highness?\" Jax asked his daughter.\n\nNatalia continued flapping her arms in front of her face, signifying she wanted something she didn't have.\n\n\"Very well,\" Jax bowed before straightening himself and taking the Princess from the chair she was strapped in. Once he held her in his arms, he asked where she wanted to go next. Her answer was laying her head on his shoulder. The action made him feel soft, and warm inside, and he made a note to have fur added as padding to the outside of his breastplate for such an occasion.\n\n\"A walk then?\" He whispered into the soft skull of his child, before softly placing a kiss there. He walked to the door of the chamber, which opened as he approached. There were three guards outside, two Eclipse and Aleks, waiting for them.\n\n\"The Princess wants some fresh air.\" Jax said to them.\n\n\"Consort.\" One of the Eclipse said. \"Queen Charity Lane of the Southern Isles has reunited with The Queen, and are looking to meet the princess.\"\n\n\"Charity isn't Queen of the Southern Isles.\" Jax corrected. He and his Eclipse still thought of the woman as the queen of Terresol, if only in ignorance to the War about to start now that she wasn't in charge, \"But let's not keep the Queens waiting, it's impolite for a Princess to keep her guests waiting, isn't it?\"\n\nThe last half of his sentence was to Natalia, who spit in response. Jax reached up a handkerchief to wipe it away, while instructing his men to lead the way."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "```\nAnyanka Durkhan\nZahrada, Astoria \n```\n\n\"A month is plenty of time to get comfortable.\" Anyanka determined it as if Charity was admitting to a month long stay in Zahrada itself. Maybe she had meant a month away from her work in the isles, but she was doing to take it as an agenda for how long the former Queen would be gracing her home. \n\n\"I'm not opposed to the idea, I'm sure the moment my son catches wind that you're headed back to the Isles he will be doing all he can to assure passage on your ship.\" The redhead gathered her gown in her hand, helping herself to climb the stairs that would lead to the upper floors of the castle. \"And it's been a while since I've paid Math a visit.\" She glanced over her shoulder. \"We might take you up on that, darling.\" She mused, giving her a warm smile. \n\nAs they headed up, she was greeted by the sound of conversation. It paused as she and Charity passed, guards taking their attention from their casual conversation to their duties. Anyanka waved them at ease as she passed, heading down the hall towards the nursery. \n\nWhen they approached, the sound of shifting metal bounced through the hall. Eclipse armour was heavier than regular guards, and the footfalls made her intimately aware that those approaching belonged to the Queens guard. Who, currently, were on Princess duty. \n\nThey rounded the hall, and Anya paused at the sight of Jax, escorted by the guards, with their child in his arms. She smiled, looking to Charity and then releasing her hand to approach Jax, arms outstretched to take the infant from him. \n\n\"Charity Lane, I'd like to introduce you to Natalia,\" She turned letting Nat stay between herself and Jax, knowing the man preferred to keep her close. \"My daughter.\""
}
] | 391 | 1,435 |
338.75 | 2023-12-30 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "bigby_bear",
"message": "\"Watch where you're going before ya trample someone you dunce!\"\n\n\"Aha, right! Sorry...\"\n\n*Newt slightly tugs on his horse's reigns as he rides into the city, his face buried into a leather book stuffed to the brim with various clippings and notes as his saddle bags clanging together with various traveling gear. Only looking up to glance at the dreamscape of the flowing gardens and flora along the hillside, quickly sketching them down into the book as the two stroll down the dirt road. Newt getting more than a few annoyed, confused glances from the occasional passerby as he adjusts Grunts prance to avoid bumping into anyone. The piebald horse letting out a long whiny grunt bobbing its head as Newt scratches the sides of their neck, stroking his hand through the white-blondish mane shooing away the pesky gnats in their eyes.*\n\"I know, I know Grunt. I'll get ye a nice little treat once we get there alright? We just gots to make it to...\"\nHe pauses, stopping off to the side of the road as he climbs down from his horse. Slowly letting that sweet floral breeze blow through his wavy hair, filling his chest as his heart starts to race. He pulls Grunt in for a hug as he stares off at the grand monumental city painting the horizon.\n\"*Zahrada~* Just rolls off the tongue doesn't it? Darragh would nip me ears if he knew I was 'ere. But look at us no eh? Couple'a dashing rogues the two of us!\"\nHe slips an apple of out his pocket biting it in half before handing Grunt a piece, the horse eagerly chomping down at it as Newt hops back onto the saddle as they begin racing down the path."
},
{
"author": "randoromanian",
"message": "Alexandre du Rochert\nEn route to Zahrada, Astoria\n\nA tall, blonde nobleman dressed in attire of battle swayed atop his mighty stallion, the reins of his mount clenched tightly in his right hand as he squinted to make out the grandiose city of Zahrada in the far distance. He spurred his horse onwards, taking in the pastoral scenery of the meadows and rolling hills nearby. With a heavy, nostalgic heart, he raised his right hand to his chest and sighed deeply as he breathed in the aroma of the flowery hills of his childhood. He took a moment to pause and greet some of his posted sentries. He had specifically desired to send a group of his men to guard a section of the trade route to Zahrada and now viewed them as they saluted him amiably.\n\n\"Salutations, milord!\" \n\nThey shouted as he approached. He beamed jovially as he heard the greeting and gave them a salute in return, his eyes scanning the checkpoint for any flaws. Upon seeing the checkpoint's fine maintenance he spoke in return with a grin dancing across his face.\n\n\"How goes it, men?\"\n\nThey responded with a description of their deeds in the recent weeks with enthusiasm and Alexandre bowed his head upon hearing their actions. He gave them a final salute and a profession of good fortune before continuing on his way.\n\n\"Not long until Zahrada's gates are before me.\"\n\nHe slammed his heels into the steed's side and galloped forward at full pace, his hair violently hanging behind him as the wind rushed past him. He found himself several strides away from a small floral garden and brought his horse to a halt just before it. The youthful lord dismounted, with a few looks of admiration from the people present as he led his horse by the reins on foot towards the city of Zahrada. Behind him, at a far distance, he could hear the rapid clopping of a full gallop of a mighty steed. He turned himself to see, stilling his horse as he stood to face the rushing oncomer.\n\n\"Gods that mount sounds rather quick.\""
},
{
"author": "bigby_bear",
"message": "*As he turned to look he could see the horse and its rider barreling towards the gate, the bronze-skin man with dark hair approaching wearing a light blue cloak over his tunic. The cloak dancing in the wind along with his horse's mane as they slow back down into a trot growing closer to the main gate, Newt staring up at it in awe as they come to stop.*\n\n\"I don't think I'm ever gettin' over sights like this.\"\n\n*He looked over to the knight beside him with a uneasy nod, putting on his best smile.*\n\n\"I uh, hope we weren't makin' too much of a fuss comin' down the road. S-Sir.\""
},
{
"author": "randoromanian",
"message": "Alexandre looked into the eyes of the rider as he slowed his horse, he easily deduced that the grandeur of the city itself was something that the likes of this man had never seen before and quietly snickered to himself. Alexandre's eyes studied the figure atop the horse for a moment, taking notice of his cloak and the rather shoddy act of attempting nonchalance. He sighed as the man spoke in a jumble. Indeed, it was a rather shaky display. But then again, it wasn't Alexandre's place to reprimand anyone for riding a steed too quickly.\n\n\"To the untrained eye, it seems as though there was nothing out of place with your arrival. But to one such as a warrior, they would know that your mount was riding at quite a rapid speed compared to anyone else. In any case, sir, nothing should perturb you.\"\n\nHe gave a nod to the cloaked rider and walked forward towards the entryway to the city with him. His hand brushed against the mane of his stallion and he gave a quick pat on the animal's side. He mounted once again, tiring of leading the unwilling steed, and gently nudged his heels into the mount's side, giving it the urge to begin a slow walk. \n\nHe turned his head towards the rider and spoke. \"Where are you heading? Perhaps I can provide you with some guidance as a local. I have some matters to attend to, but I have time to waste until then.\" Alexandre's hand unconsciously drifted to his scabbard, though not attempting to appear intimidating, he could come off as such. His face showed no signs of irritation. He seemed even to be enjoying taking in the views of the city. The insignia of House du Rochert was worn on his saddlebag as he quickly opened it and grabbed a piece of dried meat. His teeth sank into the meat and ripped it apart subtly as he waited for the rider's response."
}
] | 388.5 | 1,355 |
167.333333 | 2024-01-25 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": ".roman_around",
"message": "Evangeline had just been exiting a homestead by it's foyer and gate as she said her goodbyes to a family of four nobles who were cloaked in fine linen and stooping to kiss the back of her hand, as she politely and silently bowed back to them, finally making it out of the gate after receiving her coin she was on her way again, back to the town to inquire for work and hear of who was in need of her service, though she had a lead given her in a note received from the previous family she had just visited. Eyes cloaked under her veil she was again going off to look for her next suitor. \n\nThe woman in black gained no more attention than a mourner might gain, with her head down, she peered through the laced hem of the veil until she had arrived at the more populated part of town, by an enticing tavern where she might go in and spend some of her earnings on tea.\n\nObserving the patrons as she entered she sat quietly at a table that was in a dimmer part of the room, receiving her tea she sipped it and thinking about her last moments with the previous noble she read an ambiguous pamphlet of parchment paper and people watched with a petit smile on her face"
},
{
"author": "bigby_bear",
"message": "A man draped in a dark blue cloak walks up to her table a few moments later, carrying a plethora of books in his arms. The spines of them decorated in various titles in varying from fairy-stories to history of wizardry, bits of loose scrap parchment stuffed in between. He looked pass the stack of books towards the woman in black.\n\"Excuse ma'am, this seat taken?\""
},
{
"author": ".roman_around",
"message": "Eve had an eye on him since he had walked in, eyeing his appearance and mannerisms already as he approached with armfuls of literature, an archive in his arms she marveled at this young man who was clearly yearning for a higher form of knowledge, Eve shakes her head slowly left to right with a welcoming smile and a gentle voice telling him\n\n\"Please, sit\"\n\nShe motions with a hand to the chair opposite her and in order to not be nosy, she doesn't say anything yet, but she does set down what she was reading and closely watches the young man get settled in with his literature, eyeing the stack of books up and down as she reads the spines of them and begins to sip her tea thoughtfully, watching his actions as if he's about to demonstrate something to her"
}
] | 166 | 502 |
158.6 | 2024-01-26 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "bigby_bear",
"message": "\"I thank ye. Can't weigh ol' Grunt down anymore or I'd never hear the end of it.\", He joked setting books down upon the table, rolling out the soreness in his arms as he plopped down into a chair. He slid the books to the side and reached inside his satchel, pulling out a worn down leather book stuffed with even more clippings and notes, untying the twine as he flipped it open.\n\"How's the tea 'round 'ere? Haven't given myself the chance to try the food and drink.\""
},
{
"author": ".roman_around",
"message": "She smiled a little wider as she heard his jovial roll of the tongue and tilted her head as she smiled at his words, she'd tilted her head a bit upwards to get a better view of his stretching from under the veil that hung loosely over her eyes. Eyeing a book that's that marked up and filled with clippings must denote dedication and diligence to a study, her eyes fluttered in thought at this notion, though was quickly interrupted upon his inquiry, she set down her cup and replied \n\"Pray, allow me to treat you to one and you may tell me\"\n\nThe woman said with a thoughtful smile before she floated an elegant hand in the air snagging the server for another green tea which was promptly served to the young man in the dark blue cloak, expectant eyes now landed on him as she held her green tea with both hands close to her bosom, fingers wrapped around it as if to warm herself from the heart outwards"
},
{
"author": "bigby_bear",
"message": "*𝓐𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓻𝓲𝓪 ~ 𝓛𝓸𝓬𝓪𝓵 𝓣𝓪𝓿𝓮𝓻𝓷*\n\"Oh, well if ye offerin' then.\", He said taking a small sip, his brows furrowed as he took another.\n\"Not sure how to feel about it. Not bad, but not what I was expectin'.\"\nHe leaned in against the table taking a passing glance at his new acquaintance's pamphlet.\n\"Whatcha readin' there?\""
},
{
"author": ".roman_around",
"message": "**-Astoria, Local Tavern-**\n\nEve eyed him and nodded at his reaction, still smiling at his reaction, with a satisfied nod,\nAt the hooded ones next inquiry she couldn't help but suppress a giggle with a hand to her lips, \n\n\"Oh? The walking library is inquiring about *My* Literature?\"\n\nShe asked inquisitively and in a jovial, joking manner, she raised her head to eye his books again, he could now see more of her gentle, protected face and jade green eyes for just a moment before tilting her head back down again to its usual down angled position \n\"Nevertheless, This is the biography of a well known...\"\n\nShe tries to think of a word that avoids blurting 'wizard' so he doesn't think she's stranger than she already is\n\n\"An elderly scholar in supernatural studies... That I am to visit soon\""
},
{
"author": "bigby_bear",
"message": "*𝓐𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓻𝓲𝓪 ~ 𝓛𝓸𝓬𝓪𝓵 𝓣𝓪𝓿𝓮𝓻𝓷*\n\n\"Supernatural studies?\", He perks up. A spark igniting within his eyes, \"Like ghosts and ghouls? I'm somewhat readin' up on the like of that. Mostly myth, legend, and rumor, but very interestin' indeed! What's this chap's name? Might've picked up his name somewhere at some time.\"\nHe flipped through the pages of his journal, Eve catching glimpses of several hastily sketched drawings of maps and faces, until stopping upon a few gnarly looking beasts next to some scribbled writing."
}
] | 171 | 793 |
182.75 | 2024-01-27 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": ".roman_around",
"message": "**-Astoria, Local Tavern-** \n\nAs his eyes lit up, she understood what he's seeking here, and she glossed her gaze over his pages, connecting dots, and inquiries in her mind about this one.. Also glossing her eyes over his cloak she made a few more assumptions about this one \n\"Yes, the supernatural of all sorts, it seems you have a similar interest, as fate would have it\"\n\nShe said as she finished off her tea and set down the cup, wiping her wet lips with the end of her sleeve loomed with heavy fabric and black ornate lacings in it\n\n\"Before I give you this man's name, you should know he is dying, I am to be his last embrace before he passes on... Furthermore, if you are to inquire about his studies I am afraid that may not be possible, not without my intervention\"\nShe floated the last part to see how he would react"
},
{
"author": "bigby_bear",
"message": "*𝓐𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓻𝓲𝓪 ~ 𝓛𝓸𝓬𝓪𝓵 𝓣𝓪𝓿𝓮𝓻𝓷*\n\n\"Oh...\", his excitement quickly faded into that of grave concern, sitting back in seat. He wasn't sure how to continue the conversation, closing his book as he brushed the rim of his cup with an idle finger before finding his words.\n\"I am sorry to hear that. How long do yea think he's to... Live out his days?\""
},
{
"author": ".roman_around",
"message": "**-Astoria, Local Tavern-**\n\n\"Long enough for me to make you a proposal\"\n\nShe said as she placed her hands on the edge of the wooden table, leaning a bit closer in to him in her seat so he could hear\n\n\"Forgive me, let me introduce myself first, I am Evangeline Drakos, you may call me Eve\"\n\nShe extended her hand for him to kiss, though a shake of the hand would be acceptable too, she isn't primadonna.\n\n\"Perhaps I should let you in on my work as a deathbed companion if we are to discuss this, I feel a compelling urge to aid you in your studies\"\n\nShe looked at the stranger thoughtfully, deeming him trustworthy as a diligent student seeking wisdom, she smiled with her lips again,\n\n\"As this man is in my company, understand that he is to pass on his will to me that I may deliver it to his remaining relatives, if any.. And as such, some of my companions name myself in their will, if he does so, it may include his studies and access to his grimoires, is this something you would be interested in?\"\n\nShe asked knowing this boy's zeal for this knowledge would almost certainly make him say say yes"
},
{
"author": "bigby_bear",
"message": "*𝓐𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓻𝓲𝓪 ~ 𝓛𝓸𝓬𝓪𝓵 𝓣𝓪𝓿𝓮𝓻𝓷*\n\nHe slowly takes her hand giving it a firm shake, a flourish of emotions racing through his thoughts. Was she already aware of his line of work? Or did she simply take as a budding scholar? The sudden offer was far too good to be true, but he wasn't one back out at the slightest twinge of trouble.\n\"This is all a lil' too much information to throw at once. First, let me ask ye this. What exactly is a deathbed companion? Do you write his memoires or the such?\""
}
] | 175.5 | 731 |
127.666667 | 2024-01-28 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": ".roman_around",
"message": "**-Astoria, Local Tavern-** \n\nShe did say a lot but his reaction to the information showed her she hit the nail on the head.\n\n\"Not for the faint of heart, I'm afraid, I comfort people as they die in my arms\"\n\nHoping that cleared up somewhat her occupation\n\n\"Let me ask you, what is your name, hooded one- and what is the purpose of these expansive studies... Your mind must carry so much..\"\nShe asked, adding the last part with a tone of admiration, and a small but resolute hint of envy..."
},
{
"author": "bigby_bear",
"message": "***Astoria ~ Local Tavern***\n\n\"O-Oh well it's, just... Research really. I like to be well read, and I happen to find ancient magic and the like interestin'. Sometimes I go to odd ruin 'ere there, maybe an exhibit or two, but that's all.\"\nHis foot began to bounce in an anxious rhythm despite his nonchalant demeanor. He takes his tea drinking a bit more before continuing on.\n\"As for m'name, I mainly go by Newt. Aspirin' scholar, admirin' wanderer, and stylin' parlor *Magician~*\""
},
{
"author": ".roman_around",
"message": "**-Astoria Local tavern-**\n\nEve picked up on his strange behavior, the leg, the sipping the tea that he's not so fond of, and the stutter, and notes these things without so much as a blink or a twitch of the eyes, and gave an interested nod, her elbows on the table and her chin resting on the back of her hands with an inquisitive smile of the lips, and a small giggle she once again suppressed with a hand to her mouth as she mused his little rhyming performance \n\n\"You're quite the poet, and magician? You have my interest peaked... Newt. Care to demonstrate?\"\nShe asked looking upon him with expectant eyes"
}
] | 124 | 383 |
162.333333 | 2024-01-30 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": ".roman_around",
"message": "**-Astoria, Local Tavern-**\n\nShe eyed him closely trying to see if she could see through his trick he was about to perform and was thoroughly impressed with his little display in sleight of hand, her eyes widening a little with her mouth ajar, she smiled and once the flower appeared, she marveled at it, putting a hand over her lips, impressed and taken aback, a bit flushed by the act and gave him a little golf clap applause with praying hands as she took the flower, cradling it with both hands by the blossom, and brought it to her face to inhale its scent\n\"My.. You have proven your trickery to be a flattering move..\"\n\nShe smiled at him raising her head, deciding he was worthwhile of her time and effort \n\n\"I will gladly aid you in your quest for this knowledge, Newt, though as for what I want, I shall decide after I have gone to be with Marius for his last moments... I am a simple woman, so where can I perhaps find you once I have completed my work with this man...\""
},
{
"author": "bigby_bear",
"message": "***Astoria ~ Local Tavern***\n\nHe scratches at the light scruff of hair on his face trying to hide his goofy grin as he was complimented. \n\"Ah, pfft. It's no quest really, just a fella's odd fascination for the obscure. And I'm stayin' 'ere at the inn for now. Got a spare room they're lettin' me pay for. And if I haven't made this clear, I do appreciate ye lettin' me see their work. Marius you said his name was?\""
},
{
"author": ".roman_around",
"message": "**-Astoria, Local Tavern-** She kept the flower, putting the stem behind her ear and through some of her hair to secure it there, brushing a finger across her lips with hidden eyes, as she replied, \"Yes Marius, I will leave now, and be returned here in two days time, if his health is already fled to that point I may be here sooner, but I must go\" She stood and left some coin on the table, enough for both of their tea and with a little bow to Newt, she added \" 'Til our first reunion, my new friend, adieu\" With that she was out of the tavern and onto the road, heading east, not looking to the left nor the right as she went on..."
}
] | 155 | 487 |
152.75 | 2024-02-01 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "bigby_bear",
"message": "***Astoria ~ City Street***\n\nNewt's smile quickly faded seeing her reach to pet Grunt's nose, only to release his breath with a sigh seeing Grunt accept the carrot with a wary neigh.\n\"I don't recommend pettin' him on the face. He's a mean bugger, with an meaner bite! Almost took my wee small finger he did!\"\nWe shows her his left hand, the pinky finger indeed being badly bruised still, wrapped tight with cloth but still functional. For the most part.\nNewt glanced behind Eve, his brows furrowing with confusion. A swift, serious look the felt so unnatural on his face.\n\"Uh, yeah. We can talk in my room inside. Tavern's mostly empty this time of day. C'mon.\""
},
{
"author": ".roman_around",
"message": "**-Astoria, Local Taven-** \n\nShe gave the steed a stern finger and then a loving pat, showing dominance as her touch made a neural connection, calming the animal with her mind's touch\n\n\"Ah of course, these ones can be feisty \"\n\nShe laughed a bit at his story and eyeing his distant expression didn't dare look behind her as to not seem conspicuous \n\"Of course, I will follow behind you\"\n\nShe followed him to his room, keeping her head down eyeing through the lacing in her veil and her belongings close at hand"
},
{
"author": "bigby_bear",
"message": "***Astoria ~ Local Inn***\nThe room was rather compact, only being enough room from a old wardrobe, a nightstand and a rickety old bed sitting just by the door. The room looking cleaned top to bottom not leaving a trace that he was ever rested his head there.\nNewt walking up to the window keeping eye down at the street. Grunt impatiently tapping a hoof below neighing for him but keeping put.\n\"Did you tell anyone else about Marius's passin'?\", He asked. Eyes still pacing the crowded street."
},
{
"author": ".roman_around",
"message": "**-Astoria, Local inn-** She followed him inside, her head staying bowed slighly but her eyes glanced about, fluttering calmly for any sign of trouble, though newt seemed like he was weary of something or someone on their trail, given his actions and what he was saying to her in his question. She looked about his room, closing the door gently behind her, and would have a seat on the bed, after all she'd been walking for a while, without a mount to carry her, and was flattening the wrinkles on the thigh of her gown as Newt was peering out the window. \"I have not given word to anyone, as is in respect for my suitors.\" She replied, her head facing him, then turning her head to look away from him as she added \"He died late last night, and took a great liking to my service in his last moments, an unusually avid admiration for my acts\" She ran a thoughtful hand over her bag as she said this. \"He was a good man..\" She finished with, and would let Newt speak"
}
] | 138 | 611 |
122.75 | 2024-02-04 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "bigby_bear",
"message": "***Astoria ~ Local Inn***\n\nNewt glanced back to the window thinking for a moment, his hands fidgeted with something underneath his cloak before looking to Eve.\n\"Those men down there. In the maroon clothin'? I've seen them before. They've been askin' the same questions I've been searchin' the answers for. And I think they've gotten the same idea as me.\"\n\nHe slipped open the window slightly giving a loud whistle, Grunt immediately galloping off as he matches back out of the room.\n\"We'll take the backdoor, how close by is Marius's abode?\""
},
{
"author": ".roman_around",
"message": "**-Astoria, Local Inn-**\n\nEve stood, and joined Newt at the window briefly, to see what he was seeing. Glad Newt was being careful, though also sharing his caution about this. She knew others would be after this, but not so soon, she soon realized it was even more advantageous to have someone like Newt with her to deter any attempt of sabotage.\n\n \"Let us go then, his estate is two miles down the south roadway, is your steed fit for two?\"\n\nShe asked as she hurriedly followed him out the back door, eyeing is he was carrying any weapons"
},
{
"author": "bigby_bear",
"message": "***Astoria ~ Local Inn***\n\nAs she glanced at his cloak, she could indeed spot the sheath of something tucked away under the wraps of his cloak, as well as a dagger attacked to his belt.\n\n\"Oh he's fit just fine, don'tchu worry. Swiftess horse in Northwind. He'll get us there before you know. Just point the way milady.\"\n\nAlmost on cue Grunt was waiting down the alley neighing impatiently, Newt hurrying his step as he hops up helping Eve up behind him."
},
{
"author": ".roman_around",
"message": "**-Astoria, local inn-** She gladly hopped up onto the horse, happy that she doesn't have to walk this time, Her gown draped over the sides of the animal, clothing it in black as well. She'd assume the horse was fast and took a firm hold on Newt's shoulders as he took the reigns. She didn't point but said discretely into his ear the direction in which they were to travel. \"Southward, descend this road.\" And once Newt yawed the animal into a gallop, she held his shoulders, smiling and enjoying the speed as her dress flapped in the wind..."
}
] | 126.5 | 491 |
134.333333 | 2024-02-07 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "bigby_bear",
"message": "***Astoria ~ Marius's Manor***\n\nHe was completely at a lost of words. His eyes wide trying to take in every detail possible as he sets his bag down upon a nearby table. Hurry over to a shelf picking out a book or two, maybe even a third.\n\n\"In name of... How... How many are there? Some of these look like they predate modern texts... And in mint condition too!\""
},
{
"author": ".roman_around",
"message": "**-Astoria, Marius' Manor-**\n\nEve watched Newt, amused at his enthusiasm, it was awe inspiring to her to see someone so young with so much zeal for knowledge, and slowly descended further into the study, taking a book from her own bag with black leather binding and rose gold trim, it was a book from this study given by Marius and she'd began reading it at the same table where Newt settled in at, her eyes fluttering from her book to Newt, with an amused smile and a giggle here and there.\n\n\"Take your time, Newt- and please absorb as much wisdom as you can\"\n\nShe asked this of him and was a little bit serious and greedy in her tone, really wanting him to grow in knowledge"
},
{
"author": "bigby_bear",
"message": "***Astoria ~ Marius's Manor***\n\nNewt collected himself nodding to Eve.\n\n\"Right. Getcha thoughts in order Newt.\" He quickly mumbled to himself, \"Now where to look first... Ah, right 'ere then.\"\n\nHe walks down the towering bookcases rummaging through various books for specific dates. Acquiring several of Marius's own writings and research in an ever growing stack upon the table. Though as he sat reading through aged notes and journals, his bag sat just within Eve's sight. Something green just barely sticking out from under the flap. Something about it feeling... Heavy. Like a long carried secret. It held some sort of significance if Newt was carrying it around, but what was it exactly she couldn't tell from what was peeking out."
}
] | 157 | 403 |
126.333333 | 2024-02-08 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": ".roman_around",
"message": "**-Astoria, Marius' Manor-**\n\nEve sat there across from Newt as they found themselves in a little reading session which she found enjoyable, peaceful, and something she wished she could do more, it made her feel powerful, in charge of the knowledge she was taking in.\n\nNewt's bag peaked her interest, it being in view just over the book she had open, Newt couldn't see but Eve's eyes were all over it beneath her veil, her head tilted like an intrigued dog, and without pointing or moving her book from the upright reading position, she asked inquisitively, in a high pitched, smooth questioning voice \n\n\"What is that?...\"\n\nShe asked, her head angled towards the alluring object as they sat there"
},
{
"author": "bigby_bear",
"message": "***Astoria ~ Marius's Manor***\n\nHis head shot up from the current book he was nose deep in.\n\n\"What is what?\", He looking to Eve with an expecting puzzled look, following her gaze to his back which he quickly latches it close.\n\n\"O-Oh that? Just a private piece of me collection is all! Heh heh... Uh, did I happen to tell ye what exactly it was I researchin' yet?\""
},
{
"author": ".roman_around",
"message": "**-Astoria, Marius' Manor-**\n\nAlready Eve was skeptical about Newt on some things but this confirmed he had something he was hiding, she would find out one way or another- without prying too much, she seemed a little disappointed when the bag is closed and he tries changing the subject, she knows something is up, but she plays along anyhow \n\n\"You have not, though I can only assume it has to do with the arcane arts, yes?\"\n\nShe said as she lowered her book to engage in the conversation with Newt, the item still peaking her curiosity, she crossed her legs and got comfortable on her chair as she listened to Newt"
}
] | 135 | 379 |
217.75 | 2024-02-14 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "bigby_bear",
"message": "***Astoria ~ Marius's Manor***\n\nNewt just shrugged tapping his charcoal pencil against the page of his journal lost in thought.\n\n\"I just wish to have the complete story of it. Nothin' to gain really 'cept a good tale to spin and *Hypothetical* Fortune. Nothin' else to it really. As for help, there is somethin'...\", Newt trailed off pulling two more journals closer, each detailing more about Marius's perusal of the meticulously miraculous mirror. The dates all seeming to line up, but something just didn't seem to add up. There was glaring discrepancy in time between the journal entries that wouldn't stop setting off the alarm bells in Newt's head. \n\n\"There has to be pages missin'. Entire sections maybe? Other notes? There has to be more to than him simply askin' around and visitin' the town from the legend's origin, and then headin' on home the followin' day.\""
},
{
"author": ".roman_around",
"message": "**-Astoria, Marius' Manor-**\n\nEve shared Newt's puzzlement looking at the book. Though if anyone currently living on this planet knew where missing pages would be, it's Evangeline.\nShe gave an inquisitive look, and put her book down entirely before she extended her hands and offered to take the journal from him so she could further inquire of Marius' words, \n\n\"Please, allow me, dear\"\n\nAssuming he let her, Eve takes the journal from him.\nGiven her deep mental connection with him just before he passed, she'd have an advantage in delving her thoughts into the written mind of Marius. After bowing her head over the journal, and placing her hand over the page, she exhaled slowly after what felt like twenty seconds she perked up, and looked over to a painting hanging above the fireplace.\n\"There, there's something there\"\n\nShe raises an arm to point to it."
},
{
"author": "bigby_bear",
"message": "***Astoria ~ Marius's Manor***\nImmediately Newt perked up, looking over to the painting confused as he hurried over grabbing a nearby ladder reach up and pull it off the wall. But no matter how he tries to grip it, the frame was stuck in place. Which only fueled Newt's curiosity more. \n\nHe stepped back onto the floor below tapping his foot impatiently. There had to be something behind that painting, but how to get it open... He glares at the painting, taking in all its detail. It was a self portrait of the late professor holding a specialty cane with a telescope mounted onto its handle beneath his right hand, and in the other, a tiny model ship in the other, observing it keenly. Both items immediately sticking out to Newt, rushing around the corner of another bookcase looking through the shelves, moving the books around finding the telescope piece. He slowly grabbed hold attempting to pull it down, only for a click to come from behind the painting. A grin slowly growing spreading across Newt's face.\n\"Aha now we're cookin'! Eve, see if you can find that model ship. We're not done in yet!\""
},
{
"author": ".roman_around",
"message": "**-Astoria, Marius' Manor-**\n\nEve would stand and follow Newt over to the painting, she knew something was there but she didn't know what, she tilted her head curiously as Newt observed it, and seeing him runabout the place and scramble to find the telescope she was surprised at his keen eye, and was audibly impressed as he solved the first half, giving a little golf clap with her hands in a praying position.\n\n\"Very Keen, Newt, very keen indeed, your cleverness does not hesitate to leave me in awe\"\n\nShe then goes to look for the ship, her mind nagging her in where it might be. She turned a corner round a bookshelf, and nearly ran face into the maid standing there with the very model ship they needed as she inquired \n\n*\"Looking for this? Madam Evangeline?\"*\n\nTo which Eve took and kissed her hand, receiving the boat from her and bringing it triumphantly to Newt\n\"Here you are, go on and do what you did again\"\n\nShe said, handing him the ship so he could do what he needed to unlock the painting"
}
] | 218 | 871 |
199.785714 | 2018-11-16 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "She hadn't been lying when she'd told the doctor she had a full schedule. She only had a few hours before Charity was set to return home, and she had every intention of making them count. That was, until a rider arrived from South Feyshore, requesting an immediate meeting with the Queen on behalf of Sir Harmattan. It appeared, after months in an holding cell on the outskirts of Astoria, just along the border between itself and South Feyshore, Amalthea was ready to talk. \n\nThe message gave no indication of what she'd said, considering that information was private and _not_ anything the queen wanted out to the public should the letter have been intercepted. He swore he hadn't been, but she couldn't take chances. Instead, she dressed immediately, and found herself on the first carriage to the borderlands. \n\nThey had intentionally kept the woman stationed here as opposed to in Astoria's capital. For one, Anyanka didn't want prisoners so close to home, she'd worried about that with Mikhail and the new baby. Neither were a concern now, but she still wasn't fond of the idea of the possibility of escape leading the mad woman straight to her very bedroom. Keeping some distance felt better, and it muddied the paperwork in regards to _exactly_ she was being treated. South Feyshore had no solid laws in regards to, well, anything considering the near open season it had maintained on clearing out the bandits that had plagued it. If Amalthea's name happened to disappear under the rug with theirs, no one would think twice on it.\n\nWhen she arrived at the stronghold, she was greeted by no more than five guards. Zane hadn't asked for much in his station, and the outfit she'd sent with him had dwindled over time. For a while, they were starting to believe the woman genuinely had nothing else to tell. When she pushed open the door, she was met with a small hearth that illuminated the dark room of the home her men were keeping. Two glanced her way, expecting to see one of their brethren, and they scrambled to their feet upon seeing the redheaded woman. \n\n\"Where's Harmattan?\" She asked, red cheeked and working to pluck her gloves off her fingers as she tried to catch her breath from having practically run the rest of the way up the hill when her coach insisted it couldn't surpass it with the ice."
},
{
"author": "mcblademouse",
"message": "\"Right here.\" Zane called out, moving into the room. He was just outside the door when he heard the scrambling, and he knew who it was when he heard the men stammering out replies. Very few people could get that reaction out of them, and Zane didn't think Angelica would be sent for something like this.\n\nZane took note of the fact that Anyanka was red faced, her breaths coming in quickly. He rolled his eyes at that, waving towards the guards, \"Go somewhere, do something, but don't bother us.\"\n\nHe extended his arm to Anyanka, a small smirk growing on his face, \"If you'll come with me, Madame, I have some news that you might be excited in hearing.\"\n\nHe eyed the guards walking out, and decided he'd clarify to them real quick, \"If you actually do need us, you can bother us. But we'll actually be in the office, not the cell I commandeered.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Anyanka's eyes lit up upon seeing the man, and her flushed features turned from harsh to excited. She wanted to hug him tightly, as it turned out she'd missed the man. When her trio of close friends dwindled to only one, the dynamic changed, and even Angelica wasn't a fan of the boys being gone. He shoo'd the others out of the room, and held his hand out to her. Giddy, she finished plucking her glove off and moved to take his hand, squeezing it firmly with her own cold one before letting him lead her out of the main room. \n\n\"It's good to see you, even though you look like shit.\" She told him, her other hand clasping over the one that held his as she moved into step at his side. \"I can only hope you've got a good wine to go with this story you're about to tell.\" She added."
},
{
"author": "mcblademouse",
"message": "\"I must admit, I haven't had much sun during this time.\" He agreed, looking down at his skin, he had paled drastically during the torture of Amalthea. He didn't sleep much either, so the bags under his eyes probably helped add to the image.\n\n\"Sadly, I don't know which wines we have.\" He admitted, leading her towards the office. \"Although, I hope you'll enjoy hearing how she broke. It's quite the tale. You may enjoy hearing that it wasn't just me who broke her.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Anya smirked, \"And here I was, hoping I'd get to spend the rest of my days calling you my hero. Now you'll have to do something _else_ to impress me.\" She teased, but upon deciding that he actually did look exhausted and worn, she laid off. Zane and Angelica were the last two people she could speak to as equals in terms of humanity. Conversations with Charity or Bradai weren't this candid, and she didn't think she'd ever get that again from anyone with a title. \n\nThey moved into the office, and she took a seat as he began his sordid tale. She cringed, more than once at the recap of how they had tried to break her so far. She'd give her this, the woman was stronger than she'd ever thought. Being raised on the icy cliffs had instilled a coldness in the woman she'd never seen matched, and hoped she never would again. When he got to the bit about the pillow and the guards, her lip curled and she had to turn her attention away. \n\nIt would have broken her too.\n\n\"So what did she finally tell you?\" She asked after a long silence."
},
{
"author": "mcblademouse",
"message": "Zane saw her turn as he mentioned what broke Amalthea, and he mumbled, \"In my defense, I was told to get creative.\"\n\nZane stared at her, and sighed. He stood and opened the door quickly, peering down the hall both ways, confirming it was empty, before he closed it and sat on the desk. \"Juliana De Barbaric. I don't know if there were more, but that's who I got out of her.\"\n\nHe drummed his hands softly on his legs for a brief moment, before he asked her, \"So what happens now? What do we do with this knowledge?\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "The name meant nothing to her, and the excitement she had felt immediately burst within her chest at the realization that, there wasn't much _too_ do with that information in this office. The redhead shook her head and raised a brow. \"The name means nothing to me, I suppose we'll have to start asking around until it does.\" \n\nShe could write to Bradai, or Lord Carter. Perhaps when she returned she'd catch Charity, and could ask her about the name and if it meant anything. There were libraries back home of recovered literature and histories from Stormalong, perhaps the name was somewhere within the shelves at home. \n\nHer brow furrowed the more she thought about it, and she pressed her lips into a tight line, smoothing her fingers over her forehead. \"I'll be honest, Zane, I hoped this would be a more fulfilling revelation. I suppose, I genuinely was hoping there was no one else involved in this, and I could have just spent the rest of my days letting the worst of my men rip her apart and dragging her back from the brink of death to do it all over again.\" Anya glanced at him. \"This means there were other players involved in my son's death, and I don't look forward to seeing how deep that well goes.\""
},
{
"author": "mcblademouse",
"message": "The news that she didn't know anything involved with that name didn't sit well with Zane, knowing that it either meant more torturing of Amalthea for him, or helping reading through libraries. Neither of which sat well with him at the current moment. \n\n\"Now I really wish I knew what wine we have here.\" He groaned out, resting his head on his arm. The room was slightly spinning, and it was taking a bit out of him to keep awake.\n\nRolling his arms, he stepped around Anyanka and began to massage her shoulders. \"Well, know that me, Angelica, and the rest of Astoria will be behind you.\" He let a small laugh escape him, unable to stop himself from his next remark. \"And knowing Angelica, she'll only be behind us so that we actually get work done.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Zane moved from his perch on the desk around to the chair she sat in, and his hands found her shoulders. It was strange, that even though he was the exhausted and worn one of the pair, he was the one working over her shoulders. It immediately made her feel guilty, and her hand lifted up to rest over his.\n\n\"I can find some, or, you can leave this hell hole for a day.\" She offered, tilting her head back to look up at him. The hand that rested over his caught his jawline, her finger tracing over it carefully. \"Get a real meal in you, a hot bath to soothe you, all the wine you could drink and a bed fit for a King.\" She mused. \"There's more work to be done, but you're not going to get creative enough to fulfil it if you're unable to stand. Take the next day or two to recoup, I'll send out letters to see what I can find before we scour the libraries back home.\""
},
{
"author": "mcblademouse",
"message": "\"That sounds perfect. The cot bed I stole down in the dungeon wasn't that great.\" He mumbled softly, leaning into her hand. \"Who would've guessed?\"\n\n\"I'll have to tell some of the guard captains that I'll be gone.\" He told her, still leaning into her hand. \"They're hopefully smart enough to operate by themselves for the day, but they're some of the most worrying people I've ever met. Leave for an hour or so to stretch your legs, and next thing you know, I've got a full search party tracking me.\"\n\nHe smiled at that, remembering that day a little too well. It wasn't an hour or so that he was gone, it was the whole day. So that probably did warrant the search, but he wasn't going to admit that.\n\n\"So I take it we will be returning to Astoria then?\" He asked, fighting down a yawn that threatened to escape."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "The redhead nodded, moving to stand and turn. Her arms wrapped around him, though he was considerably taller than her, and she found herself with her head against his shoulder as she squeezed him. \"Please. A day at least. I need you rested and to recount the events of the last few months so I can update the logs with anything I might have missed before I send out my own searches for information.\" \n\nShe lifted her head from his shoulder, letting her chin rest against his chest as she looked up at him. A small smile formed, and she moved onto her toes to press a soft kiss to his jawline. \"Go pack what you need, I'll inform the captains of your return to Astoria for the time being.\""
},
{
"author": "mcblademouse",
"message": "\"You assume I had a chance to unpack anything. It's probably still all either in the pack still, or been thrown somewhere in the room.\" He mumbled, letting his chin drop onto her shoulder. \"I don't truly need much, just need to grab whatever is still in my bags, and that'll be enough.\"\n\nHe squeezed her softly once, before letting go. \"Shall we meet at the gate then? Or did you leave your coach somewhere again?\" He couldn't help but remember her redness as she entered the stronghold, and he couldn't help but ask a question he felt he knew the answer too."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "\"The coach wouldn't attempt the hill on the ice, it's not a long walk.\" She assured him, and she glanced to the door she'd come through with him. She gave him a quick pat on the arm before returning to the main room. At once, the men stood at attention, and she gave them the news that their beloved torturer would be returning home with her for the evening. They were only stationed at the border a few more days before they were due to change guards, so she didn't feel much upset in the news. \n\nWith that, she headed back to the door, and made her way back to her coach, waiting for Zane to come and join her. From the bench, she pulled a blanket, and had it ready for the man, intent on forcing him to try and get some sleep on their trip back to"
},
{
"author": "mcblademouse",
"message": "Zane gathered up all of the items he felt like taking with him, one half full pack, a few reports, and a small knife. He took his time walking, not looking forward to the cold awaiting him. The goodbyes he got from the guards was a welcome one, and he spent a minute talking to them before making his way down to the coach.\n\nThe walk truly wasn't that bad, and the cold helped wake him a bit, but that didn't stop him from almost slipping onto his ass as he walked. Once he entered the coach, he took a spot next to Anyanka, and passed out at almost the exact moment he sat down, his pack falling to the floor."
}
] | 180 | 2,797 |
153.5 | 2018-12-04 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Syric had intended to attend the festival in the Southern Isles. It felt like a good way to get his feet wet, metephorically, and meet some other rulers. He was still fairly new to his post in Alsher, but he felt he had managed well over the last season, and the winter had done well with maintaining the territory. Their harvest had been bountiful enough that they were able to provide for not only themselves but the neighboring towns, and to top it all off, he'd managed to get through a winter season _without_ catching sick.\n\nUnfortunately, Sebastian hadn't managed to keep from catching a cold. The infant hadn't stopped crying over the last week, and his and Sera's concern only grew the longer the child remained ill. They were new parents, and things like this rightfully scared them enough that they had cancelled their plans to attend the festival."
},
{
"author": "darkvalentine",
"message": "To say that a flurry of events had come to pass in the blink of an eye would have been the understatement of the century, not to mention a hassle where smooth sailing was expected. Having gone from elitists to people in positions of power was something of an adjustment, despite having the expectancy for it all along but she was happy with where she'd found herself in the present. They'd managed to stay healthy and plentiful in the required resources, helping the people that needed it without hesitation. Her child, however, had a little more difficulty in staying well due to the reduced immune system given his age. \n\nThe entire ordeal frightened her rightly so, as the wailing would only stop in smaller instances due to exhaustion, and staying home seemed to be the correct call to be made. Cradling in her arms, she still was incapable of providing him any sort of relief, with a reduced appetite and fatigue clouding his frame, \"I'm starting to get the feeling that nothing I'm doing is going to have any sort of effect.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Syric glanced to his wife, who held the child closely to her chest as she rocked him slowly. She'd been holding him for hours, and while he didn't quite believe it wasn't helping in some way, he could understand her frustration. \"Here,\" He murmured, pushing himself from his seat and crossing the room to her, his arms outstretched. \n\n\"He needs to sleep, we all do.\" He murmured, shifting the baby in his arms and picking up where his mother had left off. There was a second of quiet where he worried a scream would erupt, but a soft whine followed followed by smaller, stronger ones. He hadn't slept all day, and Syric only prayed he'd sleep through the night and the household could get some true rest. \"Should we try to just put him down and see if he calms?\" He suggested."
},
{
"author": "darkvalentine",
"message": "Relinquishing her hold on him was reluctant but if there was one other person she trusted with Sebastian's safety, it was his father. And yes, the efficacy of her methods were highly questionable but the lack of sleep was getting to her and her sanity in smaller increments. Pale digits ran through the scarlet strands, a softer exhale tumbling past parted lips, \"He's barely eating and he's slept a couple hours at most over the past few days. Do you think it'll work?\"\n\nRosy buds pursed into a thoughtful line, stretching her limbs a small amount just to get a change of posture from where she'd been stuck for hours, \"Try it. I'm all out of ideas and I can't think of anything else.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "The man nodded, and pressed a careful kiss to his wife's forehead before leaving their bedroom. Sebastian's nursery was the next room over, and while the baby normally found himself asleep on one of his parents chests at night, they still kept it done up and ready for the day they stopped worrying. He adjusted the bassinette, and placed the whining child inside. Flat on his back, the whines stopped as the baby boy stretched out his legs. Syr's lips parted a bit in surprise, and within a minute the child was dozing soundly.\n\nSneaking back into their room, Syric held his hands up in surprise, and gave his wife a small victorious smile. \"Well I'll be damned. I think we were making him anxious.\""
},
{
"author": "darkvalentine",
"message": "The sound of quiet filled her ears in a matter of seconds and the relief was unbelievably beautiful as she sighed in contentment. Who knew all it took was some distance from his frantic parents to calm him down, but the smile on Syric's features inspired a smaller one to life the corners of her lips too, \"Well that's unfair because I'm pretty sure he was freaking the two of us out more.\" She teases gently, wrapping her arms around him to just hold him for a few short seconds. \n\n\"What kind of sorcery have you been hiding from me that allowed you to calm him so easily?\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "He gave a small laugh, lowering his hands to wrap his arms around her when she hugged him. \"Well I _am_ the lord of Alsher.\" He reminded her, and in once swift motion he hooked his arm under her knee and the other on her back to scoop her up. He carried the fire haired woman to their bed, and collapsed upon it with her, not bothering to take off his boots of clothes as he curled around the woman. \n\n\"I'm sorry we had to miss the festival in the Isles. I know you were looking forward to a vacation.\""
},
{
"author": "darkvalentine",
"message": "\"Unfortunately for you, Sebastian doesn't appear to care about any sort of titles, regardless of how powerful they might be.\" She chuckled, hooking her arm around his neck at the shift of her balance, letting out a small sound as her spine made contact with the softness of the bed. Her fingers maintained a hold on him, clutching tightly as his frame twined into hers.
\n\n\"It's okay. I missed you more than anything, and this was the right call. I don't want anything happening to him.\""
}
] | 154 | 1,228 |
181.857143 | 2018-12-12 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Her eyes lit up like Christmas as Axari handed her a flask to drink out of. \"Thankyou.\" She whispered before drinking some of the liquid inside. The burn of the alcohol was more of a calming sensation than one that caused discomfort. She should have mentioned her death to all of them earlier if she knew it would have given her a whole bottle of rum. \n\"Cheers for that!\" She shouted out as Faolan disappeared. Turning back towards the two females, Taireen wasted no time in opening the bottle and sculling it down. \"One of the questions that definitely needs to be asked is how to kill the damned thing.\" She replied to Satine before placing the bottle down so she could use her hands to rub her face. \"Speaking of which, I'm not going any further than South Feyshore. The further I am from that thing, the safer.\" Realising she still had the flask on her, Taireen slid it across the counter so it would land in front of the Drow. \"I do have an idea of where the beast may be though. In one of the flashes I saw, it was snowing. Which means it's up north.\""
},
{
"author": "ameizing2030",
"message": "Grinned in amusement as Taireen thanked her, a sentiment to which Axari responded with a slight nod. \"Yes that would definitely be important information, learning how to dispatch of this wicked entity.\" She catches her flask as it slides back across the counter and raises it to her lips once more, exhaling as the whiskey burns her throat. \"That's fortunate for me though, I've been meaning to make my way up north. I'd much sooner risk my life fighting monsters than I'd go anywhere within 1000 miles of Equadia.\" She loses a bit of her charm as she says this, her features visibly darkening and her eyes glazing over for a moment as she stares down at the bar counter. After a few moments she clears her throat and says \"So it's fortunate we're headed northward, yes?\""
},
{
"author": "yukoncornelius0185",
"message": "Satine had grown tired of standing, however she felt compelled to the idea that sitting in a line along the bar would create a closure to the mood of their conversation. So, she continued standing, locking and unlocking her knees as she looked for something mindless to do in order to keep her mind engaged. \"Looks like we women all have our own demons in one place or the other.\" Her nosed scrunched slightly as she had begun to ponder about the very words she had said and how she said them. \nHer mind wondered aimlessly around her head for a moment, her eyes dancing from object to object; sometimes lingering for a moment before continuing on. She was trying to figured out how much time had passed since they had left the boat in comparison to how much time she estimated it took to get to South Feyshore. \"We should be arriving soon. Perhaps you should claim whatever liquor you with to bring with you, Taireen; or fill your flask Axari.\""
},
{
"author": "nemoisnobody",
"message": "It wasn't long before the ship was in range of the coast of South Feyshore, around the same amount of time as Satine predicted it would take, maybe even a bit sooner. At the time, Faolan was passed out in his bed with a bottle of rum in hand when suddenly a knock came at the door. The captain flinches awake, groaning as the sudden realization that whatever he was experiencing in his dreams wasn't a reality, and that was disappointing considering the situation they were in. The Captain trudged up to the deck, his hand moving up to block the sun as it shown upon his face until his eyes adjusted, allowing him to gaze upon the land ahead. \"Prepare to dock ladies!\" He called out to his crew, hopefully the women downstairs would also hear his shout and come up to meet him on the deck."
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "She had taken Satine's advice. The sickly looking female had found herself another bottle after she had drank all the liquor in the one that had been handed to her. Once again she was her drunk self, enjoying the boat ride rather than racing onto the top deck every few minutes to throw up. She only vomited after every half hour instead. \nWhen she hear Faolan call out, Taireen had already been stumbling up towards the top deck. The sun caused the frail woman to flinch from the sudden intrusion to her sensitive eyes as they had gotten used to the darkness below deck. Her hand raised to her brow line, shading her eyes from the light when she walked towards Faolan. \"The magic of booze, it feels like time travelling with how fast the hours go by.\" She snickered before walking towards the side of the boat so she could get a better look at South Feyshore."
},
{
"author": "yukoncornelius0185",
"message": "Satine had empty plate on the bar, expecting one of Faolan's crew mates to take care of it as he had trusted another to clean up the vomit. Currently, she had fallen silent and left her mind to her own devises as she had followed suit of the frail woman. This was mostly out of wishing to catch her if she feet had decided to betray her. \nThe sun did sting at the eyes once she had arrived on the top deck, causing her facial expression to switch from an ever-observant state to one of its usual laxed look. Now stretching her muscles as if she had just waken before connecting her gaze with Faolan's. \"I trust we are ready?\""
},
{
"author": "nemoisnobody",
"message": "The Captain turned his head to meet Satine's gaze with his own, not saying anything for a moment as their eyes locked before finally he reverted his line of sight to the land. \"I suppose we'll find out. Just know that I am dragging my crew as least as possible into this mess, if whatever this is wanted them involved they would have had visions to. No. This is between me, you, Taireen, Axari and whatever the fuck the thing is that's coming. I just want to make it clear that we will take this ourselves, my men will not be cannon fodder in this mess.\" Faolan stated bluntly, still looking off into the distance as the Jörmungandr rapidly approached the docks, gradually slowing itself as it neared a docking point."
}
] | 173 | 1,273 |
173.222222 | 2018-12-14 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "ameizing2030",
"message": "When conversation had fallen silent, Axari had gone to escape her worries with a bit of companionship. She had just been on her way to find a spot of privacy with one of the female crewmates when Faolan's voice carried below deck, calling her, Taireen, and Satine up to the deck. \"Fucking hell.\" She groans before giving the sailor woman a kiss on the cheek \"Continue this later darlin?\" She asks with a slight raise of her brow and a laugh. Axari quickly makes her way above deck, groaning loudly as she exited the darkness of below deck to the bright sunlight of the open ocean. \"Fuck\" Unfortunate side effect of her Drow heritage. She could easily acclimate to darkness, seeing a bit better and clearer in darkness than her fully human companions, but as most things, there were drawbacks, she was also much more sensitive to sunlight than normal, full blooded humans. \"Gods. Give me a second to get my vision back Faolan. We're almost there though?\" She says, her face grimacing and her eyes squinted."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Mikhail had arrived in South Feyshore aboard a cargo ship. He had been heavily cloaked, with ink in his hair to stain it black. It hadn't been his idea, and he worried the sea might expose his blonde if the ink didn't hold on deck. But his hood protected him until he was escorted beneath the deck, where he remained until the ship docked and then some. He'd never been smuggled somewhere before, and arriving in Stormalong left him grateful for that. An hour passed after the ship was docked before he was retrieved, and he rode with a petite brunette man and woman into town. It wasn't much at this hour, and the pair kept him close as they walked through the streets.\n\nHe had been booked a room at a local inn, stationed above a tavern where the couple were posted to guard him. He didn't know them, and they'd neglected to give him names. Even the man who was supposed to retrieve him, Sir Eric Stafford, he'd never met before. Mikhail took in the small room he had been provided, and shed his cloak onto the mattress, only to find it was stuffed with hay. The ink had bled in some parts, mainly his temples where sweat had gathered from the heat of the layers he had been instructed to wear to bulk up his frame enough to be unrecognizable. He wiped at it with the end of his sleeve, and moved to the small vanity. On it was a mirror, and the boy tested to see if it had been nailed down. It hadn't been, and so with some effort it shifted it from it's position towards the edge of the vanity before taking a seat. From it's new position, he could see out the window across the room without having to sit in it, as he'd been explicitly told to avoid the windows by the couple downstairs. \n\nHe watched for what felt like hours, before eventually crossing his arms on the vanity and laying his head down to catch some sleep."
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "It was an hour after nightfall when Eric Stafford passed the gates of Stormalong. Eric had hood up and was dressed as a rider in dark clothes, like your average exploring type. No one paid him any mind or recognized him when he road through the gates, putting his horse to a trot toward the inn the boy was staying. \n\nWhen he came to the establishment, Eric dismounted and quietly entered the inn with his head down, keeping as low a profile as the large man could. After a short hushed conversation, Eric knew what roon the boy was staying in. \n\nIn the dark the sleeping Mikhail could hear the old door creak open and the close harshly and the floor oards creeking as Eric stepped toward the sleeping Prince. \"Wake up.\" Eric said quietly, crossing his arms."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "The moment someone touched the door Mikhail's eyes flew open. He kept his head down, his cheek pressed against his forearm as he listened. Heavy boots crossed the floor, and he felt the hairs on the back of his neck tense before a voice gave him a command. Mikhail straightened almost immediately, and looked to the stranger. He had been given a description of Sir Stafford, but in the dark he couldn't quite tell if his eyes were green or hazel. \n\nGrey eyes roamed over the man, his heavy cloak, his dark colored clothes, and he moved to stand. \"Do you work for the Queen?\" He asked simply."
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Eric stopped close and gave a nod and then talked quietly, \"Keep your voice down. Your name is Darren, I am your older brother Caleb.\" Eric smiled in the dark at the young prince. \"We should go now, do you have your things?\" Eric asked, preparing to open the door. They needed to leave the city, it could be safe if Eric tool the prince to his keep and gave him an armed escort, but Anya didnt want the attention."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Mikhail had brought nothing with him. He had belongings in Astoria, Anyanka had told him that much. It was easier to ride unhindered, and the only thing he'd actually kept at his side had been Heath Romanov's sword. It was the only weapon he still had, his collection from Artyur still in Vincentien. He didn't like to think too hard about the significance of the sword, and just figured he might need to use it one day. He patted his hip, the sound of his ring against the metal muffled by his clothes and nodded. \n\n\"Ready when you are, Caleb.\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Eric nodded and the door opened with the light from the hall spilling into the room. Eric stepped out and beckoned for Mika to follow, putting his hood up tightly and beginning a natural walk out into the main floor, occasionally checking to ensure Mika was close by his side. Most of the patrons parted for Eric, as his size and the sword on his hip kept people from wanting to mess with him, and by extension Mika as he followed close behind Eric. \n\n\"Keep up Darren.\" He said gruffly, exiting the building and stopping by the hitching post, checking the saddlebags. \"Are you hungry at all?\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Eric lead the way out of the room, and he followed cclose behind, generally staying only a pace or two back just so it didn't look like he was crowding the man. The part they were to play wasn't one he had every thought he'd experience, but he didn't mind the idea of pretending he was traveling with a brother. Something deep in his soul twitched with a pang of remorse as he thought to his little brother, but the feeling faded within three paces and was gone before they reached the door. \n\nWhen asked if he was hungry, Mikhail shook his head. \"Tired s'all.\" He answered truthfully. He hadn't felt hunger in a long time, at least not in the traditional way. He'd never known hunger like the way it hit him sometimes, but nothing sated him, and he'd grown tired of trying to piece together meals that left him feeling exactly the same. \"We should be headed home, yeah?\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "He nodded taking piece of dried out meat and took a bite out of it then sliding it into his belt pouch and walked over to him and offered to pick Mika up to help him onto Eric's large horse. \n\n\"We will be home in a day or so, depending on weather and roads. It took me lamost two days to get here, if that gives you an idea on time.\""
}
] | 131 | 1,559 |
281.615385 | 2018-12-16 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "nemoisnobody",
"message": "Satine found that they were coming up on the docks by now, men already beginning to ready a ramp for them to walk down for when they fully docked while others proceeded to lower the anchor. \"I'm as good as I'll ever be I suppose. Let's just get this over with, yeah? This place better have some bloody good alcohol.\" Faolan spoke as he started towards the edge, the ship coming to a stop and the men positioning the ramp to reach the docks, allowing the captain to step onto it. Faolan then turned his head to look back towards Satine. \"Come now, I believe you're the one who needs to lead the way. If I lead I may accidentally take us to a tavern instead.\" The captain spoke followed by a slight smirk, shifting his gaze briefly to the other two to see if they were on their ways as well."
},
{
"author": "ameizing2030",
"message": "Rubbed her eyes, finally having acclimated to the brightness above deck. \"I'm as ready as I can be, we'll follow you once we make port.\" She nervously Palms the pommel of her dagger, fiddling with the small blade in its sheath. \"Hopefully we run into as little opposition as possible, but if anything happens, I'd just like to express my disdain at being murdered right now.\" She was mostly joking, just a bit of gallows humor to lighten the mood, but the sentiment was true. Axari would sooner cut and run, leaving the southern isles to their plague or beast or whatever the hell it was than she would do anything too risky in the pursuit of stopping the terrible fate; not that she was about to tell anyone else that, but her whole life has been looking out for herself, and she could see no reason to stop that behavior now. \"Lead the way, Knightress. I'm curious to meet this Shaman.\""
},
{
"author": "yukoncornelius0185",
"message": "Satine gingerly leaned against the side of the boat in cool collective gesture as she gazed at each of their individual responses before taking the lead. Systematically she had lead them across the docks and toward a trail, that lies hidden just north of where they had docked the ship.\nThe leaves that litered the forest past crunched beneath their feet, reminding them of each step that was made.\nSatine, with the silent lead, had been walking for some time now with her head down. Her mind was circulating for a moment, the eternal gears clicking in rhythm as she though on many concepts concerning their predicaments. The cool and collected feeling of her countenance was still prevalent in a silent manner. Her steps were already preplanned and programed into a code only her muscles and brain could understand, and her eyes gazed upon the moving ground below. Somewhere deep within her conscious she was formulating prayers to Freya and Odin for strength, protection and wisdom. \nOnly while on her many travel did she learn the power of reflection; a skill pertinent to her new MO. She had learned of many cultures and tried with much to learn everything she could while she resided there. \nThe memories reign true, a pagan Seer had put her in the position to travel. But it was on her travels where she had met come across a Viking settlement, and come to admire their gods. The tales had enchanted her- gave way to understanding what power the Seer held and who above him granted such powers.\nShe had brought them towards a hut which was decorated on the outside with many strings of driftwood that had been bonded together, and the bones of animals that had fallen in the name of sacrifice. It was only then did Satine raise her head and look towards the others. \"Try to keep it to one or two questions per individual. Clouded minds may misguide him.\""
},
{
"author": "nemoisnobody",
"message": "Faolan simply followed behind the woman through the less than glorious kingdom. Sure it wasn't horrible, it just wasn't magnificent in the eyes of Faolan who had been all over. Then they reached the hut which the captain looked up and down as they approached, he felt out of place, he never really took time to explore Souther Feyshore but he was familiar with its local tavern, but he never would have seen much more than that had he not been dumped into this mess by whatever gods they were dealing with. He simply nodded in response to Satine's statement, his gaze flickering from her to the front door as he waited for the woman to knock."
},
{
"author": "poppet_bard",
"message": "Travelling back to South-feyshore was admittedly more unpleasant than Danico had hoped. Traveling via boat is never a good time for an alchemist who always carries reagents on him for certain situations, it messes with their delicate measurements and makes cleaning out his satchel all the more difficult. But, it is a necessary annoyance nevertheless, getting his hands on an Owl-griffin kitten was quite the prize, especially since it was actually agreed upon without any resistance to speak of.\n\nThe boat arrived at the docks in time, not long after Danico had given up trying to keep all the containers together and intact, which at least kept the cleanup *Somewhat* Short. Regardless, he sets off in the cabin of his carriage drawn by the two horses that get him everywhere, the cabin was particularly fancy, as intended to be attended by royalty that, of course, didn't happen. A heavy sigh of relief escapes him as he feels solid land below the wheels, poking his head out the side of the cabin to address the driver. \"Head over to the east side of Astoria! We're taking a detour.\" He calls, followed by the cabin jerking suddenly as the driver steers around a tight bend to stay on the new travel route. \n\n*\"Toula, I hope you can hear this. It's Danico. Meet me in the forest east side of Astoria, as was the new meeting place.\"* Projecting his thoughts like this was... *Difficult*, it was a foreign concept that he still struggled to get a solid grasp on, especially since keeping in constant contact with a crazed shifter wasn't particularly something he wanted to actively persue, but it meant potentially astounding results from his new potion so it was worth it. .\n\nThe horse drawn carriage finds it's way into the forest not far outside Astoria, a path that breaks through the trees leads to an opening in the trees, leaving ample space for the carriage to be seen from overhead- for Toula to see in her bird form. *\"I'm here, Toula. Don't take too long\"* He continues, hoping to hurry the process along. He checks the potion in the satchel, making sure it's still sealed- which it is- the lid is particularly tough to open. Specifically to stop the smell from escaping. It wouldn't bother him none, he had his mask, but that kind of smell would certainly draw the attention of passers-by"
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Due to his inexperience in sharing his thoughts mentally, it came out as a mere whisper to the shifter. Fortunately Toula was able to make out what he had been trying to inform her as she glided through the air, using the wind's current to her advantage so she wouldn't have to consume most of her energy. \n\nHer eyes explored the forest beneath her, the large tree canopies making it difficult for her to do so. She eventually found a clearing with a carriage and a couple horses laying in the middle, she could only hope it was the alchemist. Toula could feel Cecilia begin to stir in the back of her mind, increasing her worry that she may be able to take control again. \n\nThe shifter lowered herself to the forest floor, shifting the instant her talons scraped against the dirt before digging themselves into the earth. She now stood tall in her human form, her tanned skin bare as she was unable to shift with clothes. Light scars ran across her stomach and along her rib cage from the silver fillings that had burned into her flesh when she had been caged earlier. The paled pink markings were visible on her body hated which Cecilia hated but Toula could care less. \n\nHer head whipped towards Danico's direction with forced smile, not exactly enjoying that she had to rely on this man to the extend she did though it was a price she was willing to pay, along with the awful concoction he made up to keep Toula in control. \"Sorry I took so long.\""
},
{
"author": "poppet_bard",
"message": "Hearing the sudden thud of the shifter on the grass just outside, the alchemist pokes his head out for a moment, making sure it was her before opening the door to the cabin. He had no words to say about her being late, it was admittedly annoying, but given the circumstance it was in the very least understandable. Barely taking note of her nudity, he skips the greetings and zeroes in on her scars left by the silver filings. From an onlooker and possibly even the shifter, it might look like he was staring at her bosom, but no, he was, in fact, examining the scars. \"Is that normal for silver-based scars?\" He questions, scratching his chin as he ponders the question and possible answer. \"Silver really has the strangest reaction with you lot.\" Danico sits up straight once more as he continues, reaching into the bag and pulling out the potion- the bottle had a long, thin neck with a triangular-prism shaped bowl with rounded edges. It's clearly the same potion, even the chunks are clearly floating in it. It's not going to be pleasant. As such, Danico takes a deep breath through his mask before popping off the lid. It was a struggle, admittedly, but it was intentionally tight. Instantly, the smell of the potion wafts into the air, that same putrid, disgusting, fetid-flesh smell from before. Danico was sure happy he couldn't smell it, and it showed in his eyes."
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "When he questioned the scars patterning her skin, Toula gave a short nod. No matter which way silver was used, if it came into direct contact with her skin, it would instantly discolour and the metal would begin to burn through the flesh. It made up for their healing factors and how they couldn't be scarred or permanently damaged by other materials. The shifter carefully made her way to the alchemist, her eyes narrowed towards the bottled liquid as she answered his question. \"Silver is the only metal able to scar us. Others can cut into our skin but we heal quickly after, it's a pain at times when something is lodged in a wound and our flesh heal over it.\" \n\nOnce she was standing barely a foot from Danico, she could feel bile already crawling it's way up her throat. The stench was horrid, it reminded her instantly of the last time she had to drink it and hoped the more she did so, the more tolerable it would become. She was not excited to down the potion but the outcome was definitely worth it. \"Honestly, what is in that? It's putrid.\""
},
{
"author": "poppet_bard",
"message": "Danico opens the door and steps out of the carriage, careful not to spill the disgusting liquid on his way. \"Fascinating.\" He says still holding it as he takes a closer look at the marks, the interest in the scars cause the smell to linger a little too long as he gets distracted, particles of the potion visibly float through the air as the fumes caused by the potion float out. Danico pushes his goggles down onto his eyes to get an even closer look, poking at the scar with his glove-covered finger. It's clearly not the same kind of scar that a regular human would receive, albeit similar. \n\nHe stands up tall and pushes the goggles back off of his eyes once more, before *Finally* Handing the potion to the naked shifter. \"Honestly?\" He says as the exchange happens. \"The less you know, the better. Trust me.\" He lets out a soft, muffled chuckle as he watches her, waiting to see if she would be able to keep it down again, or vomit it all back up. He can;t imagine it would get any better, after all."
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "It took plenty of self control when she allowed him to prod at her scars. The shifter was never one to enjoy another's touch, especially when someone was poking her like some experiment. It took restraint to keep her hands to her sides, waiting impatiently for the potion. In her mind the faster she got it over with, the quicker she could leave and go back to tormenting and murdering humans. It was all a game to Toula.\n\nWhen he finally handed her the potion, the shifter didn't wait to observe it more than she needed to. She raised her hand to pinch her nose so the smell wouldn't distract her from swallowing the whole thing and placed the bottle against her lips. Without wasting a passing second, Toula leaned her head back and sculled as much of the mixture she could. The taste had been dulled by the pinching of the nose but the acidic feeling on her tongue and the texture of the chunks were still noticeable. Hearing Danico's chuckle, she couldn't help but to roll her eyes. \n\nOnce the mixture was finished, Toula continued to hold her breath as the liquid rushed down her throat and to her stomach. She knew the moment she took her first breath after swallowing the potion, the taste would hit her instantly. It was like the potion had started a war in her stomach, fighting to come back up but did not succeed as Toula prevented it from doing so. When she took her first breath, Toula doubled over and pressed her hand against her stomach as the taste came to her instantaneously. She was thankful she finished the hardest part to the potion and now had to focus on keeping it down. \"I don't know what's worst, drinking that or getting my eye stabbed out that one time.\""
},
{
"author": "poppet_bard",
"message": "He winced at the girls relentless chugging of the potion. That took guts, guts he certainly didn't have, as he so incessantly reminded himself like last time she drank it. Danico chuckles at the shifters internal struggle to keep the grossness down. It was certainly expected, which made it all the more enjoyable. He extended his hand to the girl, offering to pick her back up again with gloved hand. \"Next time, if you can stomach it, I'll bring something to ease the process.\" He adds as he straightens himself. \"But beyond that, how did the potion work over the last weeks?\" The alchemist steps up onto the step below the cabin door, gesturing the Shifter to step inside with him. He places the satchel on the bench beside, leaving the chair opposite free for the shifter to take a seat. \"I also have a couple more questions I'd like to ask before I let you go. I promise it won't take long.\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Eric had picked Mikhail up with ease and placed him on the saddle before mounting the horse. Mikhail sat in front of, and Eric leaned forward pushing against the boy a little, allowing Mika to use Eric as a backrest and stability. The horse started at a slow trot out toward the gate of Stormalong, once through Eric kicked the horse to a gallop to put distance between them and the city. The first leg of their journey took the rest of the night, with Mika failing in and out of sleep, once Eric had reached a satisfactory distance they took a break. Then they moved for a few hours and then took more breaks, overall, with Eric avoiding roads and wanting to go easy on travel for the Prince's sake, the travel time took somewhere around four days with Eric and Mikhail arriving in Zahrada. \n\nThe journey had been quiet for the most part, besides introductions between the two. Eric knew little about Prince Mikhail, and Mikhail only knew what he'd either heard or had been told. So, they were both moderately relieved when the awkward road trip was at an end with the gates of Zahrada. Eric kept his hood up and Mikhail kept his head down. It was when Eric made it to Zahrada's keep that he pulled down his hood and requested to be let in, which, the guards very quickly obliged and Eric passed through, dismounting and helping Mikhail down. \n\nThe two quickly walked through Zahrada's main doors, Eric leading him to the front Anya's bedroom. Eric smiled, gave him a bow and a goodnight before leaving, walking in the direction of his room but he turned a corner toward Angelica's, quietly opening the door and stepping in. Dropped the rough riding leathers so he was only wearing the under clothes and he slipped into the bed with her, careful not to wake her. Everything felt right with the world in that moment, he hadn't slept in four days. Her warmth radiated onto him and he began to slip into a sleep."
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Marsila waved his hand away, disregarding it as she stood regained her composure. The taste was starting to dull but the taste was enough to continue her nausea. \"That would be amazing if you could.\" \n\nTaking a deep breath, she lowered her eyelids and concentrated on the forest breeze. The earthy aroma did wonders in distracting her compared to the confined space they had been in when she had her first taste. When he questioned her, she didn't seem bothered considering she planned on acting as an open book towards the Alchemist. It was what she had promised him in return for control. \n\n\"That is fine and the potion worked wonders. I haven't felt Cecilia until last last couple of days where she began to stir.\" She began after he explained he had a few more following questions. \"I also noticed in the first week that most of my thought process had been clouded by instinct but that wasn't too much of a hassle to deal with.\""
}
] | 231 | 3,661 |
274.25 | 2018-12-17 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "poppet_bard",
"message": "The alchemist couldn't say that he was surprised by the Shifters un-want for help, she had already established herself as a tough individual, which was a personality trait of the shifter that he found to be rather.. Endearing, if nothing else. A creature that chooses to play it tough and come out on top, in spite of her battle scars and shortcomings, is inspiring. At least a little.\n\n\"I'm glad.\" He continues, taking back the glass bottle and squeezing the lid back into the top. \"I was honestly afraid it wasn't going to be as strong as I had hoped, so I concentrated the mix somewhat. You may have been able to taste it, though given the taste I wouldn't be surprised if you had completely blocked it out.\" Although he doesn't chuckle with this, he has an almost humorous tone to his voice. \"The side effects shouldn't be too drastically altered, if anything you might just find it a little harder to avoid tentative thought. But you should be fine.\" \n\nDanico reaches into his satchel and pulls out his notebook, flipping through to a page on the latter half of the pad. \"So, first off, have you experienced any limpness in your limbs upon waking of the morning? That is a side effect common among Tortriles leaves.\" He jots down a little something before going over the next question."
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "She wondered if he was trying to humour her when he mentioned the possibility of tasting the difference in the potion. Then again, he didn't seem like the type to crack jokes, it was something she noticed despite his sadistic nature. However, the alchemist did seem to enjoy her misery towards having to drink the vial concoction, annoying Toula immensely but was forced to keep her temper under control. \"I'll deal with it.\" Was her simple reply.\n\nWhen he began questioning her, a raised brow would have been confirmation enough that she had not experienced such side effect. It was something she would have noticed immediately and was grateful to have avoid it completely. \"No I have not. Though I think that is something you should warn me about.\" Toula was growing irritated towards this man. \n\n\"I do have a question though.\" She began before he had the chance to continue questioning her. She took a couple strides towards the alchemist until she was only a foot from him, the corner of her lips twitched into a smirk as she thought of the question she planned to ask. \"How did you become like this?\" She questioned before tilting her head slightly to the right. \"Your personality, your work, what made you this way?\""
},
{
"author": "poppet_bard",
"message": "\"Mhm, good.\" He confirmed, writing down her answer. \"I hadn't actually thought you would have experienced it, if the potion was made correctly, which I'm certain it was at this point, then you shouldn't experience it.\" He continues writing down in his little notepad, recording a few more observations about Toula- not just from the potion and the result, but her as well. He was admittedly intrigued by the girl as a character. Shifters are such interesting creatures. She had, in the very least, proven to be more than just a simple animal, beyond his initial expectations.\n\n\"Hm?\" He utters as she mentions having a question, raising his head to look at the shifter. He couldn't help but tilt his head slightly at the question itself, certainly taken off guard by it's content and brevity, or lack thereof. Sure, he had figured she would be interested, hell most people would, but not many have the nerve or guts to ask. \"What makes you curious?\" He replies with his own question, zeroing his eyes into the shifters own with a glare. \"Not many have the nerve to ask. Hell, most would rather see me and my line of work be burnt at the stake.\" He finishes writing down in his book before closing and returning it to his satchel. \n\nGenuinely curious as to *Why* She want's to know, he asked once more, \"Why *Do* You want to know?\" This time with more emphasis on the *Why* Aspect."
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "\"And I thought you would understand by now that I'm not like many others.\" She began as her eyes studied his face, trying to gather some reading of his emotions or possible thought. She didn't fear this man, she knew how hard it was to capture a shifter, she had been too careless when she fell into his trap, so she assumed he would kill her whilst she was still of use to him. \"Your work intrigues so I'd rather not watch you or it burn. Cecilia may think otherwise but I doubt we have to worry about her opinion on the whole situation.\" \n\nWhy did his work interest her the way it did and why was she so curious about this Alchemist? \"I want to know because I don't know anything about you, let alone your name.\" She pressed her lips together, thinking about what she was to say next. She needed to be careful with how she worded her reply, she knew she was close to stepping boundaries by his glare. \"I'm an open book to you and not many are lucky enough to experience such. I only find it fair that, after all the questions you've asked me, I'm allowed to ask some of my own.\""
}
] | 267.5 | 1,097 |
248 | 2018-12-18 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "poppet_bard",
"message": "Danico takes a moment to ponder her answer, his glare never wavering as he listens to what she has to say. He blinks and shifts in his position, directing his body language to be more direct with her. \"That's fair.\" He says after a moments silence. Go back before any of this agreement happened and he would have disagreed, but since they're technically partners in business now- to some extent- it was only fair that she at least knew who she was dealing with. \n\n\"Danico.\" He answers, barely giving more than a straight answer in his voice, he sits the book down beside him to give the shifter his full attention. \"I'm an alchemist, apothecary and scientist.\" Though his answers were obvious, covering the basics was usually good practice to begin with. He continues after taking a deep breath, puffing out the sides of his mask. \"I put study first, work second and everything else third.\" The alchemist clasps his hands together in front of him, resting his elbows on his knees as where he sits. \"I dabble in the dark arts, the supernatural and I have a particular fondness for.. *Rare* And *Strange* Creatures.\" Danico looks the Shifter up and down as he mentions his fondness for creatures, gesturing that she is one of the very creatures he speaks of. \"However. I won't speak of my history to the mirror, let alone any person. But if this deal continues and you continue to be curious after the fact, then maybe I might answer.\""
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "The shifter was honestly surprised by his response. Even though she was pushing him for answers, the shifter had only expected a name the least. Toula was more than pleased she receive more than hoped, understanding that he was the type of man who cared little about his life outside of his study and work. \n\n\"Well, Danico.\" She tested the word on her tongue, enjoying the fact she now knew his name. Toula wished to continue working with the Alchemist, seeing a huge advantage in doing so. Perhaps she could learn new things about herself that she hadn't known before. The shifter didn't know what the man was capable of, besides what she had witnessed first hand. She would have to be patient. \"We shall see how our arrangement ends, hopefully it shouldn't.\" \n\nToula took a step back from Danico, having gotten the answers she sought. Now, she was happy to give the alchemist what he needed without hesitations. \"Now, what was *Your* Next question.\""
},
{
"author": "poppet_bard",
"message": "\"I'm glad you feel that way\" He responds, sitting up in the chair. \"Given how our relationship started, with my assumption of your intelligence being less than that of what you've proven it to be, answering your questions is, in the least, deserved.\" Danico nods at the shifter as she mentions her want for the arrangement to continue. He, too, hopes it would continue, after all. He's learned a lot from the girl about shifters and that potion he had invented too. \n\n\"So, Toula.\" He continues, ready to question again as he picks the book back up, quill at the ready. \"How did you end up in your position?\" He questions, a question that he knew she might not want to answer, a question that might not even seem relevant, but he had his reasons and he would stick to them. \"You seem to be somewhat of a wildling, no? Where do you call home?\" Danico looks at the shifter with the somewhat awkward question, possibly pushing boundaries at this point. Though if he can't push boundaries then what kind of scientist would he be."
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "\"Well you're not all wrong.\" She knew she had the same intelligence as an average human that would often be clouded by instinct, but not many Shifter's were fortunate enough to educate themselves the way Cecilia had. They preferred to stay far from civilisation, adapting to their animalistic nature and barely, if ever, shifted into their human forms. \"Many shifter's remained in the forests, refusing to communicate with humans so they were never able to expand their knowledge. Eventually some just allowed their animalistic natures take over.\" Like Cecilia had started to do. \n\nHer reaction darkened towards his question, the irises that surrounded her pupils lightened to a icy blue shade. \"Bradai Maith and a lot of stupid mistakes that Cecilia had made.\" She snarled out, not bothering to use the Pirate King's title. Toula struggled to explain why exactly so she decided to move onto his next question, but before she did so, the shifter inhaled deeply to calm herself. \"We don't have a home, so I guess you could call us that. I travel from kingdom to kingdom, keeping within populated cities just to stir some fun but Cecilia prefers the forest where she can avoid humans.\""
},
{
"author": "poppet_bard",
"message": "\"Interesting\" He says in response to her mention of Shifters staying in forests, confirming his suspicion of them being mere animals, but also explaining away the rare shifter that stands in front of him. \"Explains why I had assumed you were naught but an animal when I first captured you. I've been studying your kind from a distance for some time so it's good to get answers straight from the source.\" He mentions idly as he writes her answers down in his book.\n\n\"So, bad blood with the pirate king?\" He pushes, taking the conversation back a notch once he had finished writing in his book. \"Must say, I never expected you of all to be, in any case, involved with Maith himself.\" He puts the book back down in his lap, looking back to the shifter once again to give her his attention. \"And you say you stir *Fun*? What do you mean by fun, Toula?\" Danico kinks his eyebrow a little as he awaits her reaction and/or response, blinking once for what seems to be the first time since she arrived at this meeting."
}
] | 231 | 1,240 |
231.75 | 2018-12-19 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "\"The main reason why We have an extreme hatred towards that man is because he was the one to murder King Cleburn and create other drama beforehand which resulted in the death of someone Cecilia cared for. We would also be free to walk into and stay at the king's castle whenever we pleased and was free to do anything we put our minds to, but now? I've got nothing\" Her teeth clenched as she could feel the anger rise in her chest. \"This was before the rebellion where he became king.\"\n\nTearing her gaze from the Alchemist, she attempted to calm her emotions before she continued, not wanting to lash out on someone who could seriously harm her. It made it easier when she caught onto his next question. \n\n\"Fun? I enjoy hearing the rapid pace of a human's heart as I torment them, whether it's through the threats I make that I tend to follow through with or by tearing into them bit by bit with my claws.\" She began. It seemed like talking about harming humans lightened Toula's mood significantly. \"Cecilia still hates me because of that ONE time I murdered Sir Heath who was her closest friend. I only did it out of spite to piss her off and it seemed like an exciting thing to accomplish at the time.\" Toula finished, attempting to justify her reasoning to his murder."
},
{
"author": "poppet_bard",
"message": "Danico dots down a few extra details as she talks, not writing down everything she says, more just observations of her reactions to the question, both the emotional the literal kind. \"But that was almost twenty years ago.\" He continues as he closes his book and puts it away, clearly done with what he wants to know. \"You clearly don't like the fact, but does Cecilia feel the same?\" He steps out of the cabin and struts past Toula, waltzing over to the front of the carriage where the small farmhand that Danico had paid to drive the carriage sat shaking in fear of the two's conversation, clearly just a simple boy who didn't choose to be made a part of the conversation. \"You heard nothing, alright?\" Danico says in a threatening tone to the driver, passing him a few extra coins as not only a bribe, but also a confirmation of the threat. The boy just nods silently in place, going back to minding his own business. \n\n\"Well then, Toula. Anymore questions?\" He mentions as he opens the door to the carriage once more, prepared to get in and leave. He props up onto the little step below the cabin door with one foot, holding onto the door for support as he looks back at the shifter."
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "\"Cecilia could care less about living in the forest.\" She replied as she watched him make his way back to the carriage he had stepped out of. When she heard him threaten the boy, she couldn't help the amused chuckle towards the young human's reaction. She very much doubted the boy would allow his tongue to slip, his heart was racing from the fear of Danico's threat. \n\n\"No, that has been the only question I wanted to ask. We shall see eachother again in three weeks.\" It was obvious he needed to leave, she didn't care about that. If anything, Toula was relieved the two had to part, even though the alchemist amused her, she couldn't rid the dreaded feeling that turned her stomach when was around him."
},
{
"author": "poppet_bard",
"message": "Danico gives the shifter a wink as she chuckles at the boys despair while walking past, he too doubted the boy would tell anyone anything. Given the fact that there's a naked girl who just changed from a bird into said human, who is far too comfortable with being naked to be normal, the horrid smell of the potion that wafted into the air around them and the nature of the questions asked, Danico was certain that the threat was the icing on the cake to ensure the boy would all but want to wipe this memory from his mind forever. It must have all seemed like some crazy fever dream to the kid.\n\n\"Three weeks it is.\" Danico answers as he closes the door to the carriage, speaking to the shifter through the window. \"I'll try to make It easier next time on you.\" He continues as he places a hand on the curtain ready to pull it across. \"And don't be late!\" These were the final words before pulling the curtain closed. \"Off to Astoria, driver!\" He calls out the window, the boy whips the horses with the reins as they set off once more."
}
] | 249.5 | 927 |
240.166667 | 2018-12-23 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "A week had passed quickly, almost too quickly. The wedding preparations in Stormalong had been hastily prepared before Eric and Angelica arrived. Food for a short wedding feast, Eric's new room was to be prepared. The old small rooms Eric crammed himself into no longer suited his status, the old King's Quarter's, Randall's and Cleburn's before Eric, had been renovated to be comfortably livable. Though, things still needed polishing all over the castle. \n\nThe two had arrived a couple days before the wedding date, and workers were still busily working on preparations, almost happily. They finally had something to look forward to, and to actually do, besides normal routine. Even though, by most standards, the wedding lacked some of the color other noble weddings might have. Eric hadn't designated any coat-of-arms, so there really wasn't any banners or streamers to hang. Though they found some colored cloth and solid green banners that looked good enough.\n\nAll of the old Storm Captains had been patiently waiting at the main doors to Stormalong's Keep, almost as soon as Eric had stepped through the doors of the Keep, Eric had been ambushed with a cheer and calls of greetings. Eric hadn't seen any of them for months, after they had calmed down. Eric politely introduced them all to Angelica. Eric going through each of their names, all twelve of them for the twelve companies that stayed in Feyshore when Randall had left. He knew all of them by heart, and specific facts about each of them. They were all the closest things to friends Eric had, especially Captain Alvis. The youngest one, a brown hair, short brown beard, and brown eyed man who was a full foot shorter than Eric and was built on a smaller frame, slimmer than Eric.\n\nThey had all dismissed themselves, and left Eric to show Angelica around Stormalong, eventually landing themselves inside of Randall Storm's old room. Recently renovated for Eric, he paced the room silently, a look of disbelief on his face as realization was setting in of what was happening. \n\n\"We'll be married tomorrow, and _we_ will be Lord and Lady Stafford.\" He said, \"This is real, right? I'm not going crazy?\" Eric asked, looking at Angelica."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Considering she'd never really spent much time in Stormalong spare the few months when she was there with Anyanka and the rest of the Underground, prepping for the taking of Stormalong, she didn't expect much. Her memory of the place was foggy at best, those weeks having pasted in the discomfort of tents and among soldiers who paid her no mind except to receive information on where the Duchess or Commander were. \n\nSo when she arrived at Eric's side, and was greeted with a festive welcome, she couldn't help the smile that crept over her face. It hadn't been intentional, and she certainly hadn't even noticed until Mikhail pointed it out: but the wedding was set for Hogcock. Something about the wedding on such a joyous occasion made her heart do something like a flutter. Stormalong would have their Lord and Lady appointed on Hogcock, probably the best gift they could have asked for. \n\nShe was introduced to the men who had greeted Eric, and for a moment she assumed there were ones he had selected to become part of his court. They were kind to her in their meeting, despite it's briefness, and she followed after Eric to his chambers. The moment she could, she took a seat, watching him pace over the intricate rug. \n\n\"It's very much real, Eric. Everything you ever wanted is falling into your hands.\" She gave a small smirk. \"And to top it off you get me as well. I can understand why you'd think it was a dream.\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Eric laughed a little, \"'Gelica, this is more than what I wanted. All I had wanted was to be a knight. It's all I thought was attainable... But this? I had never, in my entire life, even dreamed of being a lord. The idea never crossed my mind. To be married tomorrow, with a child on the way is... It's... Indescribably.\" He said, turning to her. \"I have no idea how to be a lord.\" He admitted, sinking into a chair, placing a hand on the bridge of his nose. \n\n\"I need to find someone who is better with money and numbers than I am. Those captains out there, they're really only good at keeping order among soldiers. I need to start finding trustworthy advisors who can help me govern. Especially, since you will likely be going back to Zahrada in a week or so.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Angelica gave the man a soft smile as he sank into the chair across the room. The fire cast a warm glow over the room, and painted his features in honey. \"You'll learn. It's about addressing the issues as they come, you can't prepare for everything at once, because you have no idea what issues may arise. In theory, _yes_, if you had been born into a noble family and raised with this life around you, you might feel more confident in it. But keep in mind, none of the leadership in South Feyshore is backed with generations of nobility. It's a fresh start for all of them.\" She pushed a hand through her hair, and shook the loose curls from her fingers. The night prior she'd slept with her hair pinned into a bun, and it had left unruly curls that she was ready to drench in hopes of returning to her normal texture. \n\n\"Besides, I knew you'd say that, so I sent out a few lifelines. He should be arriving in time for the ceremony, and will be staying with you until you feel comfortable in your new title, or I can return.\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Eric smiled and looked at her, \"What would I do without you?\" He asked as he stood up walked over to her and pulled her into a hug. \"I knowthis feels a little rushed, but I feel like we would have ended up here anyway.\" Eric said, before releasing her. \"So, do you like what will eventually be your new home? When I first came here with King Storm, I was constantly lost. The castle is larger than the village a grew up in.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "He pulled her from her seat and into an embrace. \"It still needs work, but nothing we can't manage in the upcoming months.\" The woman mused. They had time, she just kept telling herself that. There was time for repairs and to make the foreign castle a home instead of a holding. She'd never been away from Anyanka and the Underground for long, and admittedly that made her a but uneasy. Not having her team at her side, building all over from scratch and learning to trust a new administration was... Daunting. \n\nAnd dealing with a pregnancy on top of that had her swallowing thickly. \n\n\"You should get some rest, I've got a few more things to oversee.\""
}
] | 210.5 | 1,441 |
190.894737 | 2018-12-25 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "The woman waited until he climbed into bed to leave the room. He was right in that the castle was large, significantly larger than Anya's keep in Astoria. But she'd prepared for that. Blueprints had been delivered to her during the week, and she'd done what she could to memorize them, as well as marking what had been replaced and what was damaged beyond repair. It took her stopping and closing her eyes to envision the map in her mind before she was able to find the servants chambers in the easternmost wing, and she rapt her knuckle on the door twice. \n\nA spinely woman answered the door, and gave Angelica a bright eyed smile. \n\n\"'e's not wif ya, is 'e?\" She asked, her voice thick with accent of the Isles. Angelica shook her head, and the woman reached out a thin, bandaged hand, and pulled her into the servants quarters. \n\nThe room was large by comparison to others she'd seen. It housed 4 women at the moment, who had pushed the tables of the room together to form a big enough workspace for the task their Lady had given them. Angelica couldn't help the smile as the woman guided her around two dark haired maids, barely in their late teens, to stand at the head of the table. \n\nBefore her was a long banner of forest green. It's deep color was illuminated in the light of the lanterns overhead, and the gold the women were stitching into it glinted by the fires glow. Angelica sucked in a breath, one hand moving to her stomach and the other to her lips.\n\n\"Do ya like it, mar'm?\" The crone asked, and Angelica nodded firmly before reaching a hand out to run her fingers over the emblem they were stitching. \n\n\"And It'll be ready for the ceremony tomorrow?\" \n\n\"This is the last one, m'lady.\" The brunette to her left responded, motioning to the others that were folded neatly on the shelf. \n\n\"Thank you all so very much. This is history in the making for Stormalong, and you've helped it happen. I can't thank you enough.\" Angelica told them truthfully. \"Make sure they're hung before Lord Stafford makes it to the throne room for the ceremony. I want it to be a surprise.\" She instructed, and with excitement in her veins, she headed back to their bedchambers to try and get some sleep."
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Morning light spilled into the room, and Eric's eyes fluttered open. He laid there for a moment, appreciating the feeling of Angelica laying next to him. It hit him that he would be waking up, for most of the rest of his life, next to her. A slowly slid his hands out from under her, careful not to wake her up, and Eric slipped out of bed and went through the wardrobe that had been brought to this room when making arrangements. He started to get dressed, the wedding wasn't until the evening, he decided he would go down and check out the preparations in the kitchens. \n\nHe needed to make sure everything would be perfect, he was asking a lot of Angelica. She was leaving her home, her childhood friend, and an amount of her freedom. Of course, she was more than free to attend duties in Zahrada. But, of course, Eric would always prefer she be here with him. It was his personal bias, but he'd never tell her that upfront. Though, he expected she already knew that. \n\nA light knock sounded at the door and Eric opened it partially, the older servant smiled to see him. She had been here when Randall ruled, and was the one who brought Eric his breakfast before he'd gone to Zahrada. \n\n\"Breakfast, Mi'Lord?\" She said, the last word seemed to please her to say.\n\n\"Yes, please, eggs, bacon and some buttered bread, please. For two.\" He said, with that, she nodded and walked off to get their breakfast."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Eric slipping from bed had made her stir, but it was the second knock that finally woke her enough to make her open her eyes. She didn't realize how tired she had been until she was trying to sit up, and she took a moment longer to do so than she wanted to. With heavy eyes, she looked to Eric, who was finishing getting dressed. \n\n\"Goodmorning.\" She told him, pushing her bangs from her face as she looked over him, still half asleep. The smell of bacon filled the room when the servant returned, and Angelica instinctively moved to pull the blanket up, only to remember there was no need, as she was fully dressed in her night clothes beneath it. \n\n\"Happy Hogcock, Eric.\" She added, propping a pillow up against the head of their bed to lean back against."
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "\"Good morning.\" Eric responded to his darling fiancé as he took the two trays of fresh food and brough them back, setting one down on Angelica's lap carefully. He sat his down on the nightstand and pulled a chair up next to her, retrieving his plate he began to eat. \n\n\"And a very happy Hogcock, 'Gelica. Likely the best one I've ever had.\" He said, even though he was eating, he couldn't take his eyes from her. Eric's normally neutral expression that seemed strange on his youthful face was replaced by a look of pure affection whenever looking at Angelica. Everything about his motions, actions, and words seemed to instantly soften anytime he talked to, looked at, or touched her."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "\"I didn't expect the stars to align so perfectly as to have everything fall on the holiday, but I'm certainly glad for it.\" He placed the tray over her legs and pulled up a chair at her side, which she thought was a bit odd. Why not rejoin her? Her hand reached to cup his cheek, and her thumb grazed over the slight stubble he was probably going to shave as soon as he noticed. \n\n\"Careful, Eric. A look like that will let the world know you're in love.\" Angelica teased, and added. \"Last chance to change your mind. Once I get out of this bed and start the day you can't get cold feet.\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Eric laughed, \"Me? Cold feet? I'm more worried about you. Once you're out of this bed, you've got about six hours before you can take off back to Zahrada.\" He said, \"Hopefully you'll stay. I promise I'm not _that_ bad to spend the rest of your life with.\" He said, finishing his plate and rising from the seat. Eric glanced down at his new pair of boots which been fastened on just before breakfast. \"I have to go and make sure all of the things are ready, and to make sure none of my maids have killed a Captain who was standing in a inconvenient location. They're vicious here, I swear.\" He said as he went for the door. \"I'll see you in a little while.\" \n\nWith that, Eric exited the room and hurried to start trying to ensure _everything_ went smoothly."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Angelica laughed as well, tossing her sleep tousled locks. \"I intend to stay, at least until tomorrow night. I want to be able to spend the day with you, as your wife. We'll have a proper honeymoon once Anyanka returns, but I get nervous leaving Harmattan in charge while I'm here.\" She admitted. When he stood, she stole a kiss, and let him go so she could finish her own breakfast. He left to assure everything went smoothly, \n\nAnd it did. The arrangements had arrived, the hall was set up. The invitations had been hasty, but she was glad to see the castle starting to fill as the hour drew upon them. She'd been sitting patiently while two maids worked on her hair. Personally, she didn't want anything done to it, but they insisted letting them at least _try_. So she obliged, and the sweet, simple twist they'd done at her temples that they pulled back to create a band over the rest of her hair was pinned in place with a gold pin, encrusted with deep emeralds. It stood out against her blonde, and admittedly she liked what they had done."
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Eric was brought out to the front of the hall, and, while waiting at the end of the hall, he chatted idly with some of the guests he knew well, as the ceremony was getting ready to begin. Once the flow of people quickly turned to a trickle, Eric turned and gave a specific worker a nod, and he hurried off to tell a specific maid, who opened the door to the room that Angelica was getting prepared in to inform them that they were ready. Eric took his position, the very image of cool and collected. But on the inside, Eric's stomach had wrapped around in knots. It felt as though he was going to die, his heart was pounding. \n\nBut he did look nice, the dark greens, tarnished gold, and blacks all woven together, and for the first time, Eric appeared to his people not as a squire or a knight, but as a Lord. He had looked as lordly as the young man could get. He watched the doors, eager to see Angelica emerge from the doors."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "A knock on the door pulled her attention from the looking glass, and Angelica watched as the maid who was fixing the hem of her dress moved to answer it. A nod was given, and then the door pulled open fully. \n\n\"Are you ready, Lady Angelica?\" The woman asked. Angelica realized then she didn't even know the woman's name yet, and so she gave a quiet nod, trying not to speak out of fear she'd let her nerves show in her voice. She was guided down the corridor to the main hall, and when she was brought to the doors, a man moved to offer her his arm. \n\n\"You look stunning, Angelica.\" Syric told her, and the woman smiled brightly at seeing him. They'd meet a few times, the first being during her time in South Feyshore during Randall's campaign, and the second being when he'd been petitioning for lordship. Learning of their mutual connection with Eric, she'd taken to the man, and she'd invited him the very moment she knew there was going to be a wedding. \n\n\"Thank you for coming, Lord Vignola.\" She smiled, and he held a hand up to stop her. \n\n\"Today it's just Syric. When I start training with Eric to help him with his duties, then you can resume the titles if you wish. But you're forever welcome to call me Syric.\" He insisted, and offered his arm to help guide her down the aisle."
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Eric's eyes widened when he saw Angelica walk out in her wedding dress, his heart felt like it was going to fall out. His throat dried up and his hands were sweaty, he instantly became self concious about his appearance, but he made no move to fix anything. He knew nothing was wrong despite his anxieties, Eric outwardly showed nothing to betray his own nerves, besides a subtle, genuine, smile to her as he patiently waited for Angelica to get to him. The slow walk felt like an eternity, and he both wanted the moment to never end, and for it to go as quickly as it possibly could. \n\nAs she and Syric reached Eric, he offered out a hand to help Angelica up the couple of steps to the slightly raised area at the end of the hall. Eric quietly thanked Syric, and turnned his full attention to his bride who was now standing across from him. \n\n\"You look...\" Eric said, quietly, but was cut off by the official as he began to talk."
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig was having a wonderful Hogcock in some village in bumblefuck somewhere."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Eric was barely able to speak before he was cut off. The ceremony began, and Angelica stood by his side, not listening to a word that was being said. Her mind was focusing on her breathing, trying to maintain a steady rhythm of it. She'd forgotten how when she'd entered the hall, and it was only being made worse by the sideways glances she kept seeing Eric give her. She did the same, trying to hide the smile as the official continued on. \n\nWhat felt like an eternity passed before he stopped talking, and it pulled her attention from Eric's profile back to the man in deep navy robes. He'd stopped to pick something off the podium behind him, and turned back to them both with two unlit tapers. The one he still held was lit, and he turned to Eric first, asking for his confirmation that he was going to take this woman to be his wife. When he did, Eric's candle was lit, and with it, he lit Angelica's when she confirmed her intentions to take Eric as her husband. All three tapers were placed in a candelabra on the table they had been retrieved from, and with it, the man raised his hands with a joyous grin. \n\n\"I am proud to present to you,-\" He started, his voice booming over the hall, and Angelica reached for Eric's hand, nudging him gently and motioning to the empty banner that displayed over the altar behind the officiant. \n\n\"_Watch._\" She breathed to him.\n\n\"Lord and Lady Stafford!\" \n\nAs they were pronounced, the banner dropped, the sound of ten unfurling rolls of fabric sounding with the cheers of the hall as the plain green tapestry was replaced by the banners she'd had made for him. A deep forest green with golden shield, a crown in it's center, hung proudly above them, and Angelica smiled brightly. \"Happy Hogcock.\" She remarked with a laugh."
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Eric had given her a strange look when she whispered to him, but, when the banners dropped, he was speechless. Even when the offcial proclaimed them Lord and Lady Stafford, he didn't know what to say. It didn't even register with him at first. His eyes widened, and he focused in on Angelica. \n\n\"I love you.\" He said, just before pulling her into a kiss to officiate their wedding.\n\nThere was claps and cheers, someone somewhere was probably crying. Eric didn't know, all of that felt like it was miles away. The only thing he was aware of was his wife. _His wife_. Eric forgot where he was, he forgot who was at his wedding, none of them mattered. No one was as important to him as her."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Before she could say anything, he'd pulled her into a heavy kiss. His hands on her wait felt like they might break her in half from how tightly he was holding her, but she certainly didn't mind. \n\nSomewhere behind her, a band struck up, and the pair were ushered back down the aisle. The ballroom had been prepped for a feast, and a trail of servants and maids was already working to get the doors open and steaming plates to the tables for the Hogcock celebration/reception."
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Long tables had been laid out, and the place of honor was at raised area, with other tables lower. Syric and all of the other lords would be offered places of honor after the twelve captains had taken their seats, of course, after Eric and Angelica had been seated. Everything was moving in such a rush. Things slowed a little when they were seated at their dinner table. \n\nMusic had followed them, and festivities kicked off entirely. \n\n\"Those banners... Those are ours?\" Eric said, standing to reach for wine to pour her a glass before himself. Food was being brought out."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "\"You've mentioned what you'd want your banner to be. I just made it happen. I thought it would make a nice surprise.\" She paused, her eyes moving from the glass he poured for her up to his face, her brow knitting just a bit. \"Do you not like them? I thought I should run them by you first, but I didn't want to ruin the surprise.\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "\"I love it. They aren't _my_ banners, Angelica, they are ours. They belong to our family. You created what our family will be represented by, forever. I couldn't be happier with it.\" He said, pouring his own glass next as the food is brought down before them. Eric began to eat after taking a drink from the glass."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "The blonde relaxed a bit at his confirmation that he loved them, and she let her shoulders lower as she let out a breath of relief. The feast had started, and she _finally_ felt like she could breath again. Stormalong was vast and warm, and unlike Astoria's dark woods and close quarters, she felt like there was room to move freely, and that she _could_ move freely. After they'd finished their meal, she'd want to dance, to spent the next few hours celebrating the holiday with their new court, and those she'd soon learn to call friends and family if all went well."
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Eric had finished his first plate, and second glass of wine and looked at Angelica and held his hand out to offer a dance.\n\n\"I only got a day or two of official dancing instruction, for Randall's court before he left.\"\n\nEric knew very little about dancing and about how to be a husband, a father, and a lord. But, he doubted anyone really knew exactly how to be all of those things on the first try. So, he'd give it his best shot he could, and would pray he didn't fuck any of it up."
}
] | 160 | 3,627 |
94 | 2018-12-28 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Eric's eyes locked with hers and he concentrated on not stepping on her feet. He tried to recall whatever he learned in those few short 'court life' instructions he took. He'd pent only a total of four or five hours learning to dance, most of all of his time had been dedicated to swordsmanship. It was funny, Randall had groomed him to be a soldier, and a sort of commander. But mostly a soldier. Someone who could lead a heavy attack to break lines, or to train others, but now, here he was. A Lord, dancing with his Lady-wife in his castle. The castle Randall gave up willingly. \n\nWhy would he just walk away from it?"
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "They danced easily, considering he claimed to have no experience in it. He was intuitive and she was good at making others look good at what they were doing. It's how they both had gotten so far. But she couldn't help but notice the look in his eye, and she could practically see his mind drifting behind it. \n\n\"What's on your mind, My Lord?\" She asked, her voice dipping a bit as she used the title he'd probably never get used to. \"Overwhelmed?\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "He nodded his head, \"A little bit, my lady.\" He said, quietly back. \"Just reflecting. On everything, figuring out how a couple years ago I was a squire, and now a lord. It's just all crazy.\" The dance zontinued, everything felt so right. There was laughter and warmth. He had never felt more relaxed or at peace."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "She gave a small nod of understanding. \"Well, Lord Vignola is here to stay. He'll be joining you here in Stormalong -along with his wife and son- for the time being until you feel comfortable in your position.\" She stepped forward, into him, and placed her hand on his chest. \"There's a learning curve, everyone goes through it. Try to take it one task at a time, you'll find it's not as overwhelming as you think. If you can lead armies, you can lead Stormalong.\" She told him confidently, and gave him a smile."
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "He wrapped his arms around her lower back, \"I suppose, _we_ will figure it out. You're my lady, you will have as much authority as I will on everything. No one in this castle outranks you. No one.\" He said, turning a little serious. Once he truly began his rule, he would ensure his court understood that no one will disobey an order from Angelica. She and him were one body of government. IF she said something, it would be done."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "The blonde gave a soft laugh, and her smile turned into a smirk. \"Darling you do _not_ want to give that kind of authority to a pregnant women. Next thing you know breakfast will be steak and potatoes, every hearth will be burning and every window open, and everyone will make me cry just by looking at me.\" She warned, a little playful but a little serious."
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "\"Then, let it be, love. You'll have steak, potatoes, and your strange cold-hot mixture.\" He said, returning a quiet chuckle."
}
] | 102 | 658 |
184 | 2019-01-26 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "It had been a few hours since Angelica had left to go back to Zahrada, leaving Eric to do what he was charged to do: Rule the lordship of Stormalong. Eric had requested a short time to fully gain his bearings as lord. The honeymoon phase of his marriage had left him spending more time with Angelica, and less time truly ruling. But now was the time to throw himself into his work. It was his realm to administrate, and he'd received lessons on administration from the best administrator he has ever known. \n\nLaid on Eric's desk was a detailed map of Stormalong, and then the surrounding land that were all under Stormalong. It had the surrounding villages, hills, dense forests. The map was dated for about fifteen years before. It was comissioned by during the reign of King Cleburn, but he doubted it was comissioned by him directly. \n\nSyric had been summoned to meet with Eric, who was looking at the map idly."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "The newlywed Stafford's had basically spent the entirety of their honeymoon locked away. Which was to be expected, but definitely pushed back his return date. When Angelica asked him to remain in Stormalong until Eric felt comfortable, he'd agreed thinking it would be a few weeks away. It was looking to be a longer stay, which wouldn't be a problem, but he'd have to request more of his team back in Alsher to cover him while he was away. \n\nHe'd been summoned to meet with Eric, seeing as how today was the first real day that he'd spend on the administration. Angelica had left this morning, and he'd given Eric the rest of the morning to return to the real world. \n\nWhen he arrived at Eric's newly claimed office, he knocked sharply, and waited for the sound of confirmation from the other side before entering the room."
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "\"Enter.\" Eric said, looking up to the door. Eric was dressed to look the part of a lord, the well needed break seemed to clear up the worn out look he'd had since Randall Storm had abdicated. Marriage was clearly agreeing with him, and gave him a new found confidence. \n\nOnce Syric had passed the threshold, Eric smiled. \"My lord,\" Eric would start, \"Just for the sake of speed. If I summon you, feel no need to knock before entering. I consider you a friend and if I am expecting you, I won't have much to hide.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Syric gave a nod of acknowledgement. \"It was more just so I didn't walk in to find you drooling over a portrait of your wife.\" He teased, and moved to take a seat across from him. He'd never seen Eric in clothes that weren't meant for convenience. They'd spent the first year of their knowledge of each other as soldiers. Well, Syric had been. Eric had been squire, and then in turn the protector. Neither was a role that justified livery. \n\n\"You clean up well, Stafford. I trust you've got an idea as to where you'd like to start?\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Eric smirked at Syric's joke and turnned his eyes to the map of Stormalong. \"This map is the most recent one of Stormalong and the surrounding villages that fall under its shadow. Those villages are shells, with a paltry amount of people living in them. The population of the city itself is hardly a quarter of what it was before The Fall. My lordship is a ruin and a band of survivors.\" Eric stated factually, \"But there isn't a lot I can do until spring comes. So, instead, I'm sending a Stormalong commander with a handful of men to every village, the few that are still populated that is, and I will begin drilling every boy who can hold a spear through the winter. The same will be done in the city. I will not just be idle during the winter.\"\n\n\"There is also the crime in the city. Smuggling, thieving and rumors of... Human trafficking...\" Eric said that bit with special sort of disgust. \"I already have Captain Aldvis gathering information, but he's a soldier, not an investigator. I'm sure there is more broken hands than information being gathered in the docks.\" Eric said, \"On top of all of that, food is becoming an expensive commodity. I have some money in the treasury from my Southern excursion last winter, do you think we should use it to buy food from the Southern Isles?\""
}
] | 178 | 920 |
304.8 | 2019-03-10 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong\n\nFor weeks the young hunter had been wasting away in this godforsaken shantytown, listening here and there for jobs that might allow him to put his skills to use beyond the typical guard job that had been taken up by so many of his friends from home. The fact that Stormalong was neither godforsaken nor a shantytown didn't matter to him. There were no trees, there were no beasts, and worst of all there were far too many people. It seemed that no matter where he went there was always some foul smell, or some foul person in his way. \"How do they live like this?\" He often asked himself, all while spending what little coin he had squirreled away on some seedy room and watered down brew. \n\nThis particular night he found himself out on a walk in one of the poorer portions of town. While it was potentially dangerous for some, the young man felt it likely that few would see his tattered cloak and weathered boots as a sign of a high mark while others would assume he would do them harm. Perfect for someone seeking an escape from the endless press of bodies you'd find in the busier sections of town. Despite all this there were still times that he'd be reminded where he was. Take for instance the cackling of drunks or the crying of some poor soul down on their luck. \n\nMid way through his stroll Craig found his train of though derailed by the sound of someone shouting nearby. At first he simply rolled his eyes and heaved a sigh, however the sounds coming from this commotion seemed much less savory than the usual disturbances he'd heard. Deciding that he would rather not have some poor soul haunt him for not intervening the hunter checked the knife on his belt and took off towards the sound at a trot, coming around a corner and sliding to a stop at the scene. \"Oi fuck off!\" He shouted, stalking forward in the hopes that it would be enough to scatter the two men he saw and prevent any more from joining."
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox \nStormalong\n\nThe assailants faltered at Craig's shout and paused for a moment. The one whom Avril had ran right into actually even let her go, but a moment later, his partner's grip tightened on her. The young woman let out a faint whimper as his fingers dug into her flesh, causing tears to well up in her eyes. \n\nThe first man, however, seemed to be a bit unnerved by the sight of Craig. Both of them were a bit drunk, and in his case, it made him a bit more wary. On top of that, Craig was quite a bit bigger than him, and with Craig's rough appearance, it seemed as if he had weathered many storms. Somehow, the man didn't think that he wanted to face Craig.\n\n\"Karl, I don't think we should...\"\n\n\"Shut up,\" Hissed Karl before he turned his gaze to Craig once more. His breath was foul with the scent of alcohol. So strong, in fact, that Avril felt as if she might get drunk off of the smell alone. \"This ain't none of your business. We're just having a bit of fun with the lady.\"\n\nAs if in answer, Avril used the opportunity to stamp the heel of her shoe down on his foot as hard as she possibly could. His partner in crime hadn't get grabbed her again, so she thought she would take the opportunity. With this strange man to help her, she had a hope of escape. If she could even get him to break his hold for an instant, she could wriggle free and run to safety.\n\nThe man grunted in pain and, for a moment, Avril thought her chance had arrived. It had not. His grip only tightened on her as he snarled, \"You little bitch!\" A vicious slap came out of nowhere, leaving her dazed and disoriented, her cheek throbbing. She started to reach to clutch her burning cheek, but he grabbed her arm and wrenched it painfully behind her back, effectively immobilizing her and causing her to cry out. \n\nHe took this opportunity to reach up and snatch the hood from her head, revealing her pointed elven ears for all to see. Her cheeks flushed with shame and embarrassment. How she hated her ears! Her assailant seemed even more triumphant at this revelation and crowed gleefully, \"An elf! Ha! A little shitblood. No, worse than a shitblood!\" He grinned at Craig and continued, \"Bet you don't want to help her now!\" \n\nAvril's heart sank and tears flowed freely down her cheeks now. Her hero would abandon her now... Why would he risk anything to save her? Most people hated elves and anyone that wasn't human..."
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong\n\nFor a moment the thought did cross his mind to simply leave the knife ear and mind his own business, however watching the two men made him realize that right now he hated this city and the people associated with it more than he disliked any elf. \"You see my predicament here is that as soon as you're done with her you'll just move onto someone worth a shit. So how about we let the knife ear go and you two just stumble back off to whichever ditch you call home eh?\"\n\nThe hunter stopped about 10 yards from the scene and stood with folded arms, scowling and daring the two to start a fight."
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nStormalong\n\nThe way he spoke made it obvious that he hated her and her, but at the same time... He was still standing up for her. It was obvious it wasn't out of honor or anything, yet she didn't care. All she cared about was surviving this predicament!\n\nThe cowardly man spoke up again, whining, \"Karl, I don't think this is a good idea... Some stupid little elf isn't worth it! I don't even want her! She's gross!\" Clearly, that decision was made after seeing that she was indeed an elf, which Avril was glad for. The lest interest they had, the better.\n\nThe other man shook his head and shoved Avril aside, sending her tumbling to the earth as he approached Craig, a stumbling swagger in his step. \"No one's going to come around here and tell me what to do!\" He declared. Admittedly, he already had obeyed Craig in a way, for he had let Avril go... But his drunken mind was too stupid to realize that."
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong\n\nAs the two argued about what should be done the hunter glanced to check on the young woman who'd been tossed, more so to be sure she was out of the way of any street brawl than to check on her wellbeing. His apparent apathy stemmed more from his lack of concern for anyone who dwelled in Stormalong rather than the shape of her ears, at least he told himself that.\n\nOnce the fellow was only a few steps away Craig drew his hunting knife and pointed it directly at his face, his scowl turning into sneer as the cowardly assailant begged his partner to leave. \"Probably best you listened up to your boyfriend and ran along, Karl. As much as you'd like to make a fool of yourself I'd rather not have to put my hands on you.\""
}
] | 224 | 1,524 |
229 | 2019-03-11 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nStormalong\n\nThe moment that Craig drew his hunting knife, the coward was gone like a streak, stumbling as he ran away. He looked rather awkward, loping along in a stilted, wobbling gate that reminded one of a child that is just learning to run. \"You're on your own, Karl! I ain't dealing with this!\" He called over his shoulder, though he didn't even look back to see if Karl was following him or not. Karl was on his own. \n\nKarl wasn't about to give this up just yet though! He drew a knife as well and smirked at Craig as he said, \"You ain't the only one that's gots a knife! I'd say this evens the odds 'n' all that.\"\n\nAs soon as she saw the knife, Avril scrambled away and out of the thick of things. However, the fact that her assailant had a knife also held her back and kept her from running away, as was her original intent. She couldn't just abandon her rescuer. What if he was hurt? She could at least try to help him...\n\nKarl swung wildly at Craig, though because of his drunken stupor, his aim was a bit off. Anger fueled the man's fire and kept him swinging, but no amount of thrusts are a threat when they're aimed in the wrong direction."
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong\n\n\"Yea run off little\" He started to shout, his attention snapping to the very angry, very intoxicated fellow Coming at him with a knife. \"Ah hell\" He grunted, stepping back to avoid the wild swings, though he apparently didn't have to try very hard. If the fellow hadn't been trying to gut him over a knife ear it would almost be comedic. \n\n\"You sure you want to get cut up over all this? Your buddy done ran off, you can hardly stand, and the elf over there looks like she's about to turn the both of us into toads.\" He added, kicking out to try and trip his assailant and hoping to scare the fool off before either one of them ended up dead in a ditch."
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nStormalong\n\n\"I'll gut you first, then finish up with her. Damn elf can't do a damn thing anyway. But there ain't nobody gonna tell me what to do, you bastard!\" Karl growled, lunging forward for yet another thrust that was at least somewhat better aimed. Unfortunately for Karl, he tripped over Craig's foot and went tumbling to the ground, losing his knife in the process. \n\nThe moment Avril saw the knife land in the dirt, she dove and retrieved it, as it had landed closer to her than to Craig. She was quite quick on her feet, so she was able to grab the knife and retreat once more before Karl could get back to his feet. \n\nSlowly, Karl managed to push himself to his feet again. He drew his sleeve across his mouth to wipe it as he glared at both the elf and Craig, his face all red from alcohol and rage and probably embarrassment that he had been bested so easily. He snarled a few more obscenities at both of them, but with the elf hiding behind someone that had a knife, and him now having no weapon at all, even his drunken mind saw the stupidity of trying to fight further. So with a glare and a few more obscenities, he staggered away and disappeared into another tavern, presumably for more alcohol."
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong \n\n\"Right then. That settles that.\" He said, tucking his knife away and watching the man run off. After watching that direction for a few moments to make sure nobody would be doubling back he began leaving himself, content to simply be done with it all.\n\n After a few steps he stopped in his tracks and groaned, practically hearing his mother chastising him for just leaving the poor girl alone after something as traumatic as that event had been. Turning on his heel he walked back to the drow and looked her over for any obvious damage before waxing poetic. \"You alright?\""
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nStormalong\n\nAvril watched as Craig started to leave. She really hadn't expected otherwise. Why would he wait around? Virtually everyone hated her kind, and it was a wonder that he had helped her at all. She shuddered to think of what might have happened if he hadn't come to her defense though... Once more, she cursed Randall. If he hadn't abandoned her, she-\n\nHer thoughts were interrupted by Craig turning back and approaching her. While quite shaken, the young drow managed to keep up a brave front and not burst into tears of relief. Her face was rather pale though, and her dark eyes were wide as she looked up at him and said, \"As well as can be expected, yes.\" She bit her lower lip hard for a moment, then continued softly, \"Thank you, sir. You... You saved my life. There aren't many that would have stepped in, especially after...\" \n\nShe looked down, her cheeks flaming as she reached up and pulled her hood up over her ears once more. It was best to have them hidden away so that no one else passing by would see them. After living here, she had come to hate her ears more than ever for the misery they brought upon her. If only... \n\n\"I... I don't know how to repay you, sir,\" She finally said. \"I don't have money or anything.\""
}
] | 281 | 1,145 |
161.483871 | 2019-03-12 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong \n\nHe tried not to look too disappointed at the lack of a reward, reminding himself that he hadn't gone into it for anything like that. If anything the reaction from the one who'd run away pissing himself had been reward enough. \"No thanks needed, miss. Just glad I could get them off ya.\" His country accent marked him as an alien in the sprawling city as he spoke. \"I'm sure there's someone in this godforsaken town who would've come along.\""
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nStormalong\n\nThe young drow let out a derisive snort at that statement and shook her head, replying, \"Not likely. At least, not in this part of town. Most people have assumed that-\" She stopped herself, unable to bring herself to continue saying it. It was rather ghastly to even consider. \n\nShe paused for a moment to collect herself before looking up at him once more, her eyes searching his face. He was obviously different from most, both in the way he spoke and the way he acted. She found that she rather liked it. It was refreshing and gave her hope for this god-forsaken place. \"I wouldn't be here at all if it hadn't been for the whole war and all. I don't... Well, I don't know why I thought that, when I returned here again, I'd get an audience and take my position in the court back up. I should have known, with my patron leaving, that I'd be stuck like this. I just... Never thought it would be this bad.\" She didn't know why she told him all this. It was rather stupid to confide such a thing in a stranger, yet she found herself blurting it out anyway."
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong \n\nHe raised an eyebrow at the story she was telling, following almost none of it except for the fact that she'd been displaced by the war somehow. \"Sounds right unfortunate.\" He said with a nod, digging in his pouch and fishing out a small tin. As he spoke he fidgeted with it and thumped one side. \"Reckon they wouldn't at least take you on as a maid or something? That decent work if you aren't good for much else.\"\n\nHe had no earthly clue what exactly her position had been before, but he assumed it had been some sort of cleaning job given the way she'd been let go. He assumed they'd let an elf do a job like that so long as there weren't any children in the house, even folks back home could tell you that the pointy eared creatures had a bad habit of stealing youth for who knows what. Opening the tin he pulled a clump of ground leaves out and put them in his mouth to help settle his somewhat rattled nerves."
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nStoramlong\n\nShe watched him fish the tin from his pouch with curiosity, though the moment she saw the little ground leaves out and popped them in his mouth, she knew exactly what they were. As a healer and herbalist, she knew many plants and roots, both for their medicinal properties and for their other attributes. \n\nShe focused more on what he said, however, and glanced down again. The poor elf was a rather timid creature, and so easily embarrassed! It was a wonder that she had been able to help Randall in his campaign. To think that she had devised some of his tactics, when they had brought so much torment...\n\n\"No, sir,\" She replied. \"I mean... I suppose I could get work like that, but I'm an herbalist and a healer, sir. When Randall Storm campaigned, I joined him and was here when he became king. After he abandoned South Feyshore, I ended up leaving court for a time, and when I returned, I had been forgotten. Lost in the power shift, I suppose, and I haven't been able to get an audience with anyone since then. It's just... A bit harder, now that I'm on my own. Few people trust... Someone like me, and business in't exactly booming.\"\n\nShe glanced at his little tin again before saying, \"I can repay you though, in a way. I can give you some more of that.\" The last bit was said with a gesture towards the little tin he was still holding."
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong \n\n\"Well shit why didn't you say so?\" He asked, chewing the leaves a bit as the offer took him by surprise. \"And here I was thinking I'd have to send off for some back home. Lord knows it's hard enough to find around these parts. And the damned thieves want to charge an arm and a leg for the stuff.\" As if to accentuate his disgust for the town he turned and spat off to the side. \n\n\"Nasty little bit of business that was. Had a few friends rush off to join up. None of that for me. I'll stick to chasing thinks what can't shoot an arrow back at me I said and by god that's what I did.\" He made a point of not mentioning which side his friends had joined, partially out of indifference to the whole ordeal and partially because of the fact that the names she'd mentioned had been heard before in less than pleasant conversations."
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nStormalong\n\nAvril perked up a bit when he seemed pleased with her offer. At least this way she could repay the man for saving her life. It wasn't much, no, but it was at least something!\n\nShe grimaced slightly when he said about his friends rushing off to join up. Even worse was not knowing which side they had joined. Had she tended their wounds and aided in their deaths? It was hard to tell, and she didn't want to know. Instead, she just nodded and said softly, \"It was.\" The truth was, she was still haunted by the things that she had done; the cries of the dead and dying were never far from her mind. At night, she frequently woke in a cold sweat, still shaking from the sounds of battle. \n\nShe pushed those thoughts aside and instead offered him Karl's knife as she asked, \"Do you want this? I don't really want it...\""
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong \n \nHe eyed the knife the man had dropped in her hand, an eyebrow raised at what could hardly serve as a pig sticker and more than likely had simply been for cutting rope and other menial tasks. \"I feel like you'd be better off with it. At least if you plan on any more strolls through these streets.\" He added before shrugging and spitting off to the side again. Whatever nervous tick the knife ear had seemed to be going in full force as she grimaced. \"How about we make a trade. You keep the knife that I won off the drunks, I get some of that leaf you've promised. Sound like a plan?\""
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\n\nShe hesitated a bit to keep the knife. She hadn't really held a weapon of any sort since the war for Stormalong, and she didn't much want to. Still, this weapon looked innocent enough, for all it was. It certainly didn't look like it was meant to be used in a knife fight, but it would be useful in daily tasks and, if it came to it, she could defend herself. \n\nAt his suggestion, she nodded and replied, \"It sounds like a deal. I don't have any on me, so I can run and get some from home or you can come with me.\" A part of her hoped that he would agree to come with her. At least then she would get an escort home and would be guaranteed not to be harrassed!"
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong \n \nCraig nodded as she agreed to the deal, scuffing the grime beneath his boots as he waited for her to lead on. \"Might as well follow you there. Nothing else to do aside from picking more fights at this hour anyway.\" He figured the knife eared creature was harmless enough to be trusted, but somewhere deep down there was a little boy still listening to stories in front of a fire telling the tales of wicking beings who would just as soon put a hex on you as shake your hand. Still this one seemed to be happy enough with him, and he was nearly out of his chew..."
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nStormalong\n\nThe drow gave him a warm smile at that, one that lit up her dark eyes and certainly made her appear more human. Really, apart from her ears, it was virtually impossible to tell that she wasn't a human.\n\nWith that, she turned and started scurrying along down the street. She turned this way and that, making her way down some fairly rather dingy streets that were little more than alleyways. She just hoped that Craig didn't think that she was leading him into a trap. She wasn't, but she could see how it could look bad. She just didn't live in the best part of the city... Admittedly though, even if she did try to attack him, he could turn her into a pulp. He absolutely towered over her. \n\nFinally, they arrived at the crude hut that she called a home, and she opened the door as she said, \"You're welcome to come in. It isn't much, but it's something. Better than being on the street.\" Without waiting for a reply, she ducked inside, deciding that it was up to him whether he stayed out or came in. \n\nShe rummaged through a few cupboards, going through some jars and pots before she found just the right one. She opened it up and peered inside, just to make sure, then went to go give the container to Craig."
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong \n \nAs they went down an ever confusing maze of streets Craig began to wonder how anyone could ever find their way through the warren of too close walls and alleys. Just when he was sure the elf was lost, or worse, they reached a hut which she presumably called home. At her comment he bit back the urge to agree with her lest she decide to slip some sort of poison into the mix. \"I'd hate to intru...\" He began to say before she disappeared inside. He felt that he should stay outside, however his curiosity at seeing whatever an elf called home got the better of him and he decided to risk a few steps past the threshold to give himself a story to share once he did manage to make it back home. Despite his fears he found it quite normal. No witchlights floating around, no monstrous creatures, and supposedly no traps. What a boring story after all."
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nStormalong\n\n\"I think you'll enjoy it,\" Avril said when she turned and saw Craig standing just inside the door. \"It's the best I could get. Expensive, of course, but it's useful and, well, enjoyable, really. I don't use it often though, and you'll probably get more use out of it than me.\"\n\nShe smiled and handed him the jar. \"Thank you again for saving me. I... Well, I'm lucky that you came along when you did, for a number of reasons. And I'm lucky it was you and not someone else. I wish that I could offer you more.\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Lord Eric Stafford\nStormalong Keep\n\n The portcullis leading into Stormalong Keep's courtyard openned halfway, allowing for the party of six riders to pass through. Among this party, two land surveyers, three guards and Eric. He had been gone the past few days to survey the surrounding lands for spring construction and for when the farms began to replant. The trip was much needed, as it got Eric out of the city and into some fresh air, it allowed him to see the state of his villages and people. \n\nThey were better off than they were a year ago, and better than before that. Things were getting better, but still weren't great. He was met in the courtyard by a small army of stableboys who were there to take the party's horses. Eric dismounted and his horse was taken away. The guards knew where to go and the surveyer lingered a moment, waiting to see if Eric had any parting words. Eric just gave a brief nod and the man scurried off through the portcullis and into the city. A few moments later, the call came out to close it. \n\nEric entered his castle, his home, and found it as lively as ever. In the few months he had become the Lord of Stormalong, Eric had increased the staffing of Stormalong. He had taken on some promising boys from the city and countryside to begin trainning as his own household knights under Captain Aldvis, whom refused a knighthood from Eric. Right now, Eric had thirteen boys leaving in a recently renvated supply room and turnned into their barracks. \n\nEric went for his room, yearning for a comfortable bed to relax in. After surviving the storm of \"Good evening, welcome back Mi'lord\" From his staff and guards, Eric entered his room. He closed the door, and as usual of a heavy oak door on iron hinges, it closed loudly. When Eric focussed on the bed, he blinked and his heart jumped. His wife was asleep in his bed. He stood at the door, surprised for a moment."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Angelica Stafford\nStormalong Castle**\n\nA letter had arrived last night that the Queen and Prince were on their way back. The mission -as she'd suspected- had failed, but no other details were enclosed in the letter. She'd taken it as a release of her official duties, considering it was dated two days prior to that and Zane had just arrived back in Zahrada from whatever network nonsense had been keeping him actively out of the castle. Probably for the better, Angelica had only grown more and more irritated towards the man as the pregnancy dragged on, and even their brief encounter as she headed home was terse to say the least.\n\nShe'd arrived in Stormalong only to be told her husband was out on a survey, and she was greeted with many warm wishes and a bath to try and soothe her aching back from the carriage ride. She was noticeably pregnant, her petite frame now sporting a bump that was sure to make Eric faint upon seeing it. \n\nShe intended to get dressed, then go wait for him in the parlor, but instead she hit their bed and was fast asleep until the door opened a few hours later. \n\nAngelica sat up with a bit of a start, her band moving to her belly in the aheer gown she'd put on, and she looked to the door with surprise.\n\n\"Eric.\" She smiled, her voice tired. \"Have I slept long?\""
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong \n \nIt took everything he had not to jump out of his skin as she returned, his eyebrows rising as she explained the jar she handed him. \"Useful for sure. Never figured you for one who'd chew on it though.\" He added, opening the jar to smell the leaves and noting the pungent aroma. \"You got the means of finding more of the stuff?\" He asked as he tucked it away."
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Lord Eric Stafford\nStormalong Keep\n\nThe baby bump made him smile. He walked toward her and sat next to her on the bed and put a arm around her and pulled her into a loose hug, not want to put pressure on her stomach. \n\n\"I didn't know you were here, I'm not sure.\" He said, \"I've missed you.\" \n\n\"Did you get a good welcome? Everyone treated you well? How was the capital?\" Eric asked, ready to rain hell on anyone who might mistreat his wife."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "** Angelica Stafford\nStormalong Castle**\n\n\"Everyone was lovely.\" She assured him, and pressed a kiss to his cheek as he gave her a half hug. \"How was your survey, I trust the winters didn't freeze the land beyond repair?\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Lord Eric Stafford\nStormalong Keep\n\n\"It was good to get out. The surveyor though...\" He sighed, \"The man is good at his job. But he's one of those 'ladder climber' types. Trying to impress me in hopes I'll give him a permanent position or something. Everyone seems to want some small plot of land and titles whenever they talk to me now.\" Eric said, annoyed.\n\n\"But the land is good. Really good, a few years without sustained organized farming has left it very fertile. Construction is as bad as everyone knew, we just have it varified on parchment. As soon as spring really sets in, we're going to start fully construction of some of the villages. I'm also considering...\" He paused,\n\n\"Stormalong has a lot of people. Some without jobs. Our farming villages are depleted, why not send them to those villages? They get out of this city, the people will get work. They will need to be trained, but I've been a farmhand before, it isn't hard to learn. They need hands to return our crops to what they were before the collapse.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Angelica Stafford\nStormalong Castle\n\n\"It's not a bad idea.\" She mused, propping an arm behind her into the pillows so she could lean back a bit, her fingers running lazily over the curve of her figure. \n\n\"Would certainly help produce a better yield than last year.\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "\"Definitely.\" He said, placing a hand on her stomach.\n\n\"How're you feeling? IS everything good?\" He asked her with a smile. He was excited."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Angelica Stafford\nStormalong Castle**\n\nAngelica gave a small chuckle at his hand, and raised a shoulder in a half shrug. \"I'm alright. I'm exhausted all the time, but I'm managing. From what I've been told everything is going just fine. In a few months you should have a perfectly healthy heir to your name.\" She stifled another yawn.\n\n\"But what you really should be concerned about is Anyanka calling you back to Astoria. From what I gleaned, it didn't go well in the North -like I tried to tell her.\" She rolled her eyes. \"But with another pass into their territory and Araedia still at odds, I wouldn't be surprised to see activity before your child is even born.\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Lord Eric Stafford\nStormalong Keep\n\nEric tensed and leanned into her. \"Then I suppose what will happen will happen. I've had an order on my desk for all of the males between sixteen and forty-four to begin drilling every other weekend. But I've been putting it off.\" He sighed, \"I'll sign it in the mornning. I'm glad I get to see you again, I hope I'm here whn it is born. Got any guesses on boy or girl?\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Angelica Stafford\nStormalong Castle**\n\n\"It's certainly not anything I want to see. I'm going to return to the capitol in a few days once they've had some time to settle to see if we can get a handle on the situation. I didn't see anything threatening in my time of power, but who knows, with Anya back on the throne, threats tend to pop up out of no where.\" She mused. She was still a bit temperamental from the ride, and having fallen asleep and been woken up wasn't helping, even if it wasn't intentional. \n\nThat, and she was suddenly starving. \"But it might be a good idea to prepare for the worst anyway. I'd rather have trained men unused then untrained men being sent off to die.\" She decided finally, and at his question she laughed. \n\n\"My first thought was definitely boy, but I'm beginning to think it's a girl.\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Lord Eric Stafford\nStormalong Keep\n\n\"Is it bad I hope it's a girl? Girls don't have to fight wars.\" He said, thoughtfully. Then stood up and looked down at her, \"Have you eaten? I only had some bread earlier. I can have dinner brought up.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Angelica Stafford\nStormalong Castle**\n\nShe gave a small smile. \"It's like you had the same thought I did. If we have a daughter, she's just a bit safer at home with us. Not that I wouldn't love a son just as much, I'd just worry more.\" She amended, and when he mentioned dinner she nodded. \n\n\"I feel famished, I'd _kill_ for dinner.\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Lord Eric Stafford\nStormalong Keep\n\n\"I'll have it brough up. I'll be right back.\" He said, walking out of the room and flagging down a servant. The order went to the kitchen and the dinner was being prepared. He stepped back into the room.\n\n\"I hired more staff, by the way. The place needed extra help. I'd like the chance to meet Mikhail, in a manner that wasn't secret or thime sensitive. I feel like, personally, he's due for some martial trainning.\" Eric commented, sitting next to Angelica again.\n\n\"If he's going to be king at somepoint, he needs to know how to swing a sword and what commands to give.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Angelia Stafford\nStormalong Keep\n\nAngelica pressed her lips together, leaning into him heavily as he returned to sit beside her. \"If Mikhail is to be King, there's a lot he needs to learn before then. Mainly, how to disappear.\" She commented, and her shoulders dropped a bit. \"I don't see a way for that boy to take the throne without being killed in an instant. The nation will rally behind him, he'll have the Isles on his side, but it won't be enough to keep him from the grave.\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Lord Eric Stafford\nStormalong Keep\n\nEric was quiet, \"I can only do so much. Knowing how to stab someone who is trying to stab him is a good start to keeping himself alive. I can't help with the cloak and dagger stuff, I don't know anything about it. Why does everyone in the world want to kill the poor kid? Seemed nice enough to me.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Angelica Stafford\nStormalong Keep. \n\n\"Mainly because of who his parents are, and who they aren't.\" She said simply. \"And all the poor decisions Anyanka made in raising him. She made him smart, but not strong. He wasn't meant to be a King, in the same way she wasn't meant to be a Queen. They were meant for minor nobility, she never expected him to have to be in this position, and it's only gotten more and more difficult as she finds herself thrust into higher positions of power.\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Lord Eric Stafford\nStormalong Keep\n\n\"I'm sorry for that. If there had been anyone better...\" Eric sort of trailed off at the thought of how different the world would be. \"The world of nobility is so weird. Have you noticed? None of it makes a whole lot of sense. Nothing these old families do makes _any fucking sense_.\" He said, rubbing his forehead."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Angelica Stafford\nStormalong Keep \n\nAngelica raised a brow, confused as to why he would apologize before it came to her. She'd forgotten Eric had been Lord Protector of South Feyshore, and had been the one who petitioned to put Anyanka in power to begin with. Her hand found his, and she squeezed it gently. \"Don't be sorry. If she hadn't taken power, I'd never been asked to take my position, and you'd never been offered yours, and we wouldn't be here.\" She reminded him. \n\n\"The best thing Anyanka could do for Astoria at this point is marry. She marries, has another heir, let's Mikhail return to the Isles with Maith, and lets Marin forget about the boy. It keeps him alive, puts her in a position to raise a child with the intention of him being King, and gives her the support she needs to stop ruling like a woman scorned.\" She paused, her hand roaming down her belly. \n\n\"Of course I can't say these things in anyone else's company.\" She murmured."
}
] | 142 | 5,006 |
143.333333 | 2019-03-13 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Lord Eric Stafford\nStormalong Keep\n\n\"I don't disagree with you, love.\" He said leanning into her, a knock at his door sounding. Eric stood up to open the door. The door openned and a few servers were there with trays.\" \n\n\"Come in.\" Eric said, stepping aside as the trays were placedo n Eric's small table. They were quick to set everything up, bowed, and left. The door closing heavily behind them. \"Ready to eat?\" He asked, offering a hand to help her stand."
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nStormalong\n\nAvril darkened a little when she saw his unease at her return. Sure, she knew that others didn't like her kind, but he had just saved her life! Did he think so little of her and her kind that he thought she would attack? She hated her ears... She wished she could remove them...\n\nShe felt a bit better when he seemed to approve of her gift and nodded as she replied, \"Of course! I have access to a wide variety of herbs and leaves and plants. I'm... Well, if I can, I'd like to start a garden someday. I'll plant all my herbs and spices and everything, and then I won't have to bargain and trade for it all! But, well, that's a ways away. Kind of hard to have a garden around here.\" She saddened a little more at that thought. She had had a garden at her home before, and she had been promised an apothecary and a small garden by Randall. All of that was gone now."
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong \n \nHe frowned as he saw her reaction, deciding he might not have as much to fear from the creature as his grandfather's stories had suggested. Aside from the strange obsession with plants she did seem harmless for the most part, unless you counted her attempt to give him jaw cancer and hypertension. \"You realize you could get top dollar for this stuff yea?\" He asked her, wondering if she simply didn't know how much the local people would be willing to dish out."
}
] | 111 | 430 |
157.8 | 2019-03-17 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong \n \nThe young man winced as he realized he'd stuck his foot in his mouth, glad that she seemed more depressed about the ordeal than likely to turn him into a frog. He considered returning the stuff before deciding that he wasn't really that terribly upset about it. She was just a knife ear after all. Turning to leave he caught himself as he had a sudden idea, a plan so mad it would likely never work. \"You know... It sounds like you could use a front man for this whole ordeal.\" He suggested."
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nStormalong\n\nThere was a pause as she slowly turned back around and looked up at him, having turned away when he had started to leave. Her mind raced as she considered it. Would that really work? If she had someone that could market her wares, no one would see her or her pointed ears, in which case things would sell much more easily. Plus, he did seem rather intimidating... People would be less likely to screw him out of a deal, and she had a feeling that he wouldn't take garbage from anyone. If nothing else, even if someone tried something, he could handle it! The real question was: was he going to screw her over?\n\nShe bit her lower lip hard for a moment, wavering between discussing it further and simply bidding him farewell. But... It didn't hurt to talk, right? \"A business partner, you mean... Someone to market the product and be the face, while I do the growing and everything...\" She murmured, more putting it into words, aloud, for her own sake than for his. There was another pause before she broke into a smile and giggled, \"It's absolutely crazy, but it just might work!\"\n\n\"I'd need land though. Growing it here in the city wouldn't work, but a small plot on the edge of the city, perhaps? I have some money squirreled away, but not enough to purchase any land. If... If you're willing to pitch in a little on starting this, we could purchase a plot and I'll start growing it. It's early enough in the spring that we could probably get a good harvest in, and I have enough other products that we could start selling now... Once we had a customer base, we could introduce them to our new products.\""
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong \n \nAs the knife ear started talking he realized that he'd started something bigger than he'd meant to. Hell he was just thinking she'd sent him off to sell her wares now and then not start an entire business. He nodded slowly the more she talked, going along and considering the options. It wasn't exactly what he'd been hoping for in order to make a living out here, but it sure beat strapping on a sword and joining the city watch. \"Fuck it. If you think we can make some scratch I'm down. I've got a little coin tucked away I can chuck in the pot.\""
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nStormalong\n\nHope rose in her chest and, for the first time in a long time, things didn't look quite so hopeless. If she could get this business off the ground, with Craig's help of course, she had a hope at a better life. She wouldn't need to depend on anyone. Well, except for Craig, but if this became profitable enough, she probably wouldn't even need to depend on him. She wouldn't depend on another Randall or Eric again. \n\nShe grinned at him and replied, \"Then we have a deal!\" She held out her hand towards him, her eyes sparkling with eagerness. She already had quite a bit of product to sell. Of course, this was because she had barely been able to sell any up until this point, so she could show him her wares and they could get started on this almost immediately. If they started selling, then they could easily get their money back from buying the land."
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong \n \nAs she stuck out her hand he looked at it for a moment, weighing things over one last time before spitting in his own hand and shaking on their agreement. \"Business partners with a knife ear. Poor old nan must be rolling over in her grave!\" He said with a laugh, wiping his hand off on his trousers and looking around at the shop with a new sense of interest now that his livelihood was staked on it. \"Can you handle buying the land or will you need me to do that? I'd rather chew on a thistle than deal with the bureaucrats in this hellhole.\""
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nStormalong\n\nThere was a moment of surprise, then disgust when he spit in his hand and then shook hers. *Gross*... Her nose wrinkled slightly in disgust at the practice. How strange! But she managed to quickly recover and smiled once again, even as she wiped his spit off on her dress. This was going to be interesting...\n\nShe hesitated a little at his question and pondered it, then finally said, \"I think that I can handle that purchase... I'll try to get us a good deal and pick out a plot of land suitable for growing. I'll run the purchase by you before I do it though, just to make sure we're getting a square deal and I'm not being screwed over.\" She paused, then turned and opened up a door in her home, which opened up into the main portion of her tiny apothecary. It was here that she stored the majority of her wares."
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong \n \n\"Right then. Sounds like a plan. You handle all the important stuff and let me know when you need a face for the customers we push the stuff to.\" It sounded almost too foolproof to fail. Let the knife ear do what knife ears do while he took a cut for giving the locals a less offensive face to deal with. As he was coming to terms with the arrangement he'd gotten himself into the elf opened some door leading further into the little building. From what he could tell it was simply more storage space, though he didn't want to peer too far into her secret room for fear of finding something he shouldn't."
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nStormalong\n\nShe smiled brightly at him, then ducked into the storage room. She returned a few moments later and showed him some other herbs and such that she had. \"This is good for soothing anxiety and aiding in sleep,\" She said, pointing to a flower. \"This helps with infertility and childbirth,\" She said pointing to another drug. \"This aids with burns. This, when smoked, will relax you and make you feel sort of out of it.\" She had one more thing that she contemplated showing him, but she was a bit afraid of doing so."
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong \n \nThe hunter nodded as she spoke, retaining almost none of the information except for what each of the plants looked like and a vague idea of what they did. At some point he should really probably learn them if he was supposed to play the part of an herbalist, but now would not be that time. \"What is it you're so nervous about?\" He asked, sensing that she was hesitant about some part of her current demonstration."
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nStormalong\n\nShe glanced at him in surprise, then looked away as her cheeks flushed a bit. She bit her lip hard, hesitating for a few moments more. He could get her in a lot of trouble with this one... But... She decided not to tell him about it yet, and instead just said, \"I guess I'm just nervous that you'll screw me over. It's entirely possible...\""
}
] | 130.5 | 1,578 |
182 | 2019-03-18 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong \n \n\"Right. Makes total sense.\" He said while sounding absolutely unconvinced. \"Just see to it that you don't try and turn me into anything unnatural and we won't have any problems, little miss knife ear.\" He used the slur without second thought, having used it so frequently that it was now simply another part of his vocabulary. He knew well enough to see that she was hiding something from him, but he also knew better than to push a cornered animal, especially when he was in her home with limited means of escape."
},
{
"author": "thorninonesside",
"message": "Rosaline Hawthorne\nStormalong\n\nIt was late, really late. So late that the sky was starting to lighten with the dawn. Rosaline had arrived in the city the precious evening and after securing lodgings with an old family friend she went to explore the evening markets, it had been years since she'd been to the city so she thought she'd explore... Well, long story short and several hours and drinks later she realized she had wandered further than she ever should.\nThis section of town was beyond sketchy, too bad she was still a tad too drunk to really notice the gravity of what could be a bad situation (a bit of a pattern for her to be honest). Well, until some lowlife grabbed at her cloak.\n\"Kindly keep your hands off of me!\" She exclaimed, stumbling sideways into a door with a loud thud. Even when she was drunk and tired she was ever the polite little lady."
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nStormalong\n\nAvril grimaced a bit when he called her \"Knife ear\" Again. Did he always have to call her that? And there was no way she could or would turn him into anything else... Though perhaps it was best if she let him continue to think that. He'd be less likely to try to screw her over. \"Toads are perfectly natural,\" She replied, keeping her face impassive as she gazed at him. \n\nBefore she could say anything more, there was a loud thud at the door. Her eyes widened and she practically jumped out of her skin, and without saying anything to Craig, she grabbed up several dried, round bulbs that she had out on the table and dashed off to the storage room, squirreling them away where they wouldn't be found. Just in case... \n\nWhen she returned, she looked somewhat shaky and said, \"Craig... Could you go check that out for me?\" He was her frontman and her partner now! He should go check out the things that went bump in the night. He'd be able to handle them."
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong \nThe fellow's eyes narrowed at the smart comment. \"Nothing unnatural about a toad my a...\" Before he could finish the retort the newcomer crashed though into the front of the shop, and assuming the worst Craig nodded at his partners request. \"Shops closed you sorry...\" He bellowed as he exited the back room, cutting off as he realized it didn't seem to be a break in at all. \"You get lost, sweetheart?\" He asked the stranger, folding his arms and assessing the situation."
},
{
"author": "thorninonesside",
"message": "Rosaline Hawthorne\nStormalong\n\nIt took her a moment to realize she'd landed on her ass inside the shop, the door not nearly as solid as any she'd had in her estate. And thanks to the liquor still causing her inebriation it took her still a few more moments to register that someone was yelling at her. Yelling was not something her gentle birth had prepared her for.\nSo it was no surprise that she looked like a startled starling, short of quivering she looked nothing short terrified. One look at yet another somewhat scary character and a few tears formed in her eyes.\n\"Please I did not mean to intrude Sir. I should have been back at my friend's manor at dusk but you see, I thought I'd explore. It's been years since I have been in the city and well, never unaccompanied. And—\"\n*Hiccup*\n\"One thing led to another and now I'm utterly lost and drunk,\" She finished, most of which was reduced to nearly coherent babbling.\nIt was fairly clear from her clothing that she was very well off or had recently been such. While she looked a little unkempt her demeanor was very much that of a gentle woman."
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nStormalong\n\nWith her wares safely stored away, Avril had returned and gotten Craig to go check on what was going on. She was so grateful that he was here! Even more so when he bellowed, \"Shops closed, you sorry-\" She wouldn't have been so brave, certainly, and she was quite glad to have someone to hide behind. \n\nShe came around the corner, cowering behind Craig and peering out around him like a frightened child. He was big enough and strong enough to protect the two of them! \n\nWhen she saw the woman sitting on the floor, in tears, she relaxed and felt a bit better. She was clearly harmless! What could this woman possibly do, and by the sounds of it, she was so drunk that, even if armed, she wouldn't be much of a threat. Avril breathed a little sigh of relief and finally stepped out from behind Craig, entering the room and glancing at him. It was up to him to handle this situation, really. She would simply follow his lead."
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong \n\"Relax, knife ear its just some tart what got lost running from her wrangler.\" He said as the elf hid behind him. Common sense would dictate that being polite to a noblewoman who literally fell into your shop might perhaps be the better course, but luckily he doubted she would remember much of the conversation. \"You sure did get lost if you stumbled out this far. Shouldn't you be up at the keep, Miss?\""
},
{
"author": "thorninonesside",
"message": "Rosaline Hawthorne\nStormalong\n\nShe flinched a little at the harsh language he used and stood up as well as she could. All at once she was rather sober, at least for a few minutes. \n\"My apologies for the intrusion, I meant no insult...\" She reached into a hidden pocket in her skirts and withdrew a moderately valuable coin and set it on the shelf beside the door. Something he had said had struck a nerve, though in her state even if he cared she probably wouldn't verbalize it.\n\"Yes I believe that's where I am staying currently... How would I find someone to help me get back safely?\" She asked, her voice rather toneless, from near hysterics this was a little jarring, perhaps even for her. She'd never been allowed to be angry, and frankly, her anger would be misplaced expressing it towards a man who simply was rather rude rather than harmful."
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nStormalong\n\nAvril shot Craig a dirty look for insulting her again, both with the \"Knife ear\" Slur and with his rather derisive \"Relax, knife ear.\" It was rather frustrating, but then again, she couldn't complaint too much. It was nice to have someone to defend her, admittedly, and she couldn't help but think that she was looking forward to have a frontman. He could be her muscle!\n\nAvril now stood beside Craig, rather than cowering behind him, and looked the woman before her up and down with a rather disapproving eye. She was, however, curious too, about this strange noblewoman that had turned up at her doorstep. Well, past her doorstep, really. It certainly wasn't often that anyone of that rank found themselves in this section of the city, and when they did... \n\nShe glanced at Craig and asked, \"Should we escort her back? Or leave her to find her own way?\" Admittedly, Avril had grown to have disdain for the upper class, after having been abandoned by their kind multiple times over."
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong \nAs the noblewoman laid out the coin the hunters eyes bugged slightly. As much as he hated this town and the people who lived here, anyone who could just drop coin like that was worth knowing in his book. \"Now seeing as I just gave you an escort I don't see why we shouldn't offer the same hospitality to the poor lost bird here.\" His tone had lost most of the hurtful edge it had held before, though it was clear that he was still less than thrilled about everything. Leaning in closer to his knife eared partner he muttered quietly. \"She's either very wealthy, or very dumb. If we're lucky she's both. Either way there's nothing to be lost by getting in her good graces ya?\" Looking back towards the noble he cleared his throat and spoke up. \"How's abouts you settle here for a while till you're fit to travel. We can get you back safe after that yea?\""
},
{
"author": "thorninonesside",
"message": "Rosaline Hawthorne\nStormalong\n\nShe couldn't fault them for taking their time. For all she knew she interrupted something far more important than her avoiding or delaying getting accosted while drunk. Dumb was too strong a word considering she was normally fairly intelligent. Sheltered was more accurate and like a caged animal finally let loose she had had no sense of danger or of her own stupidity. However she was fairly aware these two could very well turn on her or tell her to bugger off. She'd done nothing to deserve their respect or help.\nWhen the man finally turned back to speak to her relief washed over her when he offered to take her home after she'd become fit for travel.\n\"Thank you ever so much,\" She spoke. \"Again, I offer my apologies for the intrusion... I don't want to be a burden...\""
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nStormalong\n\nAvril looked up at Craig with wide eyes for a moment, her mind racing a bit. What use would the noble prove to be? Still, she wouldn't argue with him and would trust his judgment on this one. He seemed to be much more conniving than she, which would likely prove to be useful, if he was to be her frontman. She had a feeling that no one would screw him over and that he always had the upperhand in such situations. \n\nAvril quickly shifted gears at Craig's direction and replied warmly to the woman, \"You're no burden at all! I'm sorry for appearing rude. I just... It was a bit of a shock! But you're welcome to stay here until you feel better. Plenty of food and drink and I have a spare bed.\""
}
] | 189 | 2,184 |
167.125 | 2019-03-19 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong \n\"It ain't nothing really.\" The hunter said as she apologized again, glad that his elf friend had managed to catch on and offer help. At this point he was genuinely curious how the noble had managed to get this lost in the town. \"So how exactly did you end up out this far?\" He asked her, folding his arms and looking for something to sit on. \"Out slumming and fall off the carriage?\" It seemed likely enough based on what he knew of the local nobility."
},
{
"author": "thorninonesside",
"message": "Rosaline Hawthorne\nStormalong\n\nRosaline relaxed a little, only a little when they began being a little more friendly. She was naive but not *That* Naive. However she was pretty much at the mercy of their hospitality unless she wanted to venture out on her own again and that was presumably more risky.\nShe flushed a little at his question, more than a little embarrassed.\n\"Well it is a long story, but in essence my husband was barely cold in his grave before his brothers made it impossible to live in my own home... I managed to get to Stormalong and well, I may have loosened my corset a bit too much and lost any sense when I ventured into the market... After that I do not remember much... \" She sighed, rubbing her forehead.\n\" Could I trouble you for something to drink?\" She asked, looking at them both. Then she realized how rude she must seem. \"It seems in the process I have forgotten my manners, my name is Rosaline.\""
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nStormalong\n\nAvril cocked a brow at the young woman, especially when she asked for something to drink. An interesting story... She must have really let loose after her husband died. She must have been enjoying her new liberties, free of her husband and his family, or at least she seemed to be. Avril, however, was not about to enable her by giving her more alcohol.\n\nInstead, Avril went and got a pitcher from the kitchen area, filled up a mug, and brought it back to the noble that was, presumably, still seated on her floor. \"I'm not going to provide you with more alcohol,\" She replied, \"As I think you've had plenty enough to drink already, but here's some water. And there's tea too, if you'd like.\" She paused for a moment, feeling rather awkward, then said, \"I am Avril.\" \n\nShe turned away then, shifting her hair into place so that she was certain it covered her ears. She certainly didn't want Rosaline to notice them and comment on them, though she was sure that Craig had already brought enough attention to them that Rosaline would notice anyway. *Bastard*, she thought. \n\n\"Do you want anything to eat?\" She asked, already prepping a small mattress for her unexpected guest."
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong \nAt the mention of a dead husband Craig perked up a bit, slicking back his greasy hair and offering the inebriated member of high society a hand to shake as his partner went off to fix the place up and bring her a drink. \"Pleasure to make your acquaintance Rosaline! Name's Craig. Craig Gulcher.\" As if to make the most of his first impression the hunter turned his head and spat into the fireplace, nearly drowning in tobacco juice up to that point. First he'd met an honest to god knife ear and now a noble might owe him a favor, all in one day no less."
},
{
"author": "thorninonesside",
"message": "Rosaline Hawthorne\nStormalong\n\nRosaline let him shake her hand, trying not flinch at his crude manners, especially his spitting tobacco juice into the fire. It didn't pass her notice that he perked up when she mentioned her husband was dead. What did she expect from someone who stayed in this part of town? \n\"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Sir,\" She replied with a half smile, subtly trying to wipe the grease left on her skin from his. \nA bit of a look of relief passed over her face when Avril returned with the mug. Her eyes widened when she realized what Avril must have thought of her request.\n\"Oh no, water is more than fine, I just did not want to assume you had water and request it then embarrass you if you did not have it... Thank you Avril, it is a pleasure to meet you,\" She spoke, as she took the mug and a sip from it. \nAs she began hydrating once more she was starting to become more sober and aware to the fact she was in an at best peculiar situation and at worst she could possibly have made an even graver mistake trusting these two individuals."
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox \nStormalong\n\nAvril smiled at the woman for her politeness. Perhaps it was just a show, given the fact that the noble was dependent upon her and Craig to get out of here, but it was nice to be treated that way again. Better than being called a knife ear and all sorts of other awful things. \n\n\"It's a pleasure to meet you as well,\" She replied, \"I have a bed all made up for you, and we can take you home in the morning.\" She glanced at Craig, hesitating before asking, \"Will you be needing a place to sleep as well?\" A part of her hoped he would say yes, as she didn't really want to spend the night alone with this stranger in her house."
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong\n\nThe hunter shook his head at her question, having no desire to spend a night in the lions den so to speak. \"I've spent far too much time away from my humble home as is. My cat will be furious if I spend another night out.\" He said, voicing the first lame excuse that came to him. \"Besides there's not nearly enough room for three in here. I'll come back tomorrow morning bright and early.\""
},
{
"author": "thorninonesside",
"message": "Rosaline Hawthorne\nStormalong\n\nRosaline sipped more of the water as they talked. She obviously had misjudged Craig if he was that concerned about his cat, though if she was more sober she might have clocked that as a lame excuse. Either way she'd never call him out on bullshit. On some level she was relieved Craig was not staying the night but not on the level that she was conscious of it. \n\"I should probably sleep then,\" She sighed quietly. It had been a long day."
}
] | 147 | 1,337 |
108.333333 | 2019-03-21 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "thorninonesside",
"message": "Rosaline Hawthorne\nStormalong\n\nThe morning came with a splitting headache. If she ever had the urge to cuss this would be the time. She rose from the bed with a groan. A precursory look around reminded her she definitely was drunk the night before. Although how she had ended up there, not to mention her lack of memory of drinking in the first place was... Worrisome."
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nStormalong\n\nBy the time Rosaline woke up, Avril was already making some breakfast and had a kettle over the fireplace. Her sharp pointed ears were pricked and listening for the tell-tale scream of the kettle, which she knew would be coming any moment now. \n\nAt the sound of Rosaline waking up and groaning, she glanced back at the woman and said, \"I wondered if you might feel like a ripe bit of garbage this morning. Head hurt?\" She didn't wait for a response, but rather continued, \"I have a kettle on, and when you're up and ready, I have a brew that'll fix that for ya.\""
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong\nBefore the kettle could fire up there come a rapping at the door, followed by the hunter letting himself into the building. \"Morning campers!\" He said in a too cheerful voice, his country accent made worse by the chew in his mouth. He'd decided that morning while playing with his cat Captain stumpy that the wonderful blend made any hazards of dealing with a knife ear well worth his while. \"Have a fun night did we?\""
}
] | 97 | 325 |
204 | 2019-03-25 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Eric Stafford\nStormalong Keep\n\nSouth Feyshorian springs had always been forgiving for aslong as eric had been in Feyshore. The air lost its bite, and the snow was melting away. Leaving slushy snow pilesi n various places throughout the city. The countryside still had an inch or two of slush. But the warmth of the day brought a new life to the city that Eric had loved. The warm morning had had Eric in the keep's courtyard, watching some boxes be placed onto a wagon. A few things for the trip to Astoria to see Queen Anyanka's return. The servants were buzzing around with food and sthe clothes they had wanted to bring. It would only be a single wagon and a dozen or so guards to accompany them. Eric felt light for the first time since fall, no longer needing to wear the heavy clothes around, Eric felt comfortable walking around in light colored greens that fit tightly, but were not layered. \n\nHe was waiting on his pregnant wife, who had insisted on going to Astoria, even with her pregnany. He'd suggested her stay here, a suggestion that he very quickly lost and regretted mentioning."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Angelica Stafford\nStormalong Keep\n**\n\nThe Queen had returned a little while ago, but this was her formal reintroduction. She'd delayed it to finish working through the complications she'd brought home with her from the North. Mikhail had resettled, not well, but that wasn't the requirement anymore, so it seemed. Another failed attempt at redemption had left the Durkhan family drained and discouraged. Anya couldn't face Astoria with the gloomy look she'd returned with, but now it seemed to have passed. \n\nAngelica, on the other hand, had only gotten more and more disgruntled as the weeks passed. She was hurting, exhausted, and generally wanting nothing to do with anything or anyone anymore. Eric had tried to suggest the two stay in Stormalong, and she'd quickly shut it down with a not so gentle reminder of who she was and what their positions were.\n\nShe's apologize for being harsh later, but she hadn't been able to control her temper. Even now, pacing the parlor of their home, she couldn't keep it down. An ache had started in her legs that made her feel week, and a new wave of cramps had started to make every move uncomfortable. A maid had stopped in to ask if she needed anything, and Angelica had practically thrown her from the room with a look. \n\nShe really didn't want to prove Eric right in that she wasn't fit to travel, but moving to the doorway, an uncomfortable sensation overtook her as she was met with a distinct _wetness_ in her shoes. \n\n\"Oh gods.\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Eric Stafford\nStormalong Keep\n\nThe wagon had been packed and ready to go so Eric had walked up to tell his wife that they were ready as soon as he openned the door and his met hers, he knew somethign was wrong. The look on her face made Eric look down to see liquid on the ground. He'd rushed over to Angelica to make sure she didn't collapse to the ground. The door remained open.\n\n\"I need _help_ in her _NOW_!\" Eric called in a voice that 'Gelica likely wasn't used to. It wasn't a scream, or yell. But it was cutting and loud, it boomed naturally down the halls like a command. Within a moment, several maids emerged terrified by the edge in Eric's voice. They had all known what was happening within a moment and rushed to Angelica and began helping her to the bed. \n\nEric turned to the youngest maid, \"Get every midwife in the castle. Now.\" He commanded, calmly. Then stepped next to Angelica's bedside and took her hand. \"I'll be right here.\" He said, looking down at her."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Angelica Stafford\nStormalong Keep**\n\nEric appeared in the doorway, and she couldn't help the confused expression on her features. She wasn't one that froze, and yet, she couldn't move. Eric's voice rang in the hall, and if she wasn't dealing with what she was now certain was labor, she might have made a joke about how authority sounded wonderful on his voice. \n\nThere was a flood of people in the room, and she felt like she was being swept away. Next thing she knew she was being guided to sit on a bed, and Eric was speaking but she couldn't hear him. She was just too aware of the blood rushing in her ears and the yells of the midwives guiding her. \n\nWhile he had promised to be at her side, eventually the room got too crowded. Minutes dragged into hours and the hope of a simple delivery was lost. It felt like teams kept moving into her chambers in shifts, and eventually Eric was called into the hall. She watched him leave, only to be met with another set of contractions that left her screaming, forgetting about anyone else in the room for a long time."
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Eric Stafford\nStormalong Keep\n\nHe paced the hall outside the door, watching midwives come and go. Frustration was growing, and within an hour the entire castle knew what was happening. Everyone knew the baby was coming. At first, Eric was getting updates on how things were going but those stopped as the labor dragged on. He was almost sick with worry, he wanted to kick down the door and be with his wife. Not one person in that room could stop him if he did. But Eric didn't. That would disrupt the sensitive procedure. So Eric paced, showering anyone who happened to step out of the room with questions. \n\nIt was after these long hours when a satisfied, yet exhausted midwife stepped out and invited Eric back into the room with the sound of crying coming from inside. He heart was going to leap out of his chest as he passed through the threshold of the door."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Angelica Stafford\nStormalong Keep\n\nA child crying had never been a sound she ever thought she'd be grateful to hear. It broke out in the room, and the collective sigh of relief was enough to make the world a little brighter. \n\nShe was handed a child, swaddled in cloth and blueish in color still. He screamed, his little lungs expelling air faster than he could draw it in, and she laughed at the sight.\n\nEric reappeared in the door and Angelica looked up to him, giving him an exhausted smile. \n\n\"We have a son.\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Eric Stafford\nStormalong Keep\n\nEric's knees weakened when he saw the little swaddling the was wrapped around the baby. The baby. His baby. His son. _His son_. Eric approached quickly to see the child and smiled the most genuinely pleased smile he could have had. \"What... What are we naming him?\" Eric asked, having never even though of a name for a child throughout the whole pregnancy."
}
] | 235 | 1,428 |
97.5 | 2019-03-26 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Angelica Stafford\nStormalong Keep\n\nShe'd thought about it before, but she hadn't had the opportunity to talk to Eric about it. Having spent the majority of the pregnancy apart, they didn't have much time to talk of things. \n\nShe had an idea in mind, but she wasn't going to say it first. \n\n\"I haven't thought of much about it.\" She told him truthfully. A thousand hands felt like they were still on her, and she released the child to Eric."
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Eric Stafford\nStormalong\n\nHe held the little bundle in his hands, staring the cooing child. Never feeling anything quite this intensily before, Eric didn't know what to do and was silent to Angelica's response for a minute or two. He looked at her and a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. \n\n\"Marcus?\" \n\nEric was unsure how Angelica would respond. Eric didn't know his wife's relationship with the late-commander very well, she didn't talk about it much. But Eric knew his loss devastated her just by the tone in her voice. It might mean the world to her, and hopefully give her some sort of closure."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Angelica Stafford\nStormalong Keep\n\nIt was the name she'd toyed with, the one she'd wanted to suggest but didn't know how to bring up without sparking an uncomfortable conversation between them. \n\n\"It's perfect.\" The woman smiled, doing her best not to let herself cry as he held the infant."
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Eric Stafford\nStormalong Keep\n\nEric offered the baby back to Angelica. \"Would you like to hold little Marcus Stafford?\" He asked, proud of the name. Proud of the small family the two started. \"I have a few things to really quick, the city should probably be informed who their new heir is.\"\n\nEric was brimming with an excitement he hadn't felt since he was knighted."
}
] | 93 | 390 |
219.5 | 2019-04-27 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Angelica Stafford\nMikhail Durkhan-Maith\nStormalong, South Feyshore\n\nMikhail cleared his throat and straightened, taking the comment about his room to be a dismissal from the Lord. After all, the Lady's personal chambers wasn't really a place you'd like to see your houseguest, even if that guest was basically a nephew to her. \"Thank you, Lord Stafford.\" He wiped his hands with the towel once more, resigning himself to the discoloration on his hands for the time being. \n\nAngelica reached for the towel, murmuring something about putting it with the wash to be taken by the staff later, and pushed herself from her perch on the edge of the tub. It wasn't the best motion, and she took Mikhails' forearm as a brace to stand up. \"Why don't we move to the parlor, or the gardens? We can have some tea and cakes brought around, Marcus should be down for a while still.\" She looked to her husband. \n\n\"We can catch up?\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Lord Eric Stafford\nStormalong, South Feyshore\n\nAt the first sign of Angelica being unsteady, Eric about made a rush to help her. But Mikhail seemed to have her well and he visibly relaxed. The last thing Eric needed was for his wife to fall onto a bathroom floor.\n\n\" The gardens that we had planted in the spring are starting to do very well and I've spent most of the day inside today and it's a beautiful day today.\" He added, stepping away from the bathroom door to allow them to walk out of the room. \"Is this your first time in the Stormalong's castle, Mikhail?\" He asked, looking to the boy. \"We can also take you on a brief tour this evening if you wish.\" A friendly smile rested on Eric's face instead of the normal stoic look. Something about his new life in Stormalong seemed to be making him more out-wardly friendly. A warmth he didn't quite have before."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Angelica Stafford\nMikhail Durkhan-Maith\nStormalong, South Feyshore\n\nWhen Eric moved aside, she let Mikhail exit first before following, hooking her arm through Eric's as they walked. \n\n\"It is, I don't believe I've ever spent any time in South Feyshore that wasn't just passing through.\" He confirmed, falling into step beside the pair as they walked through the wide halls of the castle. He'd been curious to poke around, and figured he'd do so in the dead of night. But a guided tour might be more worthwhile. \n\n\"It was fully repaired this spring, as much to it's original state as possible, but the eastern side was mostly destroyed. You'll have to let us know if the renovations were up to par with the rest of the structure.\"\n\n\"I'm not versed in things like that, but I can tell you that from what I've seen of it so far, it's seamless.\" Mikhail offered. On their way out, he'd left his package from Bradai on the bed, and now it was all his mind was drifting to, worried he'd lose the books that were gifted to him."
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Lord Eric Stafford\nStormalong, S. Feyshore\n\n\"You have freedom to roam wherever you wish. It's as much yours as it is ours, you're always welcome.\" Eric said, walking a leisurely pace with his wife.\n\n\"I've spent considerable time salvaging the library as well, I've heard you like to read. I have had men going through some of the abandoned keeps that dot Feyshore looking for old tomes and texts to restock it. I also have a few boys who are being trained to knighthood living in the barracks, they usually spar in the morning if you are interested in seeing that.\" Eric explained as they passed the corridors. The walls were mostly bare, Randall Storm had taken down many of the Ramsalot portraits when he took the castles and had them stored. Eric didn't know what to do with them quite yet, there was especially a Cleburn portrait that unsettled him. But the art that did remain was mostly landscape art of different places in Feyshore or of the lake Fey. Some of them of old castles in Northern Feyshore."
}
] | 220 | 878 |
237.96 | 2019-05-18 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Lord Eric Stafford\nStormalong\nDays ago\n\nEric usually wasn't one for making things a big deal, but it was hard to hide his leaving. Especially with a retinue more than a few people. The people of Stromalong didn't quite have anything too talk about or see, and most of them hadn't seen the heir yet. The retinue that was prepared was made up of ten men-at-arms to guard, all thirteen of the squires Eric had taken into Stormalong for trainning, and two of Angelica's favorite handmaids to help with Marcus whilst in Astoria. Marcus knew the two women well and responded well to them when Eric and Angelica were both busy. A wagon was filled with things, mostly clothes and some food for the few day journey and a comfortable place for Angelica and Marcus to be. Everyone else was mounted. The progess from the keep to the gates was slow as onlookers emerged to view the small parade that was leaving. They called out praise to their young lord and lady, and cheered at the sight of the baby Marcus, who was giggling at the noise.\n\nGuards were lining the streets, just to ensure the crowd did not get out of hand, all the way to the gates of the city people watched. Even once out the gates, people were waiting and watching. The squires loved the attention, Eric enjoyed seeing his people in good spirits. \n\nThe open country was lovely, as summer had yet to start, it wasn't too hot and it wasn't much cold at the beginning of the journey. But once they'd arrived to Astoria, storms began blowing. The journey was quicker than expected, but still not as quick as normal. Eric would call several halts to ensure Marcus was doing fine on the journey, since such journeys were hard on children and this was his first. \n\nIt had only taken two days for the family to reach Astoria, and most of the last day to reach Zahrada."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Lady Angelica Stafford \nPrince Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nStormalong\n\n\"You're a Prince, Mikhail, you really should be inside the carriage with me and Marcus.\" Angelica insisted for the thousandth time, holding Marcus to her shoulder as she watched Mikhail and one of Eric's squires worked to saddle a stallion for the Prince. \n\n\"And normally, I would agree. But _who_ is going to think I'm _The_ prince when I look nothing like him?\" He countered, a small smirk on his face that made the squire behind him laugh. Angelica gave him a look.\n\n \"Daemon, don't encourage him.\" She warned, and Mikhail moved from his spot by the stallion to stand before her. He placed his hands on her arms, and gave a small smile. \"I'm asking to ride among a party of twenty three -twenty four if you count your husband- other knights on a path we've taken a hundred times. I couldn't be more safe. Besides- Daemon offered me a pair of his riding clothes, I'll look like just another squire-\" Angelica went to stop him, but it pressed on. \"_and_ you'll get the whole bench to yourself and the handmaids.\"\n\nThat made her stop, and she sighed. \"The first time you fall off your horse you're in the carriage with the baby.\" She warned, and Mikhail laughed, nodding in agreement. It was the first time she'd seen the boy happy in over two years. He wasn't timid or scared, he was growing into himself and it was _really_ great to see. \n\nThe journey went as planned until the rains, and even then Mikhail managed to hold his own despite Angelica insisting he get into the carriage and out of the rain. \n\n_\"You'll catch your death, Mika!\" \n\n\"Again?\"_ He'd countered, and she really couldn't argue with that."
},
{
"author": "purelyplutonic",
"message": "**Dustin Olsah**\n**Streets of South Feyshore**\n\nDustin lay in one of the streets, watching people pass him by. He had a tattered hat laid out in front of him but it was empty of coin. Nobody wanted to give money to a beggar, still it was worth a try. He sighed and leaned against the stone wall. \n\nHe could feel the cravings set in and he dug into his pocket for any cash. A couple silver pieces was all he had and he shook his head in worry. That was all the pay he had left from the military... And he couldn't get any more. How was he going to be able to pay for his fix now? *A problem for future me*, he decided, and stood up, joints creaking from disuse. \n\nHe slowly walked down the streets, seeming to be as harmless as an old man, but the razor-sharp sword at his side showed otherwise."
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Daemon Coridon\nStormalong\n\nDaemon loved riding as much as he liked battering the other squires into the dust. More than he liked to sneak out of the barracks and keep to drink in the tavern. But, Daemon found riding with a company and being told to stick with the company was quite possibly the worst thing he'd ever expieranced. The only thing he found bearable was being with the prince, something about Mikhail drew Daemon to him in a way that most of the other squires failed to interest him. MAybe that was it, Mikahil was _interesting_. The other squires just... Weren't. One boy talked about living in some castle with his family who'd just received a noble title. Daemon knew that story. Another talked about what it was like to be a commoner, beeing a commoner was quite possibly the most uninteresting thing one could ever talk about. \n\nBut Mikhail knew stuff, knew jokes, had seen places Daemon only knew as a place on a map. Ontop of all that, he wasn't stupid or obsessed with competition like the other squires were. Daemon was probably one of the better swordsmen, the best lance, a passable spearman and definitely the best looking in his opinion, though, he admitted that he might be bias. The young squire was about fourteen with dark blue eyes and brown-blonde mahogany hair that he kept to a medium and well groomed state. All of his facial features were sharp and handsome, and he was rarely seen without a cocky sort of smile that was common among squires that were good at being squires.\n\n\"So, since you're the prince and all that,\" Daemon started, his voice a little low, \"If you and I just decided to ride ahead of everyone and beat them to Zahrada, nobody would be able to say anything, right?\" He asked."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nStormalong\n\n\"Normally, no.\" He agreed, kicking his leg up to mount the stallion. It wasn't anything fancy, and wasn't even his own. It had come from Lord Stafford's stables, and he'd been told by he stable boy that it was 'practically a mare' with how tame it was. Considering he'd never ridden in the jagged cliffs of where he was raised, and only took up the subject in the last few months, he was very much okay with that fact. \n\nThe honey brown stallion stayed still as Mikhail took to the saddle, and he adjusted his hold on the reins a few times before looking back to Daemon. \n\n\"But Angelica is practically my aunt, and while I _technically_ outrank her, she physically outranks me, even post-birth.\" He joked, and went to push his hand through his golden locks onto to remember they were now short and dark. He tugged on them a bit, and his hand came away without ink for the first time in a few days. \n\n\"Plus, mother wouldn't mind if Angelica chopped me to bits.\" He added with a smirk and tilted his head to the side. The sun was pleasantly warm, and he urged his horse to take a place next to Daemon's as they started off. \n\n\"Give it a few hours, then we can cause some trouble.\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Daemon Coridon\nStormalong\n\nLooked at the prince, who at the current moment didn't look much like a prince, \"Y'know, I feel like you and I have different definitions of trouble.\" He said as his horse began a trot. Daemon's horse was somewhat the opposite of Mikhail's. A black stallion with a gray mane, Whisper was wild and furious. When the squires were first taken in, they'd all been given horses. The horses were theirs to groom, feed, water and train. Daemon's horse was the wildest, when he mounted him for the first he'd earned a concussion when thrown and a broken finger when it bit his hand when Daemon tried to pet the horse to calm him.\n\nNow, the horse only responded to Daemon and threatened to kill anyone else. The stableboys gave Whisper a wide birth and Lord Stafford had the horse placed in the back to keep it away from the other horses. Captain Aldvis once joked about making the horse a knight instead.\n\n\"So, is Zahrada as ugly as Stormalong, it being the capital?\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nStormalong\n\n\"Where does running off in the middle of the night in the Isles to be caught by a group of _Black Poppies_ fall on your spectrum of trouble?\" Mikhail prompted, raising a brow. \"Or spending months in the company of giants? Or dead? I feel like my version of trouble is pretty on point, Coridon.\" He countered.\n\n\"And I've got the scars to prove it.\" He added, mostly under his breath. \n\n\"But no, Zahrada is gorgeous. It's a garden city, most of the actual city is lush and overgrown, the markets and towns that surround it are normal, I suppose. But Zahrada itself stays in bloom for most of the year. \""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Daemon Coridon\nStormalong\n\n\"You should start writing story-books. You're quite good at telling stories.\" He said with a half smile, \"Yet, in none of those stories you mention some pretty girl or anything. They're the _best_ kind of trouble to get into.\"\n\nDaemon turnned attention to the people looking on their parade as they passed through Stormalong. Flashing a smile at one or two of the girls who were in the crowd, \"Y'know, if I was in your position, I'd be flaunting my status at every turn. You'd half every girl in Feyshore and Astoria begging time with you.\" He commented, looking back to Mikhail. He knew most of everyone could hardly hear the two talking, especially with the sounds of the people of Stormalong."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nStormalong \n\nA blush flushed his features, and Mikhail was glad it could be blamed on the sun and not the conversation, but he didn't think Daemon would fall for that. \n\n\"There's never been a pretty girl involved. Or any girl.\" Althea didn't count, she was pretty, but well over twice his age. \n\nHe gave it a moment, and finally shrugged his good shoulder a bit. \"Trust me, the title isn't enough to offset the danger of being at my side. I think the number of girls who would even consider a courtship with me could be counted on one hand.\""
},
{
"author": "blargh.",
"message": "Elise Hagen \nHagen Keep\nNext day after previous post\nElise spent the last day working on the family keep. In this time she had finished cleaning up the family bedrooms. When she saw it she realized the room was still as it was left with the old family crest. It was some time since she had first seen it, though it was by her work since her parents beleived it was a waste of time. For now she just walked around the areas she had cleared amazed at the craftsmanship of the people that had first created the area. While searching other things she was glad to have seen was the old family heirlooms. Every room cleared made her spirits rise, and over the day she had moved to other halls and luckily those hadn't needed to be cleared. It was also around this time she found the library which is most of the time she was there wed spent in that room reading their history."
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Daemon Coridon\nStormalong\n\nRaised an eyebrow at that and looked at him.\n\n\"The danger of being at your side,\" He started, \"You aren't talking to the right girls then. I can promise you there are a lot of young girls who would do nearly anything to live in a nice fancy castle, with a nice fancy garden. Even more would be willing to spend a night alone with one.\" He continued, \"Don't worry, you'll run into enough pretty girls with me, that's the sort of trouble I prefer.\"\n\n\"So, another question if you don't mind, how come I don't see you fighting in the yard? You have some private training place?\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nStormalong. \n\nHe cringed at the look he was given. \"I know it sounds ridiculous, but it's not as if I haven't had an attempt on my life three times now. One of which was _very_ successful, need I remind anyone.\" He added, and again went for his hair, a nervous habit he hadn't realized he'd developed. His hand found nothing though, and he settled it back on the reins with a roll of his shoulder. \n\n\"If you manage to find a girl who wants to spend ten _minutes_ with me, I'll buy you a new sword. You're out of your league.\" He chuckled and shook his head at the secondary question. \n\n\"I've got a bad shoulder, never really been a fighter. I'm not in a position to keep up with the rest of you in the yard, so Lord Stafford is training me until he feels I'm ready.\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Daemon Coridon\nStormalong\n\n\"Well,\" Daemon started, \"I suppose I can find a girl who thinks ten minutes is a long time. A new sword would be lovely.\" \n\n\"And if anything happens on the road stand behind me, so you can get a good look at how it's done.\" He flashed a little semi-cocky smile and continued the ride."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nStormalong\n\nHe flushed, this time a furious red. \"I wasn't saying that I can only- I mean I-.\" He stuttered and \"Fuck you, Coridon.\" He finished, trying not to appear as humiliated as he really was. Maybe riding in the carriage with Angelica would have been the better option."
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Daemon Coridon\nStormalong\n\n\"That's the most color I've ever seen,\" He smiled, satisfied with his jape.\n\nThe city gates opened for the party and they began to pass through, leaving the city smells and noise behind them. \n\n\"The air is already better.\" Daemon observed. \"I'm not looking forward to Astoria, I'm actually gonna have to be nice to you there.\" He said, grabbing a waterskin from his saddlebag and taking a small gulp from it, offering it to Mikhail. If Mikhail took a drink, he'd pretty quickly realize it was wine, not water. Fairly expensive wine at that."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nStormalong \n\n\"You'll be lucky if you see me in Astoria. I pretty much go into lockdown the moment I enter the city.\" With the comment he reached for the waterskin, and took a generous gulp. The wine hit his tongue and he paused, before taking another and handing it back. \n\nHe swallowed, and cleared his throat, finding he'd grown unsure of the conversation. It was on him, as if normally was, and he was growing tired of talking about himself. \n\n\"How did you end up in Lord Stafford's company?\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Daemon Coridon\nStormalong\n\n\"Like most of us, I suppose. I'm a second son, third if you count my bastard brother, and my father was a merchant up jumped to a minor lord with a small castle and a little farming village. My elder brother is his heir, and he decided that I should go and do stuff to make our family known. So he offered me as a ward to Lord Stafford, like a lot of the other boys here, and Lord Stafford accepted. Training us all to be knights, since apparently Feyshore has a distinct lack of knights. Apparently he intends for us to be the first generation of knights to begin training the next generation, and so on and so on, until we're filled with a bunch of knights saving maidens and slaying dragons.\" He shrugged, \"I'm actually rather glad this all happened. I would have made a poor merchant, I'm a lot better at spending money than I am finding ways to earn it.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Mikhail Durkhan-Maith\nStormalong.\n\nFeyshore did have a distinct lack of knights, and he'd heard Angelica and Eric talking about rebuilding Knights Landing, or at least building a new one. He'd heard of it when his mother told him the truth about Heath Romanov. He'd begged for the real story of the man, and after hearing it felt some sense of closure. He hadn't seen the man in over a year, and didn't think he ever would again. Even mother had stopped talking about him..\n\n\"I can tell, that wine tasted like a watered down version of what we have back home. Make it a day and I'll send you home with a case of Astoria's favored Bloodwine.\" He joked, then his face fell at a memory.\n\n_Nathaniel Vivayn, and the half giant man child that served him sitting across from him at a table. Well, the giant sat by his side, Nathaniel took the opposite, spinely fingers pressed together in a tent as he spoke. It was before he was fully recovered the first time, when his head still spun and he couldn't quite eat or drink anything without vomiting. He'd been bound, as he always was upon his resurrection, and the giant-whose-name-escaped-him was putting a drink to his lips. It tasted of wine, but more metallic, and it was the first thing he'd ever kept down after being brought back from the dead._ \n\nHe'd assumed it was just a native wine, that it, much like the rest of the Witherlands, didn't contain the fruits or sweetness of the south that he was accustomed to. But something itched in the back of his mind, and he ran his tongue over his teeth, making a mental note to investigate a theory when they arrived."
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Daemon Coridon\nStormalong\n\n\"I'd love to have a case. I'm sure all the squires will toast in your honor, too.\" He smiled.\n\nDaemon saw the way Mik had faltered for a moment and tilted his head. \n\n\"Everything well, Mik?\" He asked, his horse keeping the pace of the party as they got farther from the city. The progression was moving slow and filled with low chattering and talking. Lord Stafford fell back from a leading position to ride near the wagon to talk to Angelica. Most of the other squires were quietly talking while the men-at-arms were joking about something. The party was fairly content with the travel so far."
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nStreets of Stormalong, Several Months after going into business with Craig\n\nBusiness had begun to pick up, and Avril was branching out into new drugs and new markets. Indeed, since Craig had joined her as her partner, business had been booming and they needed to expand. The land she had purchased was now filled with product, which Avril took care of and harvested, while Craig was usually in charge of sales. No one would swindle him, certainly! He was also her protector, and since going into business with him, the two of them had gained a sort of reputation in the seedier parts of South Feyshore. She no longer had to fear for her life or anything as she made her way through the streets in the rundown district she called home.\n\nShe was a free woman again, and it wasn't with the protection of royalty, as she had once thought. Instead, it was through her own hard work and the protection of a backwoods hick that happened to be big enough to beat the shit out of anyone that tried to take advantage of his business partner or himself. In their climb to notoriety, he'd had to make an example of quite a few people, but that was to be expected. And Craig had taught her some too. Basic defense that she had never known, but could now wield well enough to defend herself on the streets in the worst parts of Stormalong.\n\nShe was returning from the plot of land she had outside of the city with the product sewn into the bosom of her dress, adding a bit of padding in the region that made her look more like a harlot. At least the selling of those goods was legal, and it would draw less attention than her true dealings. A few years ago, she never would have dreamed she'd stoop to this level, but it was good money, and well... She was working to where she would no longer need to depend on any man. Not Randall. Not Eric. She'd grow her little empire with Craig, growing strong enough herself that she wouldn't even really need Craig, and if anyone crossed her, she'd be able to exact her revenge finally. Who would have guessed that a knife ear would one day know such freedom? \n\nAs she wove through the streets of Stormalong, she happened to catch sight of a beggar along the street. While most would simply see a harmless old man, she saw something else: the telltale signs of someone that used her product. It was easy to pick out, once you were familiar with it enough. The sunken eyes, the stringy hair, the unnatural, scrawny frame... Sure, those could be attributed to the man's poverty and homelessness, but Avril had a sense about it now. She knew what her products did to her clients; in just a few uses, they were hooked, though by the looks of it, this man had been using for longer than she had been selling.\n\nCould this be her first attempt at a sale? So far, she had allowed Craig to handle all of that, but perhaps it was time for her to try it for herself. Besides, the odds of this man hurting her were slim to none. His haggard body was clearly slowly being destroyed by his drug usage, and he seemed frail to begin with. If she had read him wrong and he wasn't a user, what would it matter? Who would believe the ramblings of an old addict? Besides, rats get trapped. \n\nEncouraged by such thoughts, she tugged at her dress, bringing it lower on her chest and made her way to her customer, her hips swaying freely. \"Hello,\" She purred. \"Looks like you're feeling a little lonely.\""
},
{
"author": "purelyplutonic",
"message": "**Dustin Olsah**\n**Streets of South Feyshore**\n\nAs Dustin stood up, he saw the woman approach him. He sighed. *A prostitute? No thanks.* Dustin tried to keep a smile on his face though, he needed the money. His neon blue eyes seemed to pierce through the woman, giving an uncanny sense of intelligence and shrewdness despite his haggard state. \n\n\"Hello. A lonely life on the street, madam.\" His voice was a low croak. He tips the hat a little but his hand hung by his sword. Old habits die hard."
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nStreets of Stormalong\n\nAvril's eyes slid over the man, calculating her every thought and her every move. For now, she had to keep up the ruse. Even in the seediest parts of the city, it was best not to make business transactions on the street. They drew too much attention, and Avril's business was still vulnerable. Loose lips sunk both ships and businesses. She took in every detail, noting the sword at his side and the way his hand hovered over it, like a viper holding itself up in preparation for the strike. Abort? Perhaps... No! This would be her first sale! In the back of his eyes, she could sense something... A desperation for product? Perhaps, but there was an intelligence there that told her he was not one so desperate that he would attack.\n\nShe laid her hand on his arm and said with a warm, flirtatious smile, \"It's not so lonely with a bit of company, and a bit of *Activity* Keeps you warm. Why don't you come with me?\" She giggled airily and continued, \"I think we can get each other what we both *Really* Want.\""
},
{
"author": "purelyplutonic",
"message": "**Dustin Olsah**\n**Streets of South Feyshore**\n\nSomething told Dustin that her words ran deeper than the surface. She was more than just a street slut. At least that's what he hoped. If that's all she was, he'd just leave. He had no interest in that. However, this could be the beginnings of a deal. A shiver ran down his spine and his head pounded. It had been much too long since his last hit. His thoughts did another 180, an unfortunate side effect of the headache. She wouldn't be a prostitute just because it was clear he had no or little money, and he sure wasn't the best looking or vulnerable looking that's for sure.\n\nHe flinched away a little at the physical contact. It reminded him too much of the war. He hated this woman's airy attitude and Dustin sighed again. \"What I want might be different from what you have in mind.\" There. That was his first clue. Every deal was a game of words, and although he didn't play it well, (he was better suited for blades), he could do it to some degree. \"If you have what I want, there may be coin in store.\""
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nStreets of Stormalong\n\nHer dark eyes flicked over her companion, noting the shiver that ran through his body and the slight sheen of sweat that was beginning to appear on his face. Definite signs of withdrawal, and she had no doubt that he would purchase from her. He just had to have the coin, and from her experiences, Avril had learned that, no matter how poor, people had the money for the things they really cared about. For her clients, that was product. \n\nShe tilted her head a bit and smiled demurely. \"I've found that I know what men want,\" She replied, shifting so that the top of her dress gaped a bit. The petite elf was, of course, shorter than most and certainly shorter than Dustin, so the movement gave him a clear view at her chest. However, rather than see the usual wares offered by a lady of the night, he would see something else."
},
{
"author": "purelyplutonic",
"message": "**Dustin Olsah**\n**Streets of South Feyshore**\n\nDustin knew in an instant that this was a dealer, and as soon as he had proof that she was, his pupils dilated, making only a slight rim of that unnatural blue. Playing along with the woman's charade, he put his hand on her shoulder.\n\n\"Perhaps we should go someplace more... Secluded.\" Dustin was good at acting, very much so. It came from passing off to guards that he was either A. Not high, or B. A legal citizen of the city. His voice seemed to be filled with that quavering lust that men so often seem to get when in the presence of an attractive person. However, he really only had eyes for the drugs. Another shiver racked his body, and without his permission, his mind began to play an old scene from many years ago.\n\nCaptain Olsah stood in a clearing of a jungle, staring down at a small elf soldier. She wore the sign of his platoon on her breastplate and she was speaking to him, asking him a question. The captain looked around and shrugged before responding with words unknown. Almost as soon as the captain spoke, the jungle erupted with enemies, and the elf was skewered on a scimitar's blade. The killer turned to the captain before yanking out his weapon and advancing on him...\n\nThe vision went away and Dustin's chest was heaving, although he was in the same place. There might have been a 20 second silence or so from your perspective. Dustin slowly got his heart rate under control and smiled at the elf woman, so similar to the one who was killed, not knowing if he missed anything."
}
] | 196 | 5,949 |
244.5 | 2019-05-19 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "blargh.",
"message": "Elise Hagen\n\nIt took trading between feeding the animals, and losing a few crops to not picking them up, but Elise had the keep cleared of rubble. It had taken her these last few days, but it's done. At the last chunk of rubble she gave a good shout of joy and ran around the keep. This moment had been a long one coming and she was there to enjoy it. Even then the roof of the dining hall was busted down, but she didn't care since that looked to be the worst of it. Soon after she decided to grab crops from the fields then rode for town to gain some money. She had even grabbed some of the swords she made to get some extra coin. They did seem balanced well and she had done so.\n*Moved to the Streets of South Feyshore.*"
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nStreets of South Feyshore\n\nAvril smiled prettily as he caught onto her meaning. She could see it in his eyes, and in his sudden eagerness to join her, whereas before it had been pretty clear to her that he wasn't interested in a lady of the night. Really, the fact that he hadn't shown such interest in that capacity made her even more eager to follow through on this deal. She felt that there was very little risk, and plenty of reward to gain. It would be her first deal, and she, admittedly, was quite excited! It showed in her eyes, which sparkled eagerly and, well, perhaps a bit greedily, as well as the bright smile that lit up her face as she led her new client through the streets. \n\nThe two of them continued the charade as they walked, with Avril leaning against him and chattering nonsense. Everything was veiled with deeper meaning, but on the surface, it appeared to be nothing more than a street slut chatting up her new client. The silence was a bit unnerving though, and he seemed to be in another place altogether as they walked along, though eventually he seemed to come back. She shrugged it off, however, chalking it up to him being in the stages of withdrawal. \n\nFinally, she led him to her home. This may not have been the brightest plan, but she was planning on vacating it soon anyway for a better, more secluded space. For now, this would have to do, and the moment they were through the door, she looked up at her client and asked, \"What do you need?\""
},
{
"author": "purelyplutonic",
"message": "**Dustin Olsah**\n**Streets of South Feyshore**\n\nDustin recognized the greed but he seemed not to care. He didn't care if she liked money or not, that was quite ridiculous. As soon as he came back to reality, he fell into the middle of a conversation that he knew nothing about. He nodded in a couple wrong places, but he could pass it off otherwise.\n\nDustin looked at the house coming up and a stab of curiosity ran through him. Why not an alley deal? If this was her home, it wasn't the smartest thing to do to lead him to it. But who knows. Some of her actions marked her as less sure as any other drug lords he'd met. She was probably newer on the block. \n\nHe scanned the house as he walked through, automatically searching for cover, flat ground, and stairs. He had done some indoor combat before on the frontlines. Homes that needed clearing. Another memory threatened to pop up but I snarled and pushed it back down. I shook my head in apology and glanced at the woman. \"Spice. Please.\""
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nStreets of South Feyshore\n\n\"Coming right up,\" She replied briskly, turning and disappearing into the back. There, she gathered up a small amount of product, carefully weighing it out. It was enough to get him through for a few days, but no more. After all, she needed her returning customers! Hopefully he'd try this and realize that she did have the superior product. Besides, he didn't look like he had enough money to purchase much in the first place, so if he attempted to rob her, she wanted him to have access to as little as possible.\n\nShe placed it in a little cloth bag and closed the cabinet, locking it quickly before returning to the main room. She was distinctly aware of the dagger attached to her right thigh as she approached him, though she kept a slight distance from him. He had a sword, after all. Might as well have brought a knife to a gun fight. All the same, she at least had some means of defense, and Craig was supposed to return before too long. \n\n\"3 days worth,\" She said in as confident voice as she could manage, \"Roughly, anyway. Now, show me the coin, and I'll let you test the product.\""
},
{
"author": "purelyplutonic",
"message": "**Dustin Olsah**\n**Streets of South Feyshore**\n\nDustin didn't allow himself to get comfortable on any seat. Instead he stood and leaned against the wall. Never give up an advantage, or put yourself in a position of disadvantage. Dustin had noticed the dagger and he knew that sometimes dealers liked to mug their clients. It was rare but it happens if they need a quick buck. He was glad he had brought his scimitar.\n\nDustin reached for the bag as she came in, craving the drug, but he stayed his hand reluctantly. How easy it would be to take it from her corpse. And maybe raid the house for more while he was at it. However, despite being an addict, he was a man of his word... Probably why he ran out of money so quick. He reluctantly produced the silver coins.\n\n\"I have 3 now, and 3 after I try it.\" Dustin's hand shook as 3 shiny silver faces stared up at the woman. His other hand reached for the small cloth bag."
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nSouth Feyshore\n\nShe pulled her hand holding the product he was going to buy out of his reach. He had proven that he had part of the coin, but not all of it, so she wasn't about to let him have the entirety of the product. He might run off with it! Instead, she took another small sample and offered it to him, this containing only enough enough to last him a few hours, if that. \n\n\"There,\" She said, making her voice as commanding as she possibly could make it. Her small stature didn't help her much... It was like having a child order him around, really. That, along with her race, made it so that virtually no one would listen to her, but she intended for that to change. This was the beginning of it!\n\n\"That's enough for you to try,\" She continued. \"If you like it, show me the other coins and I'll let you try the product in the bag. But I have to see all of them before you have access to this at all.\" She stood up as tall as she could, her eyes sharp as she gazed up at him and waited for his response to the product. She knew it was the best—she just wanted to see his reaction to prove it."
}
] | 243.5 | 1,467 |
291 | 2019-05-29 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nAvril's Residence\n\nAvril was admittedly happy to see the fog he was in. It was a good indication of the purity and quality of her products, which she was gradually working on improving, both in the purification process and in the growing process. She was growing enough different things though that she could appeal to a rather broad audience of users, though her primary focus was opium and this \"Spice\". \n\nShe blushed a bit at his matter-of-fact comment. He didn't seem to be judging her inexperience, but rather noting it, and despite that, he didn't try to take advantage of this situation, which was a fact she could appreciate. She leaned back in her chair, pushing back so that it tilted onto its back two legs as she looked him over. \n\n\"Yes,\" She finally admitted. \"You were my first sale, though my partner has been selling for a while now. I'm mostly in charge of... Product development.\" She gave him a little grin at that and then paused for a moment before saying, \"You've been using long enough that you have plenty of experience... But something tells me that you don't have the money to buy again when you run out of this batch, right?\""
},
{
"author": "purelyplutonic",
"message": "**Dustin Olsah**\n**Avril's Residence**\n\nFirst customer eh? Dustin chuckled a little. Well, she was newer than he thought. She was doing pretty well for herself on this deal already... However, Dustin noticed a significant lack of protection or safety. Then again, he didn't know how skilled she was with that dagger of hers. He hated going against a good knife fighter. If they were good and fast, they'd cut him up if they got close enough. For her sake, she better be good.\n\n\"Product development.\" Dustin laughed again. \"So I'm the guinea pig? I think this is quite a nice variety... I may come back for more.\" He paused at the next pretty astute observation and stumbled over his thoughts a bit, the spice not helping. He was quite wary... If he didn't have money what would happen? Would she do a sort of gang recruit thing on him? He didn't like the idea of being part of a gang... Then again, it could have its uses since he was dead broke. He dropped the bag of spice neatly into his pocket before asking carefully, \"What if I don't?\""
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nAvril's Residence\n\nAvril smiled at his laugh, finding it warm for as rough and ragged as the man before her looked. She supposed that everyone had a story, and Dustin could be no different. A day that he started using... A day that he ended up on the street. He was somebody's son; somebody's friend. At least once upon a time...\n\nShe roused herself from her musings at his question and tilted her head to look up at him. Her eyes were piercing as she gazed at him, her features sharp and inhuman as she pressed her pointer finger against her lips, a pensive look appearing on her face. Her lips pursed a bit before she finally tipped her chair back a bit more and replied, \"If you tried to take it from me, I'd cut you to ribbons and my partner would beat you to a pulp, make no mistake.\" The words were harsh for a woman that appeared so delicate and tiny, and truth be told, Avril probably wasn't skilled enough to hold her own against him just yet, but he didn't need to know that. \"If you came to me without money...\" Her voice trailed off as she thought, then finally said quietly, \"If you came to me without money, I'd either be forced to turn you away... Or I'd be tempted to offer you a job.\""
},
{
"author": "purelyplutonic",
"message": "**Dustin Olsah**\n**Avril's Residence**\n\nThe piercing gaze was slightly unsettling, but he stared back. Dustin raised his eyebrows as she threatened him but didn't push it. Maybe she *Was* Good with the knife. He somehow doubted it, but caution is what let him survive the military. Too many brave soldiers had died because of just that: their courage and bravery. Much safer to play it calm and cool.\n\n*Captain Olsah stood in front of a man taller than him by at least six inches. The man's gaze fell upon the distraught captain. \"Report!\" He barked. Olsah trembled slightly and began in a shaky voice. \"I was the only survivor sir. The platoon was ambushed. Rebels. They... They killed everyone.\" \"Where were you while this happened?\" The officer barked. \"I was fighting...\" Olsah replied, but he was cut off. \"Bullshit! Captain, I'd rather have a dead man than a coward, do I make myself perfectly clear? There is no room in this establishment for sniveling bastards that run at the first sight of enemies! Am I clear?\" There was a pause, and the captain spoke again. \"Sir, yes sir.\" The officer turned away. \"You have 10 minutes to figure out how to explain to me why you shouldn't be dismissed on the spot. Then we'll talk.\" The officer walked away briskly, and the captain cried out in desperation before leaning against a tree, blood seeping out from between his fingers. He finally let the blood flow and began to bandage it. He couldn't show weakness to the officers.*\n\nDustin blinked and looked back at Avril as she continued. He listened intently, choosing to simply ignore the flash of past. \"A job?\" Dustin's eyebrows rose again. He was interested."
}
] | 270 | 1,164 |
202.2 | 2019-06-11 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong \n\nAfter a busy weekend hauling wood Craig decided he needed to take some time off for himself. Riding his horse down one of the older roads in town to a dead end, he made his way to the cock and bulls tavern. As he climbed down he passed the reins to a stable boy. \"Put him round back with the rest of the horses. Just leave his tack attached.\" The would be druglord ordered before barging in for a night of anything but rest and relaxation with the barkeep and wenches."
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Sophia Sucher\nStormalong\n\nThe pain of losing her brother had been unbearable. To distract herself, the sell-sword had gone out of her way to find the most difficult bounties she could find. It was almost like she had a death wish, wanting to join her brother in the afterlife as she felt she lost a part of her when he was brutally murdered. He was her twin after all. \n\nSophia sat among a group of men, who all happened to be sell-swords or similar. Due to the significant amount of coin she had managed to make with her reckless bounties, Sophia decided to gamble most of it away by playing a game one of her acquaintances had made up himself. Taverns were her favourite place to find possible bounties, seeing how many who had quarrels with another would make their way to a drink, leading them to a tavern. \n\n\"Another round on me.\" She called out as a smirk crawled its way to her lips. It seemed luck was on her side with this new made up game, seeing how she managed to add more coins to her collection rather than losing some. The benefits of playing dirty which none of the others had managed to catch onto for the time being."
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong\n\nHaving entered the tavern just in time for his favorite drink, Craig bellied up to the bar for the round on the kind stranger who he'd never seen before. \"I don't give a rats ass about tabs, man, she just said it's on hers. Pour it up or I'll relocate your nose to the side of your face.\" That was another problem with this infernal city. Every barkeep he'd met was anal about their tabs, never so much as forgetting a single mug of ale. \n\nWith a grunt of thanks and not so much as a tip for his trouble the hunter settled in to watch the match unfolding. From the looks of things luck wasn't being very fair tonight and had been playing favorites with the stranger. There had to be some trick to it, but as long as she kept the alcohol flowing he didn't care much to point it out or look into it further."
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Sophia Sucher\nStormalong\n\nThe game was quite basic and simple, something many sellswords favoured as it could be played without difficulty when completely intoxicated. A mug was given to the loser of the previous round so they were forced to start, placing multiple coins into the mug before handing it in a clockwise direction. The others would follow, placing numerous coins into the mug until the last person holding it placed it back into the centre of the table. During each turn, Sophia would glance towards a standing observer who would circle the table each turn, eyeing the amount each player had placed in the cup. He would then discreetly scratch the side of his scalp the amount each would put in, allowing her to 'guess' the correct amount when it was time for each of them to call out a number. \n\n\"Come on you lot, you're disappointing me over here.\" She laughed light-heartedly before shaking her head amused. She was careful to avoid winning every round, allowing one out of five rounds to be given to one of the men she was playing. It would have become suspicious otherwise if she had won every game. \"I have an idea.\" \n\nAll the men lowered their chatter so they were able to hear this next 'idea'. Sophie looked towards each of the men, her eyes lingering for a couple seconds before moving to the next.\n\n\"I find it disappointing that I'm the only one shouting rounds. Next round, the person with the furthest answer has to shout everyone in this tavern. Unless you're too scared that is.\" She taunted, her gaze finally landing towards the male seated opposite of her, knowing he found it difficult to turn down a challenge."
},
{
"author": "purelyplutonic",
"message": "**Dustin Olsah**\n**Avril's Residence**\n\nDustin received the gaze steadily. He had noticed the elf ears but didn't care. Anyone who would give him what he wanted was okay on his book... And maybe she reminded him of someone... He couldn't think of them right now though, so soon after the spice.\n\n\"Tomorrow night.\" Dustin repeated. \"I can do that.\" He nodded along to the directions. \"I'll prefer product, as well, if it's all the same to you. What if I run into any authorities?\""
}
] | 191 | 1,011 |
161.5 | 2019-06-12 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong \n\nWatching the game Craig felt as if he had a decent enough handle of the rules regulations and otherwise important aspects of the competition. More importantly he had a decent enough idea that she would be cheating if she were this boastful about her chances. If there was one thing this city were good for it was cheating gamblers.\n\nAs the woman challenged the fellow opposite her Craig downed another swallow of brew. \"With any luck we'll be watching these two knock each other's teeth out soon enough.\" He said to a passing barmaid with a hopeful grin, downing the last of his drink and handed her the glass. \"Be a dear and fill that back up, love.\" He said as he handed her a coin along with it."
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Sophia Sucher\nStormalong\n\nA couple of the men left the table before being replaced by others, not wanting to risk having to pay for everyone's drinks. They barely had any coin left and preferred to keep it for their last few drinks. Sophia simply rolled her eyes before focusing on the men who were now at the table. \"So which one of you potential losers want to go first? Matthew?\" She asked, returning her gaze to the man opposite of her which was returned with a scowl. \n\nWith a laugh at his reaction, Sophia handed the mug to the man on her right. \"Winner gets to bed me.\" \n\nEvery eyes widened at her statement, unbelieving to what she said. She knew they had no chance while she had Antonio on her side, helping her with keeping count on how many coins that entered the Mug. She only said this so more players would join the game, which meant more coin for her. \"It'll be a shame if I have to go home alone tonight.\" \n\nNot that she had one."
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong \n\nTaking the mug from the serving girl Craig's eyebrows shot up the same as everyone else's that sat within ear shot. If he'd been a weaker willed, or more drunk man he would've jumped at the chance to join in. Luckily for him however he was a Gulcher, and Gulchers we're above such base acts as gambling. Unfortunately however there were no issues with causing trouble and stirring up dust, and with that in mind Craig made his way to the table.\n\n\"My turn fat boy.\" He said in his thick accent as he drug one of the more intoxicated victims from his stool and set him aside, ignoring the complaints of the man who settled on the floor. \"You're a damned cheat.\" He said as he finally settled into his seat, turning to face the strange woman. \"It's strange. Back home they'd hang someone as bold as you for stealing. But here in this forsaken town it's just a part of the nightly entertainment. How're you doing it?\" He figured there was no point in mincing words at a table like this."
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Sophia Sucher\nStormalong\n\nShe planned on this being her last round so she could leave and get some rest, having spent hours in this tavern and was quite intoxicated. To her luck, Sophia could handle her liquor. \n\nAs she heard the word cheat, she stopped counting the coins in her hands that she planned to place in the mug and rose her gaze towards someone she did not recognise. She was amused by his accusations, assuming he had known how she had been cheating as he had called her out. His mistake was when he continued to accuse her, giving away the fact that he didn't know how. \n\n\"You should be careful of accusations like that.\" A grin began to crawl on her lips as she leaned forward over the table. \"Are you sure you want to play with an attitude like that?\" \n\nShe couldn't help herself as she talked down on him, treating him like he was a female with hormonal issues."
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong\n\nHe grinned as she turned to face him upon being accused, spreading his hands in a gesture of innocence. \"I've got coin enough to waste on a game or two with a cheat.\" He said as she challenged him, drinking from his mug and waiting to start up the game. \"You seem awful concerned over a little accusation.\""
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Sophia Sucher\nStormalong\n\nShe simply shrugged her shoulders in reply before leaning back into her chair, ignoring his remark. \"Well, I cant turn down coin. How about you start us off?\" \n\nSophia reached for the mug and slid it across the table so he could start the game. She would need to be cautious about her techniques as this man seemed to be catching on. She would have to avoid looking towards Antonio whenever the stranger glanced in her direction. \"I'll assume you know how the game works?\""
}
] | 173 | 969 |
227.2 | 2019-06-15 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong\n\n\"Well now that's just plain untrue.\" He said with a wounded expression in regards to her comments. \"Plenty of folks love stories. Hell there's festivals and shit just for that kind of thing. Now if maybe you're trying to keep a secret or two that would be much more understandable.\" He added, watching as she glanced around a time or two and grinning. Surely she wasn't as bold as that... \n\n\"How about I tell you a bit about myself instead then? Names Craig. Craig Gulcher. Born and reared in the lovely countryside well away from this miserable excuse for a city I've had the misfortune of finding myself in. Still it's not all that bad. I've got a few friends here and there tucked away.\" He paused to take s pull from his mug. \"What about you? You look like the friendly sort. Hell I'd take it you've got a friend or two here right now watching us play.\" In reality he had no clue if she had someone watching, if she did he figured he'd have to watch his back later on."
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Sophia Sucher\nStormalong\n\nSophia let out an annoyed sigh as 'Craig' continued to talk, telling her his story about his life. Not that she asked for it but what could she do? She couldn't exactly cut out his tongue while surrounded by many witnesses, she would have to focus on finishing the game so she could leave before more questions were asked. When the mug was placed in front of her, Sophia took it into her hands and placed a few coins into it. From what Antonio told her, there were 25 coins so far and with her added coins, that brought the number to 31. \"You talk too much.\" \n\nInhaling deeply, she handed the mug to the next person before reaching her hand behind her head to rub the back of her neck. \"But if it will shut you up, the name's Sophia Sucher. And my story? I like to kill for a living and so did my brother, so we decided to become sell-swords. There isn't much to it. I found myself here after completing a job and decided to spend the night drinking my sorrows away while gambling. The life to live.\""
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong\n\nCraig raised an eyebrow as she spoke, grinning as he reevaluated the stranger who'd identified herself as Sophia. Assuming she actually did enjoy killing as she'd said he didn't feel as if he should push her too far. That being said he was in public, and if all else failed he could always ask the knife ear he'd taken to working with to put a hex on her or something. \n\n\"Well now there's a pretty story. What'd the two of you carve up? Or should I ask who?\" He added, unable to keep from pushing his luck when the alcohol was flowing and the tavern was full."
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Sophia Sucher\nStormalomg\n\n\"You don't stop asking questions, don't you?\" She questioned Craig with an agitated tone, wishing he would shut himself up before she lost her temper. Taking calming breaths, she noticed the mug was once again placed in the middle, filled close to the top with coins. \"But if you must know, his name was Samuel Fienster. He got himself involved with the wrong people and owed money. A fun hunt I must say. He was very difficult to catch.\" \n\nAs she spoke, her eyes glanced around the crowd, landing on Antonio a few times before bringing her attention back to the men around her. Reaching towards the mug, Sophia took it by the handle and poured the coin onto the table. \"Before we count, let's say our guesses.\""
},
{
"author": "valenkryst",
"message": "David Bradshawe\nVillage on the outskirts of the Audeamus Forest\n\nDavid huffed as he finally stepped into the village square, the pale man slightly tired from the long walk. He took a brief moment to look around, wondering where these damned commonfolk where dragging him. \"Where?\" Is all he said to the man in which he was following, who had a look of urgency on his face.\n\nThe random peasant motioned, and then hurried over to a nearby house. He called over his shoulder \"This way!\" He stood at the destination, waiting as David made his way over rather quickly. \"It don't look good.\" Random peasant said, and then stepped aside so that David could get a good look.\n\nDavid entered the room, and looked around. His eyes settled on the injured figure laying on something that could be called a bed. A quick look at the injured person's legs told the man everything he needed to know. \"Leave. All but the injured.\" He demanded, and then sighed. \"Don't enter until I leave. I will.. Do what is possible.\" He waited until the final person left, and then he walked to the bedside. \"Close your eyes. Do not worry. You will live.\"\n\nThe man on the bed let out a whimpering noise, probably one of pain from his crushed legs, which were given to him by a rather rude tree. The man did as was requested of him, closing his eyes.\n\nThe pale man said nothing else as he began his work, doing his best to try to save the man's legs. He had to use both fire and his healing abilities. The healing he used to try to fix the man's bones. The fire he used to close the skin, and as he'd learned previously, scare off infection."
}
] | 229 | 1,136 |
194.636364 | 2019-06-16 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Marsila Vema\nTraiper Village\n\nThe large fallen tree to her left had exhausted her as she had been the one to raise it so those standing by were able to pull him from underneath. She couldn't rid herself of the agonised screaming that tainted her mind, wishing she could have done more to help. A hand found itself on Marsila's shoulder, one of the witnesses had decided to stay after the other villagers left to either care for the man or find someone who may be able to heal him. \"You have done what you could. It is known that a wizard lives in the Audeamus Forest that has the ability to heal.\" \n\nThe woman was kind. Marsila had to give her that. She stood up and allowed her legs to stretch, the shifter needed to see this Wizard in action. \"I will believe this when I see it.\" \n\nIt would give her a peace of mind as she was the one who had caused the tree to fall. She forced herself to hold all the responsibility as she had been fighting one of her bounties which resulted in the falling tree before her bounty fled. He was the most difficult man she had come across to capture and truly wondered why he was wanted alive. If she had known he would make such a complicated bounty, he would have never taken on the challenge. \n\nAs she reached a wattle and daub house which belonged to one of the peasants, she noticed that everyone stood around the small building and that the door was closed. This caused her brows to furrow, the peasants in this village were like a large family and she noticed that not even his family were inside with the injured. Walking herself to the closest person near the family, she lightly tapped his shoulder. \"Why is there no one inside?\" \n\n\"He demanded he be left alone with Zaccheus. We assume it is so he can focus without any disruption.\" It made sense. Nonetheless, she wanted to know what was occurring inside the house."
},
{
"author": "valenkryst",
"message": "David Bradshawe\nTraiper Village\n\nThe entire process did not take long, only about an hour and a half. Throughout this time, almost nothing could be heard from within the home. The only exception was the whimpers of the injured man, be it from his wounds or David healing them. David had to reconnect the bones to the best of his ability, which was both difficult and simple. The difficult part was finding the fragmented bones, the easy part was reconnecting them. Once he was satisfied with the look of the man's legs, he lifted his hands, and finally closed the skin. While they did not look \"Good as new,\" They looked far better than they had previously.\n\n\"You may open your eyes now.\" The pale man said, and then he waited for the not-so-injured man to do so. \"I did what I could. You can still use them.. But fully healed they are not. I do not know if you can even feel them.\" He explained, a little bit of regret in his voice. He wished he was better. \"..I would say that you should avoid using them as much as possible for at least a fortnight. Possibly they will return to normal..\" David was looking a bit more pale than usual, and his hands were shaking as he spoke. It took a lot of energy out of him. He needed rest. Slowly, he made his way back to the door, ignoring anything the previously injured man had to say. He had not the energy to listen, or to answer his most likely limitless questions. The Mystic exited the house, and simply said \"It is done.\""
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Marsila Vema\nTraiper Village\n\nPatience is a virtue. That was one of Marsila's mottos as she waited by the house with all the peasants, waiting in silence while everyone around her began murmuring. Unfortunately this situation made it difficult for her to follow said motto and the shifter found herself circling the house until everyone grew quiet. \n\nMarsila brought herself to the back door where the man exited, no one seeming to care that he existed as they pushed past him into the house. They wanted to witness the end result and from what Marsila could hear, he had done quite the job. A job that seemed impossible. She observed the man, noticing his exhausted features from his time spent healing the injured but she couldn't help herself from learning more about him. \"Excuse me.\" \n\nHer voice was soft as she spoke, walking towards the man until she was only a few feet from him. \"Whatever you did inside there.. Thankyou.\""
},
{
"author": "valenkryst",
"message": "David Bradshawe\nTraiper Village\n\nDavid had begun to walk off when he heard the feminine voice. He turned to face her at her first words, as she seemed different from all the other people around. \"It's.. Nothing.\" The magician started off with, his eyes flicking around as he searched for his words. Given his occupation, it's not too surprising, as he rarely has to communicate with people. He was never a man to shrug off thanks, and so his lips curled into a little smile. \"You're welcome.. Though I don't do this because I'm nice.\" He finished, before turning to head back on his way to his home in the forest. As he'd told everyone to do, he expected to have is payment within the next couple days. He doesn't ask for much, he only wants books, after all."
},
{
"author": "blargh.",
"message": "Elise Hagen\nHagen Keep\n*Elise is back in her keep and with the help of a few carpenters finished the roof on the dining room of the keep. For now she has just been running around the keep like a child in a candy shop. The place was mostly left alone due to the fact the only entrance collapsed during the siege, and before they attacked it was only known by the community of their skills. Elise for now was left to her devises, and her mind was running wild as she looked over the rooms of the keep and was left in a giggling fit a she ran around.*"
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Marsila Vema\nTraiper Village \n\nThis man was quite odd. She couldn't place her finger on why particularly but decided not to seek out the reason, instead she began to follow the older man. \"Then why did you? Did they offer you payment?\" \n\nShe doubted he was blackmailed or forced into healing the man so she had to assume they hired him. Marsila never knew this man had existed and notice that the town was probably keeping whatever this man was to themselves. The forest he was heading towards didn't bother her as she continued to follow him, waiting for his reply so she could question him further."
},
{
"author": "valenkryst",
"message": "David Bradshawe\nTraiper Village\n\nDavid continued walking, just hoping that she would go ask the other people. She wasn't around these parts, or she would've at least heard of him, and how he works. For about 15 more seconds he walked, before he stopped, and turned around to face the persistent women. \"I... Require... Payments for my deeds. But I don't ask for much! I just.. Ask for what is needed. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must be heading home.\" He said, and then turned to begin walking through the forest. He didn't exactly mean to be coming off as rude or anything. The man just wanted to return home, where he could rest peacefully. He was surprised that he had even managed to almost restore that man's legs."
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Marsila Vema \nAudeamus Forest\n\nHe required payment. Something she was able to offer him in exchange he helped her with her bounty. The shifter didn't bother to waste time by asking the villagers about the man when she could ask him herself, even if he did seem rude with the way he spoke. Marsila knew that every minute she wasted, her bounty was putting more distance between them. \"I could use your help.\" \n\nShe kept her pace to match his own, knowing she was most likely annoying him but she was desperate. \"How did you heal that man back there?\""
},
{
"author": "valenkryst",
"message": "David Bradshawe\nAudeamus Forest\n\nThe man let out a sigh, and pressed two fingers to the bridge of his nose. He stopped his walk, and turned to face her once again. He just wished to be left alone. \"Lots of people could use my help.\" He said, annoyance creeping into his voice. \"I healed him by healing him. I just *Did.* It is not for you to know the specifics.\" David claimed, his tiredness beginning to make itself evident on his face. Now, hopefully for the last time, he turned and began to walk home. Though, he did begin to wonder what the woman wanted from him. He is the curious type, after all."
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Marsila Vema\nAudeamus Forest\n\nMarsila couldnt help the grin that formed on her lips when the man finally ceased his walking. However, it soon dropped when he spoke up in an obvious annoyed tone. The answer he shared with her was not one she was hoping as it gave her no information on what he did exactly. Yes he healed him but the way he healed the man was not something that was commonly seen by herself. \"Then you could help me out! I have the coin and can give you half the payment now.\" \n\nShe continued to follow him as he once again began to walk, finding herself walking on egg shells as she spoke. \"I'm trying to find someone and when I find him, I will need you to heal him immediately after he is subdued. I need him alive and that's very difficult when he refuses to go down without a fight.\""
},
{
"author": "valenkryst",
"message": "David Bradshawe\nAudeamus Forest\n\nDavid stopped with another heavy sigh, as he was about to tell her off for following him. His entire demeanor changed when he heard her situation, and she was willing to pay him. He decided that he would not even bother to say that he does not ask for coin as his payment. Coin = Books and more Books in his mind. A light smirk could be seen under his facial hair as he looked at her. \"..If you started off with 'I'm willing to pay you,' I would have been much more receptive to your words.\" He said, all his annoyance with her fading away. He was also forcing himself to shrug off his exhaustion for the time being, just so he could appear as normal as possible."
}
] | 166 | 2,141 |
202.333333 | 2019-06-17 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher\nStormalong\n\n\"I really don't. Must've been cursed with curiosity at some point.\" Craig said as she dumped the coins out, raising an eyebrow and nodding as she suggested guessing. \"Looks like a nice handful. Let's go with 30.\" He guessed off the top of his head. Still, her answer seemed to upset him somewhat. \n\n\"And here I thought you'd be interesting. Nothing but glorified debt collectors you two are. Where's brother dearest? He off beating urchins for stealing bread? Or is he the one watching the rest of the table for you?\" He asked with the decision for one final push of the buttons, taking his best guess at her scheme based on her behavior."
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Sophia Sucher\nStormalong\n\nShe couldn't help but roll her eyes as he continued to talk her ears off. She didn't care that he was assuming the worst of her but when he spoke of her brother, she felt her jaw tighten. \"No he is not here, he is in the North Shore and you have no business in knowing where he is. My guess is 43.\"\n\nThe person who counted the coins would change each round and once the coins were counted, they were placed back in the mug to be handed to the winner. As she suspected, her number was called out and the mug was now placed in front of her. However, Sophia's eyes haven't left Craig's. \n\n\"I agree with Craig, this one is a Cheater!\" \n\nOne of the men they were playing stood as he shouted his accusation in anger, slamming the table with his fists as he had lost too much to this bitch. Sophia however didn't react as she poured the coins into her pouch. \"I think you're convinced I'm a cheater because you are nothing but a sore loser. Instead of blaming someone else for your loss, you should learn to not gamble.\""
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher \nStormalong \n\n\"Never been to North Shore. Heard it's a worse place than this. What's the matter run out of poor bastards to hunt down here?\" He asked, eyes sliding towards the irate fellow who was jumping in. \"Oi mate you hear what she said? Bad enough she cheats us out of our hard earned coin now she's trying to preach a sermon!\" \n\nGrinning like the cat that ate the canary Craig turned back to the sellsword and smirked, lifting his own mug and taking a drink. \"You know I've heard a lot about how unsavory your lot can be, but damn if you ain't got some nerve. Stealing from these poor souls and blaming it all on them?\" One wrong move, that's all he needed and he was sure to have a brawl on his hands. Once it was good and nasty all he had to do was slip away and find a new tavern to work up a tab at somewhere else in the city."
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Sophia Sucher\nStormalong\n\nWasn't this amazing? The sarcasm in her mind was strong as she raised her brow towards the grinning man, sliding one of her daggers from its sheath located on her thigh. \"Well I have to say, you're just making this easier for me *Craig*. Boys?\" \n\nWithin seconds, a large fight began to carry out in the tavern. She had planned on using a distraction to escape and Craig had only made it easier for her to make this occur. The man who first called out in anger attempted to make his way towards her but was unable to do so when her blade made its way into his eye socket. Before she made a run for the tavern doors, Sophia have Craig a cheek filled wink. \"Thanks for your money.\" \n\nThen she ran.\n\nMarsila Vema\nAudeamus Forest\n\nShe simply shrugged at his reply, just thankful she finally had his undivided attention. Taking the second she had as he was no longer walking away from her, The shifter properly viewed the man who looked like he hadn't slept in a couple days. \"I prefer to introduce myself first. Speaking of which, I'm Marsila.\" \n\nShe brought her hand out in front of him for the man to shake before she continued to speak. \"I've questioned the villagers before you came to our help about you but didn't get many answers. However I know you rarely leave your home or this forest but I was hoping you could change that for me. I need you to travel with me so I can find a man.\""
},
{
"author": "valenkryst",
"message": "David Bradshawe\nAudeamus Forest\n\nHe eyed her hand for a moment, and then he took it, shaking it with a decent grip. \"Marsila.\" He said, pronouncing it MarSEALa. \"A good name... My own is Valentine.\" He pulled his hand away, and looked around wistfully for somewhere to sit that wasn't the ground. He, unfortunately, spotted nothing.\n\n\"You would be correct, I leave this area very rarely... The last time I went further than the villages was.. About fifteen years ago? I am uncertain.. All that must be said is that it's been a long time.\" His eyes drifted upwards while he spoke, as he had to truly think about the past. \"It would require more than my usual fee for me to leave this place... I've come to like it. Very quiet.\""
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Marsila's Vema\nAudeamus Forest\n\nShe decided to go against correcting him about the pronunciation of her name and focused on convincing this man to leave his forest with her. \"And what is your usual free?\" \n\nAs she questioned him, the shifter couldn't help but feel the sudden comfort the forest provided. It was something she found common among her travels and hunt. Perhaps it was the shifter blood that ran through her veins. \"The bounty shouldn't take more than a week depending on how long it takes me to find him again.\""
}
] | 191.5 | 1,214 |
237.571429 | 2019-06-26 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "Craig Gulcher \nStormalong \n\nWatching the fight break out, Craig was filled with a sense of pride at his handiwork. He couldn't help but feel joyful as the chaos broke out all around him, right up until he saw the dirty cheat stab someone in the eye. \"Not so fast you shit!\" Called as she fled the scene with his hard earned money, smashing a mug over some poor fellows head as the man tried to get in the way of his pursuit."
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Sophia Sucher\nStormalong\n\n\"Your problem, not mine!\" She couldn't help the laughter as he called out, not truly caring that she had cheated him out of his money. He was an idiot for playing in the first place when he suspected she was a cheat. \n\nOnce she burst through the tavern doors, the mercenary ran towards one of the horses tied to a post. She hoped one of the men she hired would keep Craig busy while she freed the her stallion's reigns. Once on the horse, Sophia dug her heels into it's hip and forced it into a gallop. The men would know where to meet her for payment."
},
{
"author": "lesbiqueen",
"message": "Caliss Goldmane\nSouth Feyshore waters\n\n\"All life is precious to me. To the goddess I serve as well, your temperament likely won't be a problem on my ship. The crew are all women, like you and I, so i believe we can conduct ourselves with some civility.\" Caliss explained casually as she returned to her own ship with Camira in tow, \"You'll be paid well, about 500 gold pieces a month. Room and board is included of course,\" She paused to give the order to depart in an hour. Immediately the crew set to work getting Salim's crew back on his ship. \"The girls typically set their own prices but if you like any of them, there are set rates for crew members. You're allowed to go ashore any time we make port but I do expect you to return. The pay is good and I like to think my company isn't entirely horrid.\" She stepped up to the helm and grasped the wheel with one hand before turning her gaze on Camira, all beauty and otherwordly danger, \"You may call me Caliss, or Captain. What shall I call you?\" She asked easily as she watched the men sulking back to the Siren looking disappointed. The whores were already grouping together and giggling amongst one another as they headed below deck."
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Cecilia Lyanah\nSouth Feyshore Waters \n\nShe hadn't expected so much to be offered as a crew member, which could be seen as her eyes widened. She was shocked to say the least but kept her thoughts to herself. Not only was this woman saving her from the grasp of the Siren's Captain, but was offering her a well paid job as well? Cecilia kept silent as she listened carefully and kept herself no more than a few steps behind. \n\nAs she continued to speak, Cecilia couldn't help the smirk that rose on her lips. Not only would she refuse to sleep with any human, the shifter doubted she would return once they hit land. Unless this Caliss could convince her otherwise, Cecilia preferred to remain on land rather than travel through the seas. Sure, she was getting paid for it but the shifter preferred to keep to herself. Who knows how long she could go without tearing into another's flesh. It was almost like she craved the sensation and adrenaline it brought her. Toula was no help either. \n\n\"For the time being, I preferred to be called Bella.\" Even though this woman didn't seem threatening in any way, Cecilia continued to keep her distance while handing out a fake name. \"I'm not interested in your girls. They seem lovely but unfortunately *Sex* Isn't something that excites me.\""
},
{
"author": "lesbiqueen",
"message": "Caliss Goldmane\nSeas of South Feyshore\n\n\"Sex doesn't excite you? Well, there goes my afternoon.\" She said with a playfully seductive smile, leaning on the handrail the captain looked the shifter over. \"Well Bella you don't quite look the seafaring type, I imagine you'll abandon ship at the first opprotunity. I'll be disappointed if you do leave, you seem like you'd make a good warrior for the boarding party.\" She returned her attention to the crew, shouting orders to weigh anchor and lower the sails. \n\nAs they began to move she beckoned to Bella, \"Come hold the wheel while we talk, get a feel for what it's like to steer a ship.\" She kept one hand on the wheel while she waited, whether Bella took it or made Caliss continue steering the Captain would continue. \"I know your kind have certain... Urges, while we're sailing I expect you to behave yourself. But if the urge gets to hard to resist, come to my cabin, you can satiate that killer instinct on me if need be. I expect you to remain in human form though.\" She was willing to sacrifice a few chunks of flesh if it meant none of her crew or girls would be harmed. Besides, the shifter looked like she had a pretty small mouth and Caliss had suffered similar pain before."
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Cecilia Lyanah\nSouth Feyshore Waters\n\nThis woman happened to also be a mind reader, mentioning her exact thoughts regarding her situation. However, the way she didn't seem offended at the thought of Cecilia abandoning the ship and instead explained how she would feel more disappointed than anything. It almost tempted Cecilia into exploring what it would be like to be part of a proper crew. She brought her hands to the wheel, deciding it wouldn't do her any harm in doing so yet kept her eyes remained on the Captain. \n\nHer brows suddenly furrowed as a look of disbelief could be seen. Did she hear this woman correctly? Cecilia attempted to speak but was left stuttering, unable to reply properly due to her loss of words. It was rare for someone to render Cecilia speechless, so it took her a few minutes to recover. Pressing her lips together, she tore her gaze from Caliss and focused on the crew below her. \"Trust me, you wouldn't want that.\" \n\nTaking a deep breath, Cecilia gathered her thoughts then returned her focus to Caliss. \"You confuse me. Why would you do that for a crew that could easily be replaced? Why would you risk yourself when it isn't necessary?\" \n\nCecilia knew she wasn't capable of doing such like this woman. She would always put her safety and well being before anyone else, even if it resulted in their death."
},
{
"author": "lesbiqueen",
"message": "Caliss Goldmane \nSeas of southern feyshore\n\nCaliss looked out over the crew and shrugged, \"I love them. I've always put myself after those that serve me. I give them the largest cut of the gold we make, I buy the best food and armor. They serve me and in turn I provide,\" She had stepped away from the wheel to allow Bella to steer. \"Besides I've had pieces of my body torn away from me before. I know the pain, and I can handle a few bites so long as you go for the non-vital places.\"\n\nShe looked up to the sky, thinking for a moment, \"To answer your questions, there is only one of you Bella. Just one, if you're my helmsman I could always get a replacement... But I cannot replace *You.* Who you are, the way you experience the world? Your soul is irreplaceable, that is why I risk myself for every member of my crew. It is why I would put myself between you and a Hunter.\" \n\nHer smile was warm and kind, but her eye showed a cold resolve, \"There is no god nor devil on high or in the depths that will save the poor fuck who harms even a single hair on your pretty head or the geads of my crew and girls.\" She nodded firmly, drumming her fingers on the handrail. She seemed to he waiting to hear Bella's response to ger rather impromptu speech."
}
] | 280 | 1,663 |
235.625 | 2019-06-27 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Cecilia Lyanah \nSouth Feyshore Seas\n\nHer hands tightened on the wheel as she listened to Caliss speak, making sure to not interrupt her even though she badly wanted to. She wanted to tell her about all the bad deeds she had done, just to give her an insight on the death and distraction caused by herself. However, Cecilia instead continued to listen as Caliss explained the sort of protection she would provide. \n\nCecilia felt her muscles relax as she weighed over her options until a decision was finally made. \"Try not to put too much hope in me. I tend to disappoint.\" She could only hope herself that Toula wouldn't make an appearance.\n\nShe took this moment to observe the Captain, taking in her features along with the scars that marked her face and the patch that covered her eye. It brought her curiosity. She wanted to know the story behind it. Cecilia's old skin had been covered in scars but thankfully she had been more cautious with her new body, there were minimal markings covering it beside the one that traced along her neck. Heath couldn't have done a worse job at stitching her decapitated neck onto this body. He truly sucked at times. \"I will give you lot a chance.\""
},
{
"author": "lesbiqueen",
"message": "Caliss Goldmane\nSea of south feyshore\n\nCaliss glanced over at Bella, then nodded, \"Disappointment isnt a terrible feeling.\" She reached into her coat and pulled a roll of paper from it, \"Here... All the crew gets a map of our routes,\" She said simply as she held it out to Bella. \n\n\"So you can find us again if you get separated. Welcome to the family.\" A younger member of the crew, a blonde girl of no more than fifteen or sixteen, approached shyly. \"C-captain, we were w-wo-wondering if you'd s-sing a shanty?\" She stutterered, Caliss nodded and after a few moments thought began to sing.\n\n\"Oh~, better far to live and die,\" Her voice rose like a tide, as beautiful as bird song or the soft lapping of waves on a placid beach, \"Under the brave black flag I fly, than play a sanctimonious part, with a pirate head and a pirate heart.\" The crew joined in, a chorus of voices to accompany their sailing. \"Away to the cheating world go you, where pirates all are well-to-do;\" Their voices began to rise and rise, growing more intense \"But I'll be true to the song I sing,\" Suddenly the crew went silent while Caliss delivered the line, \"And live and die a Pirate Queen!\"\n\n\"For I am a Pirate Queen!\" She sang, and the crew sang back, \"And it is, it is a glorious thing!\" \n\"To be a Pirate Queen!\" The song was jovial, loud, they sang in parts and Caliss always announced herself as a Pirate Queen much to the excited responses of her crew. After singing the song once the crew took it from there, all singing the song as one. It was hard to imagine any of them being blood thirsty pirates... They all sang and laughed ans made merry. \"I hope we see a Slaver ship soon, we need to let loose.\" Caliss said rather ominously, a dangerous looking darkness in her pretty blue eye."
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Cecilia Lyanah\nSouth Feyshore Waters\n\nThe shifter eyed over the Map given to her while the crew and Captain sang. She wasn't much of a singer herself, listening to the lyrics everyone sang was enough. Once the song was finished, Cecilia placed the map between her breasts since she had no other place to put it. The dress Captain Salim had her dressed in felt restrictive compared to her usual nudeness or clothing she wore and it gave her no pocket space. \"What exactly happens when you find a slaver ship?\" \n\nThe way her eyes darkened with malicious intent intrigued Cecilia, it drew her in. She felt that she knew the answer but wanted to hear it for herself."
},
{
"author": "lesbiqueen",
"message": "Caliss Goldmane\nSeas of South Feyshore\n\n\"The drums will sound, we'll pound our feet and howl to the sun. We will rave and snarl and gnash our teeth and before it is over we will bathe in blood and decorate our bodies with the bones of the whip-crackers and chain-makers.\" Her voice had no softness to it, none of the sensual seduction it once did, all of it was replaced by the cold, cruel, snarl of a ravenous animal. For the daighter of a former slaving family she held an intense hatred for most slavers, they were cruel and evil beings. \"I cannot abide a whip-cracker drawing breath, Bella. You will see us, the Daughters of the Sea, you will be one of us if you stay.\" Her voice regained some of its composure, the animal giving way to the gentle Captain once more. \"It is quite the sight, if a little shocking... The whole crew fights. But the boarding party mounts the enemy ship first, before anyone else.\""
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Cecilia Lyanah\nSeas of South Feyshore\n\nCecilia felt a sense of relief flood through her veins, she had found a group of people who were as ferocious as herself. The corner of her lips raised to a grin as she allowed her mind to wonder, painting a picture of the scene described to her. However, it was obvious there was more history surrounding her reasons by the way she spoke with pure hatred towards the Slavers. \"I think I may stay for a while. This way I am able to kill without the usual repercussions.\" She had said it so simply, like it was a common experience she would go through. \n\nTaking her hands off the wheel, she allowed the Captain to take over so she wouldn't be in a position where she would be liable if anything was to happen to the Vessel. \"How often would you come across a slaver ship?\""
},
{
"author": "lesbiqueen",
"message": "Caliss Goldmane\nSeas of South Feyshore\n\n\"In the South its common, especially near Crimizon, Equadia and even South Feyshore. My family used to be Slavers in the Southern Isles but since it was outlawed we've moved on to silks and brothels. Far better in my opinion, the training methods my father used were barbaric and cruel. How my mother was even able to birth me is astouding with the number of scars on her body. Still, after I was born she was freed and married my father... Shocking that she loved the man despite it all. She wasn't scared of him, defiant and proud... Think its why she wa shis favorite.\" The Slaver's daughter turned Pirate sighed as she lazily steered her ship, \"The King of the Southern Isles has placed a bounty on all slavers still in operation. Not only are you not going to be arrested, Bella, you will he rewarded for killing.\""
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Cecilia Lyanah \nSouth Feyshore Seas\n\nCecilia couldn't help but chuckle as she mentioned a reward. \"I very much doubt *King* Bradai would reward me when I have attempted to kill him and have betrayed him countless times.\" She said it casually, like it was a common occurrence though she hadn't seen him for a few years. \n\nShe was beginning to believe Caliss when she mentioned how Cecilia would remain unharmed if she travelled with her. It was evident by the way she was slowly opening up to the Captain. \"I used to believe in love once.\" Her voice held no emotion as she spoke, doing her best to avoid the imagery in her head. \"Then he was murdered. That's when I realised how weak love can make a person, including shifters like myself.\" \n\nUnlike Caliss, Cecilia decided to keep her stories simple, keeping the details to a minimum. \"What happened to your parents? If you can call them that.\""
},
{
"author": "lesbiqueen",
"message": "Caliss Goldmane\nSeas of South Feyshore\n\n\"Still married, mother runs our store while my Father handles the books and finances. I haven't seen them in maybe a year or two.\" She gazed out over the crew and rested her weight on the wheel for a moment. \"Could always go home, leave this all behind and be a noblewoman. Father says I got an eye for politics, yes that's a pun... His humor is all puns.\" She said with a soft laugh, she looked over at Bella and shook her head, \"Don't give up on love. At the very least didn't give up on gettin ploughed every once in a while, me I've... Quite frankly I've never gotten the urge to bump uglies. I start shaking and trembling, damn near brings me to tears.\" Her body shuddered, \"I can face down a whole crew of slavers and not bat an eye... But get me naked and give me a 'come hither' look and I'll turn into a terrified mess... Dunno why.\" \n\nCaliss seemed incapable of simplicity, likely feeling compelled to talk to relieve stress and nerves. She marvelled at Bella keeping her stories as simple as she did."
}
] | 211.5 | 1,885 |
313.5 | 2019-07-01 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "lesbiqueen",
"message": "Caliss Goldmane\nSouth Feyshore waters\n\nCaliss was astonished by Bella's wolf form, but maintained her conposure enough to grab the Captain's dropped knife. He was screaming and had thrown back his fist as if to punch the wolf, instead his own knife was shoved through his left temple. \n\nCaliss sat up, kissed the wolf-Bella on her furry muzzle, and grabbed the Captain's keys. \"Thank you,\" She said easily as she stood and pulled her trident out of the other man's guts, \"I think you've earned a meal.\" She said with a nod toward the two corpses, then headed through the door into the cargo hold. \"Ten... Twenty... Thirty.\" She counted, looking over the chained slaves. \"No more chains,\" She said easily as she tossed them the keys. As they began unlocking themselves Caliss returned to Bella, if she were in wolf form the Captain would lightly scratch behind her ears as she passed her to sit on a stool. \"Thirty freed slaves, maybe some loot on a lower deck, not a bad raid.\" She said calmly, reaching up to her cheek to remove shards of bone from her cheek. Her jaw was already bruising.\n\n The sounds of fighting abive subsided followed by a woman shouting down the stairs, \"Got'em all Captain! What should we do with the ones that surrendered?\" Caliss thought a moment, \"Hang all but one from the Mast. Take the fattest one and stick him in the brig,\" She'd look to Bella and wink thay Crystal eye, which was slowly returning to it's usual dark blue. It was clear what the chosen one would be used for, the poor bastard. \"What else can you turn into Bella, oh I should've asked if I could pet you first huh? Can I though? Pet you, I mean.\""
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Cecilia Lyanah\nSouth Feyshore Waters\n\nShe pulled her head back in shock towards the sudden pecked her Muzzle, having not prepared for such action. Turning her attention back to the Captain's corpse, Cecilia violently jerked her head which resulted in his arm being torn from his shoulder socket. Without a passing second, the shifter immediately began tearing into the flesh. She hadn't tasted human meat in almost two weeks, the captain's flesh was tainted with booze but it was no issue for her. Flesh was flesh and it was fucking delicious. \n\nWhen Bella returned, she would witness the large wolf had moved on from the arm and was now feasting on the stomach of the Captain. Not because she had finished with the arms but because the stomach was a lot easier to tear into without his skeleton interfering. Bones were nothing but a nuisance. \n\nWhen her name was called, the wolf's ears immediately perked up as her attention turned towards Caliss's voice. She continued to eat as she listened to the question asked. The Captain would suddenly feel a slight shift in her mind, similar to a headache that was barely noticeable. It was Cecilia entering her mind. She wasn't able to hear her thoughts, she was only able to communicate and sense her emotions. It was rare for the shifter to share her other forms to someone she recently met but Caliss hadn't given her any reason to not trust her. \n\n**If you must know, my other forms would be a horse, and an eagle. And I would prefer if you didn't, I don't feel comfortable with humans touching me. What is with your eye?** She questioned, genuinely interested in the crystal. It was something she hadn't seen in her life, and she had seen a lot of shit."
},
{
"author": "lesbiqueen",
"message": "Caliss Goldmane\nSeas of S. Feyshore\n\nCaliss watched her quietly, fascinated by her new friend's ferocity. The headache was a surprise, though Caliss was used to feelings similar to it. \"Disappointing... You look so wonderfully cuddly even with your nose buried in a man's guts.\" She sat back and, as casually as you please, plucked her crystal eye out of the socket. \n\nThe swirling cobtinued and the pale white pupil looked back at Caliss as she held it out. \"It is a gift from the Drowned Goddess, whom I worship. She took my original eye and gifted me with this magic one. I can see through it even now, and I can drop it in sea water to commune with her. It also has... Other abilities, I can alter people's minds to suggest things I want them to do.\" She said easily as she put it back into her skull, \"Don't worry... Now that you have an idea of what it does, it won't work on you.\" She smiled and bent down to pick up her eyepatch and put it back on. \"The crew doesn't know, they think it does something else, I'd like it to stay that way,\" She was placing at lot of trust in someone who's true name she didn't even know.\n\n\"So why don't you like humans? You seem a lot more comfortable as an animal.\" She asked curiously."
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Cecilia Lyanah\nSouth Feyshore Waters\n\nIf she hadn't told Cecilia that it would no longer work for her considering she knew about it, the wolf would have instantly become defensive. Even then, she was mentally strong enough to notice if it was to happen to her, due to the fact her own mind was quite difficult to penetrate. It was a technique shifters learnt to prevent another shifter from mentally communicating with them. The eye was still interesting nonetheless as she continued to devour the deceased captain. It was as if her stomach was endless, having an appetite of a starved wolf. Not that she was, she had recently eaten with the Captain of the Siren. \n\n**Your crew and what they know is no interest to me, I could care less about them.** She was honest, they were nothing but walking bags of flesh that she could kill without a hint of guilt. **I don't like humans because I've been hunted, tortured and have had my family murdered long before I became I killer myself.**"
}
] | 333 | 1,254 |
330 | 2019-07-03 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Cecilia Lyanah \nSouth Feyshore Waters\n\nIt was common for people to fear her whilst shifted so it didn't bother her when the freed slaves reacted with fear, avoiding her to their best ability. She was tempted to raise her head and taunt them with a growl but refrained from doing so when Caliss's first came down the stairs. Instead, she continued to eat while listening to the two to her side. \n\nRather than replying to the Captain, Cecilia remained silent. All that could be heard from the shifter was the tearing of muscles and fat along with the blood that dropped from her drenched muzzle. She hadn't moved onto the second body when she felt her stomach began to cramp from the amount she had ingested. It was a rarity for her to find the opportunity to focus on a single human rather than taking a piece from multiple. \n\nCecilia finally took a step back from her meal and ran her tongue over her maw to collect the drying blood that painted her fur. It wasn't a feeling she enjoyed whenever she left her muzzle unclean, the hair would dry and harden. It would become difficult to remove and itched like a dozen fleas. **I think I'm satisfied for now.**"
},
{
"author": "lesbiqueen",
"message": "Caliss Goldmane\nSeas of South Feyshore\n\nCaliss nodded and led Bella out of the lower deck. The last few crates of food and treasure were being brought onto the Temptress and lowered into the hold. The slaves were nowhere in sight, \"Scuttle the ship and lets keep going!\" She called, the rowers managed to dislodge them from the ship once the boarding ramps had been raised. Water immediately filled the gaping hole in the hull amd the slaver ship was doomed to the depths while the Temptress turned and went on.\n\nCaliss led Bella to her cabin, a massive and luxuriously decorated space the size your typical mainland house without any walls. All the furniture seemed to be made of expensive ebony wood and upholstered with dark purple velvet. Caliss went to the tub and stripped down to just her pants and a red silk bra. She was covered in bruises and probably had a few broken bones, the gash in her side was the biggest problem. \n\nShe took hold of some tongs and plucked a red hot stone from a brasier next to her tub, likely meant to be dropped into the tub to warm the water. Instead she pulled her wound open with two fingers and used the tongs to shove the stone in. She grit her teeth and her knuckles turned white as her flesh sizzled like bacon in a pan. Finally she pulled the stone from the newly cauterized wound and picked up a needle and thread. \"You ate an awful lot of that captain. More so than I thought you'd need, got an addiction?\" She said playfully as she began stitching the wound shut, as of she weren't doing things to herself that would see a doctor hung for medical malpractice. \"Lucky he didnt get to my guts... Coulda been the end of me.\" Her body was riddled with scar tissue, from swords to claws and teeth the pretty woman had left her mark on man and monster alike... And so had they left their marks on her."
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Cecilia Lyanah\nSouth Feyshore Waters\n\nThe room Caliss led her to was extravagant but the wolf refused to take her eyes off the Captain. This human intrigued her greatly and she couldn't understand what was making her stand out. Cecilia was used to seeing all humans as the same unless it came to Heath. He was the only human she could stand to be near for so long. \n\nTo prevent the floorboards from suffering, the shifter retreated her claws into her paws and carefully padded towards the tub. If she had a weak stomach, Cecilia would have thrown up parts of the Captain she had eaten earlier. However, she did wince as it disturbed her to watch. \n\nWhen a few feet away, Cecilia lowered her head and allowed her body to take control of her shifting. Switching between forms was less painful when the shifter didn't attempt to control it themselves, Cecilia learnt this when she allowed Toula to take control. Her spinal cord was the first to snap, forcing her legs to give way as she fell to her stomach. The rest of her bones followed, snapping and popping from the joints before rearranging themselves. Once in her human form, she rested her cheek against the floor and panted heavily. \n\n\"I'm not addicted.\" She croaked out in annoyance. Bringing her hands by her ribs, Cecilia pushed herself to her knees and stretched her neck to the left before rolling her neck from one side to another. As she did so, her eyes wandered over Caliss's body, taking in every marking on her body. Compared to herself Caliss had double the amount of scarring, including the one that wrapped around her own neck. It only made the Captain less repulsive to look at in Cecilia's eyes. In her mind, each jagged line represented a story waiting to be told. \"Why do I have the feeling that you're used to being in that type of situation?\""
},
{
"author": "lesbiqueen",
"message": "Caliss Goldmane\nSeas of south feyshore\n\n\"You mean inches from death? Yeah, pretty common,\" She murmured through grit teeth as she stitched herself up, \"Sometimes I can't do this myself but most of the time I can handle it alone. There are more on my legs... I don't think I've ever left a fight without atleast a bruise or two.\"\n\nShe cut the thread and wrapped her waist in bandages, then began feeling along her ribs. \"It's not as bad as it looks,\" She said with a shrug despite looking like she lost a fight with a meat grinder, \"I'm a tough girl... So I hardly ever stop working.\" She said easily, setting her own ribs and wrapping herself up. Once she was done she stood, stumbled slightly, then went to a nearby cabinet and poured herself some wine. She downed the glass and poured another, \"You've been staring at me quite a bit, Bella, I cannot tell if it is worry or curiosity.\"\n\n She turned to looked at the human Bella and smiled a little, \"I assure you my pain is nothing compared to what you go through to transform, it's hardly impressive.\" For once the Captain seemed reluctant to talk."
}
] | 327.5 | 1,320 |
333.333333 | 2019-07-04 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Cecilia Lyanah\nSeas of South Feyshore\n\nWhen Caliss called her out for staring, her gaze raised to meet her eye with a teasing smirk. She did not envy her for the battered body she had endured but the scars were what caught her attention. *Worried? No..\" \n\nAgain, she could care less about the pain Caliss was suffering through but she wouldn't let her know this. Cecilia stood next to the tub and looked down towards the water, watching the ripples caused by the Vessel cutting through the waves. She didn't bother to use the stones for heat and instead stepped into the chilled water. The moment the water touched her skin, the clear liquid instantly became tainted with pink from the dried blood covering her skin. The more she sunk her body, the darker the water became until everything besides her head was completely emerged in the tub. \n\n\"Your scars caught my eye is all. And it's hardly impressive, I just happen to have a high pain tolerance and it is nothing compared to a first shift.\" Or the shift she was forced to endure when she had visited a witch to help her regain her body and abilities. \"Tell me, what scar holds your most favoured memory? I would assume with so many, you would have one.\""
},
{
"author": "lesbiqueen",
"message": "Caliss Goldmane \nSeas of South Feyshore\n\nCaliss, now finished stitching herself up, stripped off her clothes and slid into the tub with Bella. There was plenty of room, only their feet touched if each stretched out her legs. \"I'm glad to fibally meet someone interested more in my scars than my eye... Maybe I'll wear more revealing clotging so your eyes get caught more often.\" She teased, though of all her teasing she was the least likely to actually do this action. \n\nHer most favored scar... What a question, \"I hate my scars... They are hideous. But if you must know,\" She lifted her chin to reveal the faint scars of ropeburn on her neck, \"I tried to hang myself... Not long after I got half my old crew killed and the rest were stranded on an uncharted island.\" She sighed softly, \"I was in a bad way... Thought I oughta end it and save my men from their idiot captain. They found me, kicking and thrashing while my body tried to get away from my mind's idiotic idea. They cut me down and brought me round, made me drink water, made me talk.\" She smiled a little, \"Good men... They loved me, probably even more than my current crew does. I learned a lot on that island, even the Goddess comes *After* My crew.\" She reached out and touched Bella's shoulder, \"Nothing is more important to me than my crew, my family, you're my family now.\" She said with a smile, \"But enough sappy shit, I know you hate it.\"\n\nShe rested her head on the edge of the tub, \"What about you? Which of your scars has the fondedt memory?\""
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Cecilia Lyanah\nSouth Feyshore Sea\n\nShe didn't enjoy this story like she thought she would but she kept that to herself. Instead, Cecilia nodded slowly as she used her hands to scrub the blood from her body to reveal her own covered in scars. Fortunately they were not as many as the Captain's nor significant besides the one on her neck. The story for that one would be another time. Raising her hands, the shifter revealed the markings on her palms and fingers similar to pox scars. \n\n\"I received these only a few months back.\" She began while observing the burnt flesh herself. She didn't mind her scars, better yet she enjoyed being covered in them compared to having bare skin. \"I love these most because they remind me of the time I overcame one of my enemies. She is still alive unfortunately.\" \n\nWith a heavy sigh, Cecilia dropped her hands and continued to wash the blood off her. \"I received them after being captured by an Alchemist. He managed to allow Toula to take control with a concoction he brewed before allowing her to roam free in this world. I was kept in a cage with silver shavings covering the floor hence these scars but when she took over, he would free her. It took a while but I was eventually able to take back my mind after a long impatient wait.\" \n\nShe kept her gaze on Caliss as she explained the origin of the scars, observing her reaction if she had any. \"Imagine having two minds in your head. That's what Toula is, the second mind.\" She finally dropped her hands between her lap and leaned backwards to rest against the tub, pressing her lips together as she recalled the captain's earlier statement. \"Scars are not hideous unless you make them out to be and they show the hardship you've endured compared to unmarked flesh.\""
}
] | 357 | 1,000 |
73.833333 | 2019-07-07 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "blargh.",
"message": "Elise Hagen \nHagen Keep\nAfter the quite odd time she had away from home she decided to stay in her home for now. She did feel odd being alone in such a large place, but she did like the quiet. For now she was accepting guests if any would join her for some small festivities. Though in hopes she would get visitors she had gifts set out for anyone that would like to come and visit."
},
{
"author": "hanki2455",
"message": "Jeff\nHagen Keep\nThere was a sign he had come across that stated there would be small festivities and similar things. Curiously he follows up the road. As he reaches the door he decided to knock carefully. \"Hello? Anybody home?\""
},
{
"author": "blargh.",
"message": "Elise Hagen \nHagen Keep\nElise answered the knocks and gave a soft smile. \"Hello, did you need something?\" She asked in a soft tone while she opened the door looking to be youthful, which with a keep this size is odd since she seems to be alone here. Besides this she is in dirty clothes that would be more fitting for someone a lower than the nobility that may live here."
},
{
"author": "hanki2455",
"message": "Jeff\nHagen Keep\n When the door opened he notices a small girl standing over with a gentle aura. \"H-heya, my name is Jeff.\" He stammered. \"I saw that sign earlier, and was curious if ya'll were still open?\" He then awkwardly attempted to hold his hand out for a shake."
},
{
"author": "blargh.",
"message": "Elise Hagen \nHagen Keep\nElise nodded and waved him in, though she looked happy as she let him in. The table wasnt full of food, but it seems she was just waiting for someone to come by. On the end of the table there are plenty of gift baskets, though they all seem to have not moved at all. \"Just make yourself at home I know it's not beautiful, but, well it's my family keep.\""
},
{
"author": "hanki2455",
"message": "Jeff\nHagen Keep\nAs he entered the hall, his eyes where the size of moons. \" Darn miss, I never seen something so amazin before. Whats the special occasion?\" Everything looked so nice and clean, he just couldn't help but stare at everything around him."
}
] | 76.5 | 443 |
224.833333 | 2019-07-08 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "blargh.",
"message": "Elise Hagen\nHagen Keep\n\"Well I recently finished having the keep repaired so I thought that a party was a good thing to help morale. Anyone is invited, though be careful I haven't explored everywhere yet.\" Elise says as she started cooking so her new guest didn't have to go hungry."
},
{
"author": "lesbiqueen",
"message": "Caliss Goldmane\nSeas of south feyshore\n\nThe captaib remained still, casually looking the shifter over as she moved. \"I've never heard of anyone coming back from the dead... I assume this friend has magic talents?\" She asked as she climbed out of the tub and retrieved some towels. She placed one near Bella while she pat dried her hair and began to dry her scarred body. \"Aye most folk know to use silver when faced with a shifter now adays. My trident is Silver,\" She held up a hand as if to calm Bella, \"I would never lift it against you, you've my word on that.\" She finished drying and slid into some pants and a loose-fitting red tunic, she didn't put on any boots. \"We'll be docking in Tonate soon, turn thise freed slaves over to Bradai and collect a bounty. You can stay on the ship if you like, but I'd like to spend a little money with you in the city.\""
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Cecilia Lyanah\nSouth Feyshore Seas\n\nShe couldn't help chuckle at her question regarding Heath. \"No, he is as human as they come. I can't remember how I came back to life to be exact. It's like the few hours after I was revived are blurred in my mind.\" \n\nWhen her trident was mentioned, Cecilia felt her jaw tighten at the thought of her using it against her. Luckily for the Captain, she believed it wouldn't be used against her considering the kindness she had shown and the fact she had saved her from the Siren. Plus she was allowing her to eat any human they came across on the slaver ship while being paid. Relaxing her shoulders, Cecilia pulled herself from the tub and wrapped the towel around her torso, not feeling rushed to dry herself properly considering she didn't feel rushed to dress into her blood soaked clothes. \n\n\"That would explain how you killed the animal you assumed was a shifter.\" She commented regarding the trident, doing her best to talk casually about it. However when she mentioned Bradai, her eyes instantly shifted to their blue hue out of instinct towards his name. \"Even though Tonate is the last place I want to be, I'll come with you. Only because I need a break from this ship, I'm surprised I haven't gotten sick yet.\""
},
{
"author": "lesbiqueen",
"message": "Caliss Goldmane\nSea of South feyshore\n\n\"Be another few hours before we make port,\" She pointed to the bloody clothes that lay in a heap, \"Unless you're attached to those I'll have'em thrown overboard. Once we make harbor and finish our business you and I can shop, in the meantime,\" She motioned to a wardrobe, \"You're about my size so take your pick.\"\n\nShe wondered if Bella was actually coming for fear of sea sickness... Or because she was trying to be a good friend. Either way, Caliss was pleased. 30 slaves was a good haul, and anotger dead slaver crew meant pay. On top of all the whoring that could be done while the ship was docked. \n\nCaliss sat down at her desk and began to fill in the ledger, profits made from the *Siren* As well as how many slaves were freed, what had been looted, she flipped through the reports from her crew and wrote it all down. Later she'd divide it, pay Bella and the rest of the crew and split what remained between herself and the ship. \"Bella, darling,\" She said calmly, \"If you've a bounty in Tonate... Courtesy of the King, I can afford to pay it. He won't have you, not if he has any honor... Or remembers that he was a Pirate before he was some shitblood king.\""
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Cecilia Lyanah \nSeas of Feyshore\n\n\"Those are what the other captain forced me into, so I am most definitely not attached.\" Following Caliss to the wardrobe, she eyed each fabric that had been hung up before taking away the clothing that would feel most comfortable on her which had been a loose fitting top and bottoms. The less tight they were to her body, the easier it would be to shift out of if she was to be put in any danger. She made sure to remove the towel and pat down her body before throwing on the clothes, listening to Caliss as she did so. Again, she couldn't help but to chuckle.\n\n\"You can try and I would be thankful which is a rarity but I think he would prefer my head considering the amount of times I have attempted to put an end to his life.\" She has always had an hatred towards that man, no matter how much she tried to shake it off. It was almost as if she was obsessed. \"Though he might take it, since I haven't been killed by him yet.\" \n\nCecilia decided to keep the fact that she was the constant instigator to herself, not wanting Caliss to decide against the deal they had made."
},
{
"author": "lesbiqueen",
"message": "Caliss Goldmane\nSeas of south Feyshore\n\nThe captain was glad to see her crewman clean and dressed. Bella looked good in her new clothes, comfortable, Caliss couldn't help but smile at Bella's words, \"If he doesn't take it he wont get your head *Or* The coin for it. Besides, you're a member of my crew now so whatever qualms he had with you are the past.\"\n\n\"Just promise you won't attack him, it'll be hard to pay your bounty if you rack it back up again.\" She giggled softly, making sure to write in Bella's name in the crew book. Along side it was her pay and the date she joined, finally done with paperwork Caliss closed everything up and pushed her chair away from the desk. She picked up a bottle of wine and poured herself a glass, crossing her legs as she did, \"A kingdom needs money like a flower needs water. If he'd take your head in place of the price on it, he's a shit king as well as a stupid bastard.\" She said with an air of finality, \"You can't expect much from a shit king nor a stupid bastard, and I won't do dealings with either. Too childish and petty.\""
}
] | 253.5 | 1,349 |
86.25 | 2019-07-11 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "hanki2455",
"message": "Jeff\nHagen Keep\nJeff just stared dumbly at his host, and then attempted to regain composure. \" Alright that sounds really nice of you, thanks, so how long have you guys lived here.? He asked while watching here cook the food."
},
{
"author": "blargh.",
"message": "Elise Hagen\nHagen Keep\n\"Huh is something wrong?\" Elise asks though she seems to be pretty quaint since she was just wearing fairly simpleclothes. As for her hair it was quite long reaching all the way down to her mid thigh. Even then she was still quite small compared to Jeff at a measly four foot ten. Though she did still seem to know what she was doing based off the quite new looking weapons and produce in the baskets."
},
{
"author": "hanki2455",
"message": "Jeff\nHagen Keep\n\"Ah, never mind, so whats in those baskets? Looks like theres a bunch of supplies in there?\" He wonders if they were specifcally made for certain reserved guests, or if it was first come first serve, but he keep those thoughts to himself. He finnaly got a good look at this girl, and realized how short she was. Jeff was considered short where he grew up since he was 5'6 . Looking at this girl he was curious on how old she was. \" Hey, I was just wondering but how old are you?\"\\"
},
{
"author": "blargh.",
"message": "Elise Hagen\nHagen Keep\n\"Well I'm twenty three.\" The small woman says though hearing him talk about the baskets makes her give an oh expression. \"Here it's just a few party gifts for people that come.\" Elise says smiling softly, though seeing how few people came she probably thinks no one even knows who she is. Though her house is old."
}
] | 85.5 | 345 |
43 | 2019-07-15 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "blargh.",
"message": "Elise Hagen\nHagen keep\n\"Well that wasnt out of their way we were in the middle of the warzone and fought until it was obvious we couldn't. Luckily we were able to mostly keep our land.\""
},
{
"author": "hanki2455",
"message": "Jeff\nHagen Keep \nJeff tried to read her expression. \"Oh, I see.. Well yeah the at least you guys kept the land for the most part. Jeff could start to smell stew \"So what's for dinner?\""
},
{
"author": "babyratprincess",
"message": "Colonel Dorcas Standly\nHagen Keep\n\nColonel Dorcas decided it was time to party. He walked to Hagen Keep and knocked loudly. \"Open up.\""
}
] | 46 | 129 |
126.588235 | 2019-07-16 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "blargh.",
"message": "Elise Hagen \nHagen Keep.\n\"Oh it's a nice stew with a mix of cayanne, garlic, peppers, onions, and m... Oh just one second someone else is here.\" Elise says as she opened the door, though left the stew out for Jeff."
},
{
"author": "hanki2455",
"message": "Jeff \nHagen Keep.\n\"Yeah sure.\" Jeff wondering who it could be."
},
{
"author": "babyratprincess",
"message": "Colonel Dorcas Standly\nHagen Keep\n\nColonel Dorcas looked upon the ratty girl who opened the door. He waited for her to speak, and when she did not, he reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a document with an ornate scarlet seal. \"Are you the owner of this land?\" He asked. The smell of stew drifted from the open door and he scowled, raising his gloved hand to pinch his patrician nose. He thrust the document in her face, taking a gamble on her being at least semi-literate. \"I'm afraid to inform you that this land and the adjacent plot have been repossessed by order of the Lord of Ducksbury. Here is an order to vacate the premises within a fortnight. That's *Fourteen days*.\" He looked down at the girl again and smiled. \"Within the month, a wonderful bathhouse will be up and running in this very spot. Of course, it will only be available for the more worthy of society's citizens but I'm sure you'll be able to enjoy the leftover water once it's poured in the streets.\""
},
{
"author": "blargh.",
"message": "Elise Hagen \nHagen Keep\nAt hearing that Elise paled and looked very shocked. She had just gotten the place repaired and she was about to have it taken away, though before she could say anything she just seemed to be out of it and passed out cold from the shock of hearing she would lose her family's land which they had had for centuries."
},
{
"author": "hanki2455",
"message": "Jeff\nHagen Keep\nAs he sneaks a taste of the soup he over heard what the soldier man said.\"Oh wow, the plot here is thicker than this soup.\""
},
{
"author": "babyratprincess",
"message": "Colonel Dorcas Standly\nThe Place Formerly Known as Hagen Keep\n\nColonel Dorcas stepped over the unconscious girl and walked into the estate. He was unimpressed by her pathetic display. It was no wonder she could not be trusted to keep her family's land safe. He had little patience for her fragile sensibilities and he fought the urge to stomp right on her nose. He regarded the dingy curtains and poorly swept floors with disdain and looked to the man who sat at the table, practically ladling stew into his mouth. \"The woman who came to the door fainted. Do be sure that she remembers the terms of her eviction. I'd hate to have to inform the Lord of Ducksbury that a more unfavorable approach will be needed in order to obtain his rightful land.\" He pawed through the baskets on the table and plucked out a dagger with his thumb and pointer finger. \"*Poorly crafted*.\" He let it fall and clatter to the table, scratching the surface."
},
{
"author": "blargh.",
"message": "After a bit Elise woke up, though she saw he wasnt there and got up and looked at the person who said her work was poor. As for the floors and every other thing he said it seems to have been recently cleaned and washed unlike what he saw. Though soon a not very happy looking Elise came up to him. \"So what makes you think you can come and just up and take this place. I do have other family and if you don't get the order canceled I will get them, and the town to defend this place. If you wanted your bath house i don't mind letting you build on our land, but if you think you can take me from this keep you can try. The Hagen family has been here for centuries and I will not be the one that will lose this place to some lord. I dont care about the insults to my work, but thievery is not tolerated. Especially so blatantly.\""
},
{
"author": "babyratprincess",
"message": "Colonel Dorcas Standly\nThe Place Soon to be Known as Lord Duckly's House of Pleasure \n\nColonel Dorcas waved a dismissive hand in Elise's direction. \"We have an order. It's not thievery, it's our *Right*. I suggest you reconsider your little plan of getting the *Town* Involved. I can assure you that our forces will far exceed yours and it would be a damn fucking *Pity* There was bloodshed over this dinky little cabin in the woods,\" Dorcas said. He looked from Elise to Jeff and inhaled slowly with his eyes closed, raising his hand in time with his breathing before exhaling a steady, calming stream. He opened his eyes and smiled pleasantly at the two. \"I can offer you *Both* A voucher for your trouble. Half a day *Each* At the bathhouse. One time only. Now how does that sound?\" He said, nodding enthusiastically for them."
},
{
"author": "blargh.",
"message": "Elise Hagen \nHagen Keep\n\"How about half a day of f*Ck off and get out of my family's keep. I will find a way to keep my family safe and if you feel your piddly little bathhouse is worth blood then come right ahead. I do warn you the swords I make may seem cheap, but those are the ones that I make for free and I can make those with ease. I would say take a basket but you're no guest, so unless you're going to say there will be no bath house then please leave. I'll take the letter too so I can pack.\" Elise says though she doesn't say anything since she is going to send out a letter with the other for the bathhouse to Lord Eric since she knew he would help, or she at least hoped he would."
},
{
"author": "babyratprincess",
"message": "Colonel Dorcas Standly\nLord Duckly's House of Pleasure\n\nA smile cut across Colonel Dorcas' face as Elise rambled on unintelligibly. \"You know what, you should do so. Write to your family, if you're capable, and let them decipher your mad ramblings. Lord Duckly will be notified sooner, as will the lords of the north and west,\" He said. He chuckled and made his way to the door. However, he decided he was not quite finished yet. He turned on his heels and leaned in close to Elise. \"*I will not hesitate to slaughter a child on your doorstep every night until this ramshackle hut is uprooted and you with it*,\" He hissed in her ear. \nWith that, he took his leave, and Elise's wig, out the door."
},
{
"author": "_very_",
"message": "Ser Blorcas D. Standly The Implacable\nLord Duckly's House of Pleasure\n\nTwo hours had passed in the time between Dorcus's leaving and his cousin's arrival. Blorcas threw both of his large meaty hands against the doors of Hagen keep to a degree of madness, despite the fact that his situation was completely inurgent. The word had traveled fast that good cousin Dorcas had already rid the putrid Hagen keep of the whore witch within its broken walls."
},
{
"author": "blargh.",
"message": "\"So you would slaughter innocents I'm glad to see you're lord is a proud person. I do hope you find a place to build your bathhouse because this isn't one place for it.\" Elise says as she slammed the door behind him and rushed to the office and got to writing to Lord Eric including the parts about their threats to murder children. \n\"Dear, Lord Eric, \nI know you may not know me, but my home and keep are being threatened by another lord. I have never heard of such a lord, but I do fear they are trying to take my home. They said they would return in two weeks to take my keep and I do pray you receive this letter and heed this. I know this is a shot in the dark, and you will be compensated for your help with food, weapons, and armor if needed. \nSincerely, Elise Hagen.\" \nElise wrote and sealed it with her family's crest. Though hearing him knock Elise quickly answered the door, though when she saw the hulking man she paled and sighed. \"I um c-come in the stew just got done.\" Elise said as she sent the letter off."
},
{
"author": "_very_",
"message": "Ser Blorcas D. Standly The Impatient\nLord Duckly's House of Pleasure\n\nSer Blorcus broke a torch sconce off of the porch wall of Elise's rotwood shack. Walking through the doors he wiped his boots on the floor, one foot left of the welcome mat, leaving streaks in her entrance hall. \n\n\"IF LADY ELISE HAGEN IS HOME, MAY SHE POINT ME IN THE DIRECTION OF HER FINEST WHOO-ERS\" Blorcus scratched his crotch loudly as the smell of stew drew him towards the dining room. \"I HAVE TRAVELED VERY FAR AND I AM IN NEED OF SOME *UNWINDING*\" His voice scratched loudly on the last word."
},
{
"author": "blargh.",
"message": "Elise looked at him scared. \"I um i-I dont have any of that. Though please don't ask me about that I don't want to do anything sexual until I'm married. I'm Elise by the way if you wanted something to eat. There is also a couch padded with sheep wool in the main room.\" Elise says as she slowly lead him in feeling quite awkward. Thogh they were at the keep not the rot wood shack."
},
{
"author": "_very_",
"message": "Ser Blorcas D. Standly The Impotent\nLord Duckly's House of Pleasure\n\nBlorcus' long face wriled in disgust as Elise mentioned sex. \"SEX? WITH YOU? I can surely think not of a more vomit inducing thought!\" Blorcus cringed once more as he threw Elise aside in a wild strut to the dining room. \"And you'd have me believe that ELISE HAGEN, the village *Stallion* Is waiting for marriage? BAH! A MOST UNFUNNY JOKE\""
},
{
"author": "blargh.",
"message": "Elise Hagen\nHagen Keep\n\"What do you mean by that I haven't done anything like that.\" Elisensays as she blushed hard, though from his run through it seemed she was alone besides the other guy that had started eating the stew."
},
{
"author": "hanki2455",
"message": "Jeff\nHagen keep \nJeff decides to walk over to Elise\"So uh... Whats everyone here yelling about\" Jeff states confused."
}
] | 115 | 2,152 |
242.5 | 2019-07-24 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "babyratprincess",
"message": "Colonel Dorcas Standly\nDucksbury, South Feyshore\n\nColonel Dorcas Standly smiled to himself as he watched the townspeople around Lord Duckly's House of Pleasure began to get armed, for free, by Lady Elise Hagen. The poor girl must've have been wearing herself, and her coffers, thin. He turned and walked back toward his lord's manor. \nLord Duckly laid across his silk chaise with his flowing robes draped beautifully over his stout legs. He sipped white wine from a delicate chalice of silver. His watery, crystalline blue eyes looked up expectantly at Colonel Dorcas. \n\"Is it done?\" Lord Duckly drawled, wiping beads of sweat from his upper lip. \n\"She's resistive, so she has resorted to bankrupting herself,\" Colonel Dorcas scoffed. Lord Duckly laughed. \n\"And Jeff?\" He asked. \n\"He is doing as he was told. She trusts him,\" Lord Duckly confirmed."
},
{
"author": "rosstheboss.",
"message": "**Kirk Pinewood, Verina Crowe, Clebson Albury\nNear the Southern edge of Audeamus Forest**\n\nThe quest crew had been traveling for an hour when Kirk looked out the front window. \"Clebson, is that the exit?\"\n\n\"I didn't want to jinx it.\" Clebson muttered, staring ahead as though it would disappear if he blinked.\n\nA guard was dozing off at his post at the edge of the forest when he was alerted by the sound of approaching horses. He stood up straight but didn't see anyone approaching. He looked back and saw that someone was coming *From* The forest. Both the carriage and the driver steering it seemed to be in a shabby state. \"Where did you come from?\" The guard asked.\n\n\"Brindelle.\" Clebson answered, only having the strength to turn his head slightly in the guard's direction.\n\nThe guard was in stunned silence for a few seconds. \"How... How are you still alive?\"\n\n\"Am I?\" Clebson asked weakly. \"I couldn't tell.\" \n\n\"Where are we?\" Kirk asked from inside.\n\n\"Stormalong.\" The guard responded.\n\n\"Thank you.\" Verina said in return.\n\nThe carriage began rolling on and the guard stayed back, confused about what he should do. He wasn't used to seeing people *Leave* Audeamus Forest.\n\n. . .\n\nThey pulled to a stop in front of a tavern and inn called The Golden Fleece. As they walked away from the carriage, they heard a crack as the rear axle broke. The group looked at each other with exhausted expressions.\n\n\"Tomorrow?\"\n\n\"Tomorrow.\"\n\n. . .\n\nAs they waited for their room to be prepared, the trio took a seat in the tavern. Clebson ordered them a round of drinks and took a substantial swig of his when it arrived. The other two didn't touch theirs. Verina's hands were pressed against her lips, and she was breathing heavily. Tears ran down Kirk's face as he finally came to terms with the fact that they were back in civilization. \"You two are bumming me out. I saw a brothel called The Gilded Oyster on the way here. I'm going to head over there and see what the girls will let me do on credit.\" The comment did not elicit a reaction as desired, but Clebson stood up anyway only to feel soreness come crashing down on every muscle and joint in his body. \"On second thought, I think I'll wait for Ibethiel.\" He quickly sat back down in his chair and laid his head down on the table.\n\n. . ."
},
{
"author": "blargh.",
"message": "Elise Hagen\nHagen Keep\nThough it seems she was bankrupting herself it would be so if she hadn't been working for her life to save. She is a penny pincher about most things, and luckily this isn't much off the coffers since the metal used was stuff she had as spare, and from refining the metal dust from any swords she crafted. Even then it did just run her out of steel not money. Even then in her hustle and bustle she did seem to trust the other lord even if he didn't know him personally. Though if they were going to make her keep some evil place that they want she will not want that, or will wish it on anyone."
},
{
"author": "hanki2455",
"message": "Jeff\nThe field Hagen Keep \nJeff wonders what his life has been right now. He had lived frugally his whole life, but the offer Lord Duckly was hard pass up. Would running over someone else to move forward really be the right thing to do? He's willing to do a lot of things to get enough money to buy back his old house.\nCurrently he's just sitting around awaiting his next orders. He keeps staring at the field. \"Working for the people you hate huh.\" Jeff thought. \"I don't wanna think about this no more.\" Jeff signed as he layed down on the field."
},
{
"author": "babyratprincess",
"message": "Colonel Dorcas Standly\nDucksbury\n\nDorcas sent a courier to give Jeff his next orders. Lord Duckly had promised Jeff a healthy payment, stipulating that his undying loyalty be kept. Jeff had graciously signed a contract that clearly stated that should he FUCK anything up, his neck would be separated from both his head and body. The peasants would sign anything for a drop of gold. \nThe courier located Jeff in a field near the land that belonged to Lord Duckly's House of Pleasure and passed him an envelop with an intricate pink seal. The letter had a simple message, one that even the likes of Jeff could understand; \n\n*Burn Hagen Manor to the ground*."
},
{
"author": "blargh.",
"message": "Elise Hagen\nHagen keep tower \nElise sighed and sat up there silently. She wished her family cared enough about this place to come back and help, though she didn't know that Jeff was being evil. Though she did feel odd about him, even though she knew his story she didn't feel up to doing more besides paying him for his work, even if he didn't know how to work the forge he did seem like a good guy. Even then in preparation for the battle she made sure to set up defences around the keep as well and reinforced the door as well as making places to where the hunters of the town could fire from inside the keep. To her, and the people here it was an attack, and they prepared themselves for such, so with the food she has and other things the town had come together to help Elise prepare the keep and town for the coming battle. Though as a secondary plan she sent out a letter to Lord Duckly\n\"Dear Lord Duckly,\nI don't understand why you would want an old keep, but if needed I would have offered to help you build the place if asked. If you did wish to offer anything I would accept 2% of what the place will earn when built. There is good stone around my keep and I wouldn't even mind offering my metal work for a small price just for materials.\nSincerely, Lady Elise Hagen.\"\nAfter she sent off a courier and paid them."
}
] | 175.5 | 1,455 |
284.666667 | 2019-07-25 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "hanki2455",
"message": "Jeff\nThe field Hagen Keep \nJeff silently re read the letter several times, he knew what to expected from the orders, and he knew the consequences where severe. He starts to gather materials to do a job that needs to be done."
},
{
"author": "blargh.",
"message": "Elise Hagen\nHagen Keep \nElise sighed and she still sat at her desk wondering just what to do once she herself was unsure of what to do since there was a fairly small chance that the crazed man would accept her offer."
},
{
"author": "babyratprincess",
"message": "Colonel Dorcas Standly and Lord Duckly \nLord Duckly's Manor, Ducksbury\n\n\"Lord Duckly, you have a letter,\" The courier said, handing over the girl's offer. Lord Duckly smirked at Colonel Dorcas and took the letter in his large hand. Dorcas handed over a long, silver letter opener with a ruby handle, but Lord Ducky had already torn into the envelope. He silently read the offer and smiled.\n\"Finally, some good fucking news,\" Lord Duckly said. \"Tell Lady Elise Hagen that we will offer her 1.8% of the earnings, granted that she provide the funds for the build. Should she accept, we'll have a wonderful compromise on our hands.\"\n\"My lord, what shall we do about Jeff?\" Colonel Dorcas interceded. \n\"Oh! Right, of course,\" Lord Duckly said, slapping his forehead. He quickly penned a new order for Jeff. It read;\n\n *Do not touch Hagen Keep. We have no need to burn it.* \n\nHe sealed the note away neatly in an envelop. The courier reached over for it and Lord Duckly slapped his hand away. \"No, no. I'll have one of my own men deliver this. It needs to reach him quickly and I surely do not trust you with the task.\"\n\"Sir Langnas will go,\" Colonel Dorcas said, gesturing to the guard standing at the door. Sir Langnas wore a uniform of purple and yellow with a large, hissing goose (the seal of House Duckly) on the dead center of his chest. He nodded curtly and took the note.\n\nSir Langnas\nThe town around Hagen Keep\n\nSir Langnas rode into town, the letter tucked safely in his breast pocket. He dismounted once he reached the area near the keep and began to search for Jeff. He walked briskly and with purpose, not wanting to let his Lord down. The sooner he found Jeff, the sooner he'd save Hagen Keep from a fiery demise. He walked past a small bakery, glancing inside to make sure that Jeff was not loading up on carbs before his big task. \n\nThe baker looked up when he saw a man peek into the shop. A longtime friend of the Hagen's, the baker bristled at the sight of the goose that signified House Duckly. He clenched the counter until his knuckles went white as he watched the man walk off. \"Not on my watch...,\" The baker said darkly. He reached under his counter and pulled out a rapier that Elise had crafted specially for the battle that was soon to come. Her craftsmanship was unmistakable. It was a well made weapon and the baker intended to honor its smith by protecting her land by any means necessary. He strode out of the shop, wielding his weapon. The Duckly guard was a few meters in front of him, seeming to be looking for something. \"More land to steal, perhaps?\" The baker muttered, quickening his pace. \n\nSir Langnas spotted Jeff in the distance. He opened his mouth to call out to him when his voice was suddenly cut off with a flood of blood that rose up in his throat. He choked and fell to his knees in shock. The pain came after, sharp and deep. \n\"FOR LADY HAGEN!\" The baker cried, driving the rapier through Sir Langnas' back for a second time. Sir Langnas let out a hoarse cry of protest before falling dead. The baker breathed heavily and looked down at the dead man. \"Justice.\" He grabbed Sir Langnas' legs and dragged him to an alley. He left the corpse there to bleed out, the rapier still stuck deep in his back."
},
{
"author": "blargh.",
"message": "Elise Hagen \nThe town near the keep\nHearing a loud yell she thought the enemy had attacked and in preparation already had her armor on so she rushed to the scene and saw the bloodied man though she paled quite a bit when she saw what he had done. \"A-are you crazy are you trying to get us in a bloody war with these people he was a messenger not some warrior what in the hell were you thinking?\" Elise yelled at the man as she looked to the man he had just killed and sighed. \"If he is truly dead there is nothing I can do for you, you know what the cost of murder is and I wish I could do something for you. I beleive we will have to take this up with their lord and I will have to accept worse terms due to this... Action of yours. Gods I wish you wouldn't have done this it makes it so much worse now.\" Elise says solemnly as she checked on the man hoping he wasn't truly dead even though the rapier in the back isn't usually a good sign. Even then she herself didn't seem angry, mostly just disappointed since she felt that the people around the keep were like family, and having to let one go and to see them possibly go to their death was a sad sight indeed."
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Lord Eric Stafford\nYellen, South Feyshore\n\nNight had just fallen as Lord Stafford and his party arrived at the village of Yellen, where the encampment was clear. A party of some fifty men had setup camp outside the village, their horse line and cookfire smoke clear from a mile away. The part of six pressed on toward the camp, where a sentry met them and escorted them to Captain Hart who stood with a smile when seeing Lord Stafford.\n\nCaptain Hart was an older man, his black hair taking on a color of gray iron in his age. He had laugh lines, an angular weathered face from time in the field. His shoulders were broad and he was a good half foot shorter than Lord Stafford. \n\n\"My lord!\" He greeted Stafford as he dismounted. \"We are your men to command.\" He offered, in that moment handing over all command back to the Lord of Stormalong. \n\n\"Very good. How many?\" \n\n\"Fifty, all mounted as requested. Ten with crossbows, the rest sword and spear. Where we heading and when? They're all ready to break camp.\"\n\n\"Hagen's Keep. We will break camp an hour before first light, the men who came from Zahrada need to rest. Bring me a quick rider, a quill, and parchment.\"\n\nThe things Eric requested almost seemed to materialize in his hands as men-at-arms rushed to bring him what he needed. A letter was penned and sealed with House Stafford's seal. The letter was handed over to the rider. \n\n\"Take this to Hagen's Keep. Stay there once you arrive.\" Eric instructed him. The man rushed off and mounted his horse, riding out to Hagen's Keep in the night.\n\nThe letter when received by Lady Hagen would read:\n\n\"Elise Hagen, Lady of Hagen's Keep,\n\nI have arrived at Yellen, a day's ride from you. Expect me at your by tomorrow, just before nightfall. I have a small host of fifty-six. This shall be resolved by week's end.\n\nEric Stafford, Lord of Stormalong, commander of South Feyshore and Astoria, Protector of The Realm.\""
},
{
"author": "hanki2455",
"message": "Jeff\nThe field Hagen Keep \nJeff heard some one yelling. He silently approach's the commotion. As he peered from behind the bakery he noticed a bloody baker next to a corpse of a former associate. Jeff face paled as he recognized the rapier the baker held. \"There's no way that lady Elise ordered the baker to kill the messenger...\" Jeff gulps. \"If she did order him then.. Maybe the Duck man was on to something.\" He shakes his head.\"Didn't think this place was full of loonies.\" Jeff scrambles back to continue to prepare the for the fire."
}
] | 196.5 | 1,708 |
299.117647 | 2019-08-07 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "purelyplutonic",
"message": "**Dustin Olsah**\n**Avril's Residence**\n\nDustin's eyes seemed to look straight through Avril, peering into her very soul, and for a moment she could see the danger and drive that was once so deeply within this man. After only a few seconds, however, his gaze glossed over as he looked around the room, his foremost thought only his next hit. He absently scratched incessantly at his hand, beginning to draw blood.\n\n\"Sounds like a plan.\" The ex-soldier stood, his matted black hair swinging and covering his face. He smiled a slightly broken smile as he took the proffered hand with a bone-crushing grip. \"Tomorrow evening.\" He confirmed."
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nAvril's Residence\n\nThat look was one that lingered with Avril for the rest of the night, permeating her dreams and her waking moments. A moment of clarity in which she caught, for just a few seconds, a glimpse of who Dustin once was. Perhaps it haunted her so because it tugged at her conscience-what remained of it-and reminded her of the fact that the products she sold were not exactly harmless. Her entire client-base was built upon addiction... She tried to push such thoughts away by reminding herself that humans were prone to all kinds of vices. If it wasn't what she sold, then it would be something else, and at least by doing this, she kept herself off of the street and saved herself from a life of whoredom. This way, she was fucking over other people, instead of getting fucked.\n\nThe next day passed with her spending time preparing the delivery and purifying more product. By the time Dustin arrived, the delivery was sitting by the door in a wooden trunk, latched with an iron lock and with iron serving as both decoration and as support. The client had the key, and upon unlocking it, they would verify the delivery and Avril would know whether she had found a dependable, if not entirely trustworthy, runner. The product was well-hidden, tucked beneath a false bottom, while the main compartment of the trunk was filled with women's clothing, particularly undergarments. The former was to deter any man of honorable intentions-namely any guard that might seek to snoop about-while the latter was intended to prevent those who were less than honorable. \n\nThe sky was an inky black, save for the few starts that prickled forth like spines on a thistle. Without the moon, the shadows cast by the smattering of lamps along the dark, filth-laden streets of Feyshore's less savory district loomed long and ominously. Avril was on edge as she awaited Dustin's arrival, and she nearly jumped out of her skin at the sound of a knock on her door. Quickly, she made her way to it and peered through a crack in the door. As soon as she saw that it was indeed Dustin, she quickly opened it and beckoned him inside, shutting the door behind him hurriedly."
},
{
"author": "purelyplutonic",
"message": "**Dustin Olsah**\n**Avril's Residence**\n\n\"The delivery went well.\" He said shortly, stepping inside casually. His hand was resting on the pommel of his sword... He was on edge as she was, but mostly from a couple inspections by guards. Though the package had passed, Dustin almost hadn't, and it took all of his acting to convince the guards that, no, he was not a criminal. He certainly looked like one.\n\nAs Dustin stepped in, he saw a fading memory overlaid of the house. *The walls were replaced with tent walls, and the elf standing in front of him was a human general, looking at Dustin sternly.* The memory quickly faded, but he was standing crisply at attention out of habit."
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nAvril's Residence\n\nShe nodded, trying to look composed and severe, which she was not at all good at. Her inexperience showed in every twitchy, fluttering movement, like a moth flitting about a flame, closer and closer to doom and yet confused by it all the same. She would either improve, with time, or she would be caught or killed, whichever came first. \nWhen she noticed how tense he was, however, she quickly said in an almost gentle voice, \"Relax. I've already received word that the delivery was a success, and I have more work lined up for you.\" She looked him over for a few moments, then added, \"Though before you take this work, I think you need to be cleaned up some. You're fine here in this quarter, but if you make this next delivery, it will be less conspicuous if you're... Cleaned up a bit.\""
},
{
"author": "purelyplutonic",
"message": "**Dustin Olsah**\n**Avril's Residence**\n\nDustin raised his eyebrows, looking at Avril curiously. Who exactly was he delivering to? He shrugged mentally and then looked to Avril a little wryly. \"Sorry, it's hard to keep clean out there.\" He hadn't 'cleaned up' in quite some time, just once recently to try and get a job as a janitor for the marketplace, but he was turned down anyway.\n\nHe took his hand off the sword pommel slowly, and you noticed his hand was twitching erratically. He folded his hands behind his back, and rather than asking where or how he could clean up, he smiled slightly, a nervous but eager glint entering his vibrant blue eyes, the one part of him that hadn't been dulled by the drug. \"Payment?\""
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nAvril's Residence\n\nShe hesitated for a moment, wondering if he'd just take the payment and run. She realized, however, that if he did such a thing, then he wouldn't be dependable enough to act as her runner anyway. She needed people that were loyal to her, or at least to the product she sold. She found herself hoping that Dustin was one that would be, eventually, loyal to both, perhaps.\n\nShe reached into the pocket of her dress and brought forth a small cloth filled with product, enough to be more than fair payment and, if used properly, would probably last him a few weeks. \"Don't use any just yet,\" She said, taking note of the twitching of his hand and the clear symptoms of withdrawal. He was getting there, but he'd be alright if he had to wait a bit longer. \"If you still want the job, we'll get you cleaned up first, then you can use and I'll give you instructions in the morning.\""
},
{
"author": "purelyplutonic",
"message": "**Dustin Olsah**\n**Avril's Residence**\n\nHis hand had grabbed the cloth, and was halfway to taking it when he froze slightly. He slowly nodded and pocketed the drug. He had just now realized that he was still holding the box. He handed Avril the box, having already taken a look at how much the client had paid. He had considered stealing it, but he decided that a continuing job was better than a one-off, with peculiar wisdom from someone mainly focused on the short-term.\n\n\"Alright.\" He said, clasping his hands behind his back, his knuckles white from squeezing them, a vain attempt to stop the trembling. \"Where can I get cleaned up?\"\n\nReally, he was a mess. His hair looked matted painfully with dirt clumped in to the hanging ends. His face was smeared with dirt, and his clothes had holes in them. Not to mention, the hand he had been digging at last night looked infected."
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nAvril's Residence\n\nShe wasn't entirely sure that she was comfortable with him being in her house, but she also knew that if she didn't get him cleaned up and keep him here overnight, he'd likely just end up in the filth again and she'd lose her runner and have to find someone else at the last minute. With that thought in mind, she gestured for him to follow her and brought him to a small room in the dilapidated shack that had a washtub in it just large enough for a person to fit in.\n\n\"The water comes from the well up the street,\" She said as she handed him a bucket. \"Get some and I'll lay out a towel and some soap for you, then I'll see if I can find some clothes for you.\""
},
{
"author": "purelyplutonic",
"message": "**Dustin Olsah**\n**Avril's Residence**\n\nDustin, not yet sunk into a drugged trance, realized what the elf was doing for him, and he smiled crookedly. He'd have to thank her later. It truly was kind of her. Later...\n\nHe nodded as he grabbed the bucket and looked around at the washroom. He doubted it would be good enough to properly get him clean, but a semblance, definitely. He strode out, hands still twitching behind his back, in a stiff-legged military march. \n\nHe reached the well and began to fill the bucket slowly, leaning over the edge of the well, looking down. It was easy to get lost in thoughts of self-pity here, but Dustin wasn't that sort. Instead what he almost got lost in were the cravings... He toyed with the strings of the bag. It would be so easy to have some now. Avril wouldn't know... \n\nYes she definitely would, he thought. Any drug dealer knows who's high and who's not. He sighed and reluctantly put the bag back in his pocket, fingers shaking more violently as he openly rejected the drug for the moment. He picked up the bucket and headed back to the shack."
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nAvril's Residence\n\nWhile Dustin set out to get water for his bath, Avril quickly got to work getting a towel and soap for him. The towel was rough and tattered, and the soap was unscented and rough, made by Avril's own hand from lard she had purchased. The tub in which he would wash was a little leaky, but it was all Avril had to give right now, and it would be enough to clean him up.\n\nOnce everything was set, she stepped outside and saw that he was returning with the bucket. At that, she smiled brightly. Admittedly, she hadn't really thought that he'd return and had assumed that he'd ignore her orders and use and then dip out, but so far, he hadn't. This gave her some hope. He was passing her tests!\n\n\"Go ahead and start washing up,\" She said, the smile still quite present and lighting up her delicate features. \"I'll be back in a few minutes with some clothes.\" Without really waiting for him to respond, she scurried down the darkened street like the vermin that populated the area. To the people that lived in the better districts, there was little doubt that Avril's section of the city was populated with nothing but vermin, both human and rodent alike. \n\nSeveral minutes later, she returned with some clothing for him. It was a bit plain, but for where he was going, it was passable in that it wouldn't draw undo attention to him either in gaudiness or raggedness. Being inconspicuous was the name of this game.\n\nWhen she returned, she stood outside the washroom and slid the clothing under the curtain that served to offer some privacy, while saying, \"I brought you some clothes and I have a comb for you to use. Though it may be easier to cut your hair than to comb it all out... But that's up to you. Let me know if you need anything... Oh! And make sure you scrub under your fingernails!\" Despite how far she had sunk, Avril had lived among the finer things in life at times, and it showed now in how she fussed over getting him clean and looking presentable."
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "**Lord Louis IV of Orleáns,\nThe Orleán Palace, Aquarin.**\n\n*Louis was on his balcony contemplating the mild sea. The waves hit the sandbank slowly and smoothly, covering the near-black sand in a warm liquid blanket. He had a highly detailed goblet of wine, covered in intricate patterns of dolphins and sharks, all made in pure gold. The goblet itself was made of silver, the inside lined with a thin iron covering. It was heavy in his hand, and his mind was drifting away, focused on the sea and the regular movements of the waves. For half an hour he had a moment of peace and quiet, even though it only felt as a few minutes to him. Louis' trance was suddenly interrupted by a servant, which awoke him.\n\nThe servant rushed in, his wooden shoes banging against the stone floor. He approached Louis, did a quick curtsey and talked to his liege* \"Mi'lord\" *He said bowing, and after being told to rise by Louis, he continued* \"Her Majesty, Anyanka Durkhan has sent a letter directed to you. I did not read it, but here it is.\" *Louis gently took the letter from the servant's rough hand, using a letter opener to slit it open, and took out a letter, which read:* \n\n***Good Morning Louis,\n\nI am sorry for not writing earlier, as I was on a state visit to Terresol when your father died, and have been very busy since then. I am writing this letter to send my congratulations for your new position as Lord of Landow and to send my grieving for the death of your father. He was a good ruler, and it is because of him that you have your title. \n\nBest Regards and Good Luck,\nThe Grand Duchess Anyanka Durkhan***\n\n*Louis let out a deep sigh and carefully put the letter back into the envelope. He gave the letter to the servant and he went away to store it. Louis went into his study to write a response.*"
},
{
"author": "purelyplutonic",
"message": "**Dustin Olsah**\n**Avril's Residence**\n\n\"Thanks for—\" \nHis cut off reply chased the already moving Avril and he sighed slightly. Something about her manner was off... More than just a drug dealer getting a disguise ready. He couldn't quite mark it...\n\nHe shrugged and stripped, beginning to wash off in the bathtub. The water was cold, so he was quick, perhaps too quick. He did manage to get the dirt stains off of his face, and the mud out of his hair, along with generally getting the odor of manure and nastiness out. Honestly, his clothes would be better off burnt than cleaned but he didn't know that, just changed into the new clothes as well. Hearing her belated call, he sighed and disregarded the request. His fingernails had become considerably less black, but they were by no means clean. And by no means did he feel like cleaning them.\n\nHe picked up the comb hesitantly and began to try and comb out his hair before yelping slightly with pain and letting out a stream of curses. He didn't sign up for this. Nevertheless, he did his best, and tore through the tangles with a considerable amount of pain. He took a small portion of the drug and inhaled, letting the pleasure flow through him and numbing the pain quickly. While he couldn't feel, he swiped the comb through his hair, actually tearing off a clump of strands quite forcefully, and ripping off some of the skin on his head. Of course, he didn't feel it. He sank back against the wall, letting the spice finish its course."
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "**Lord Louis IV of Orleáns,\nThe Orleán Palace, Aquarin.**\n\n*When he entered his study, in front of him stood a large, highly ornate sandalwood table, carved with the coat of arms of House Orleáns, House Durkhan and Landow. On top of the table there was a parchment of fine, snow white paper and a long swan quill with a full gold-rimmed glass ink bottle. He sat down on his large, feather-filled wooden chair and started writing the letter. It went like this:*\n\n*** Good Afternoon, Your Majesty,\n\nThank you for the letter. I completely understand the reason you were not here for my Father's funeral, and thank you for the kind words you said about him. I hope that our relations will only improve, and I would like to talk to you in person. I think that my skills as a diplomat and merchant are better suited in another King's court than here in my own, and would like to ask permission to try and improve diplomatic relations between South Feyshore and the country in Question. When would be a good time for me to visit you in Astoria?\n\nYour Humble Vassal,\nLord Louis IV of Orleáns.***\n\n*He carefully put the letter inside of an envelope, called a servant and gave it to him, with orders to send it to Her Majesty the Queen.*\n\n**Lord Louis IV of Orleáns,\nThe Orleán Palace, Aquarin**\n\n*After a good night's sleep, Louis had woken up to a weird noise. It looked like there was a crowd of people at his court, wanting, no* ***Demanding*** *To be attended by the Lord himself. It was still around 10:00 a.M., so he did not know the reason for these demands. He let out a small grunt and sat up on his feather-filled bed. It was very comfortable, being covered in fine silk sheets and various pillows. He used his hand as an aid and stood up, and went to the bathroom. He then washed his face and dipped himself into the hot water that was present in his tub. He put his head under water, and after he rose, used some boar-fat soap to clean his hair and body. After drying himself and putting on his tunic, he called for his servants, which dressed him in his formal clothes, a gold-thread overall over an also gold-thread jacket. Underneath the gold, he had a smooth white silk shirt alongside a white silk scarf. Below the waist he had a crocodile-skin belt over some tight silk trousers. He also used some leather shoes, engraved with a few rubies. \n\nReady for court, he entered his great hall, to find a wild assortment of people, from Nobles to Merchants to Fishermen. He called a representative in to tell the story while he sat on his Silver throne. The men sent in, presumably a noble, was dressed in fine garments, including a silk shirt and a fur jacket. He did a quick curtsey and told his story.* \"Mi'lord, the docks have been attacked by Pirates!\". T*He message was simple and straightforward, but worrying. Who would have called the pirates? Was it simple scags, doing their own business, or were they funded by Araedia? Maybe they were sent by the Pirate King himself? These and many others ran through Louis' head, but he only had one question.*\n\n\"Did LMS (Landow Navy Ship) Invincible stop them?\" *The envoy stuttered. He ended up answering in a very low tone \"Y-y-yes Mi'lord, but some died. Including your wife.\" *By the time he said the last word, he was shaking uncontrollably, cold sweat all over him. Hearing the news, Louis blinked once, and once he realized that it was true, he jumped out of his chair and blasted out of the room. He would need to calm down before taking any decisions. So, the first thing he did was call the massager, and lay down on the cold, hard stone table. The massager soon arrived, a strong man, almost 7' tall and very muscular. Knowing of the incident, he planned this massage to be extra-long, around 3 hours, but when the time came, Louis insisted on another hour, as he had not yet recovered from the incident. By the time the massage had come to an end, it was already time for supper. He ate modestly, not much, but didn't starve either. Still thinking about the incident, he undressed and fell into his bed, sleep arriving soon after his head hit the soft pillow. He would have nightmares, but it is nothing that he isn't accustomed to.*"
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "```*Lord Louis IV, \n\nThat is certainly an option we can consider. Feel free to make your way to Zahrada within the next week. An audience will be granted upon your arrival should things remain calm as they have been over the last few days. \n\nDo not move to put yourself in another man's court without my approval. My seal on your announcement will serve you better than your own alone. \n\nHope all is well, \nQueen Durkhan* ```"
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox \nAvril's Residence\n\nAvril waited in the living room for him, though at the sound of a thump against the wall, she stood up and hovered outside the door. \"Dustin?\" She asked, listening for a response. \"Are you okay?\" She waited for a long time, listening carefully, but heard nothing whatsoever. \"Dustin?\" She asked again, a little more nervous now. Finally, she tugged the curtain to the side and peered inside, half afraid that she'd see a naked man. Thankfully, he had already clothed himself, but he had clearly used and harmed himself somehow in the process.\n\n\"Dammit,\" She grumbled, quickly pushing the curtain the rest of the way aside and stepping inside. He was quite out of it, at this point, so she wrapped his arm around her shoulders and tried to tug him upright; however, he was quite a bit heavier and larger than she, so she was unable to lift him. She grumbled more at that, wishing that Craig were here to help her with this, though he'd probably just have snide comments for her. \n\nShe ducked out of the room for a few moments and returned a bit later. Although she had turned to selling product, she was, from her roots, a healer. Although the majority of her cellar was now filled with various drugs, she had various herbs and roots for healing. First, she bandaged his wounded hand and the spot in his skull, taking note of the still-matted hair and deciding that it would likely have to go, though she'd wait until he was awake. She also noted the dirty fingernails and sighed again, but in all actuality, she really couldn't do anything about it. She certainly wouldn't scrub him down herself! \n\nAfter he was bandaged up, she brought forth a small vial of an earthen-colored substance and passed it under his nose a few times, letting him inhale deeply of the revitalizing salts. \"Wake up,\" She said quietly, yet firmly. \"I can't carry you, so you're going to have to get up on your own.\""
},
{
"author": "purelyplutonic",
"message": "**Dustin Olsah**\n**Avril's Residence**\n\nDustin jolted to reality with a sudden spasm and his wide eyes locked on Avril's. He must have been out of it longer than he expected. He rolled his head from side to side and tentatively felt the bandage on his head. \n\n\"What the hell..\" He muttered blearily. He slowly stood up shakily, tempted to grab the bag from his pocket again.\n\n\"Sorry.\" Dustin said, belatedly realizing he wasn't supposed to have some of the product just yet."
},
{
"author": "Deleted User",
"message": "**Lord Louis IV of Orleáns, \nThe Orleán Palace, Aquarin**\n\n*Louis was not surprised by the response, after all, he was not representing himself, but house Durkhan. He was actually pleased with the response, which showed that even the Queen had acknowledged his skills as a diplomat.\n\nHer took a long bath while servants packed his belongings. He would travel by land, and would take his own personal carriage. It was state of the art, the outside covered in sculptures in pure gold, some of them even encrusted with diamonds. It was pulled by 6 large white thoroughbreds, and even the driver had a feather filled seat. Inside was a bed, with a cushioned back, if he wanted to sit down. If he wanted to write there was a table close to the decorated ceiling, which he could pull down. There would be some parchment, a swan quill with an ink bottle and a long gold letter opener, with an emerald handle.\n\nHe spent most his day asleep, and when he was up he would have a servant, many times young ladies, entertain him. It was boring, but the trip only took two days, with resting at night so the horses could sleep. He finally arrived at Zahrada, and slept in his carriage.*"
}
] | 208 | 5,085 |
217.833333 | 2019-08-08 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nAvril's Residence\n\nAvril pursed her lips in response, just barely managing to bite her tongue and keep from saying something rude. She shouldn't have expected him to be able to resist, she supposed, but that didn't stop her from being a little flustered and upset that he had used and passed out on the floor in her house. It was, however, a good reminder to her that she couldn't depend on this man just yet; she would need more runners, as he would probably only be able to do so much.\n\nRather than scolding him like she wanted, she instead said, \"There's a bed in the corner of the main room. Won't be the most comfortable thing in the world, but it's somewhere to sleep. You can use as you'd like tonight, and we'll finish cleaning you up in the morning. That matted mass on top of your head is going to have to go, and your fingernails are going to need a good scrub. But that's enough for one night.\" \n\nWith that, she turned and walked away, leaving him to make it to the bed and whatnot on his own. She was trying to be stern and demanding, like an employer-someone who demanded respect and loyalthy! But she still listened to see if he was making it safely and where he was going and whatnot."
},
{
"author": "purelyplutonic",
"message": "**Dustin Olsah**\n**Avril's Residence**\n\nHe had realized he had made a mistake, and he fervently hoped it hadn't jeopardized his job. It's just... It hurt so much, and it was so easy once he had taken some. He rubbed his eyes slightly, waking up completely from the stupor. \"I'm sorry. It just—\"\n\nHe trailed off knowing that he couldn't help it now, and if he was done away with it'd be on his fault alone. His eyes lit up slightly as she mentioned a bed. \"Really?\" He asked, a little too excited, before he followed her gaze and saw the rickety-looking bed. \"Thank you...\" He said quietly as she walked off again, not giving him a chance to really say anything.\n\nHe walked toward the bed slightly unsteadily, but made it there eventually with the help of a hand on the wall. Once he made it there, he laid down on the bed, head up and resting against the wall behind him, the sheets under him. He didn't want to get the pillow or sheets any dirtier from him. He fell asleep alarmingly quickly, the mark of a soldier used to sleeping anywhere at a short notice."
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nAvril's Residence\n\nAvril relaxed a little when she saw that he was curled up in bed, especially when she heard the faint sound of slow, relaxed breathing. If he was asleep, he could by no means be a threat to her, unless of course, he was faking it, but he didn't seem to be. \n\nShe was still rather antsy though, so she spent quite a bit of time cleaning up: taking out the bath water, going through his clothes for any valuables (there were none, not that she was surprised), burned the clothes, stashed his weapon away where he couldn't find it in the night and murder her, and penned a letter to the recipient of the next shipment. \n\nWith that all done, she found that she had nothing left to do, and it was quite late, by that point. The only thing she could do was to try to get a few hours of sleep before sunrise the next morning, so she made her way to the dilapidated mattress she had in her store room and curled up, attempting to sleep. She never really did manage to fall asleep that night though, as she was hyper-aware of every sound and kept listening all night for any sign that Dustin was awake and snooping about. Nothing happened, but in a quarter of the city where there were many suspicious sounds at night, she couldn't settle down, so she was up with the sun the next morning."
},
{
"author": "purelyplutonic",
"message": "**Dustin Olsah**\n**Avril's Residence**\n\nDustin had an uneventful night and he woke up just a little after the sun rose in the morning. His hand had scabbed over slightly, though it still looked a little off colored from the infection. He got up, rolling his stiff neck he had from leaning against the wall all night and wandered into the main room.\n\nHe stood, leaning against the wall, and waited for Avril silently. He toyed with the strings of the spice bag but decided not to have any just yet, since last time she had been considerably upset with him. He blearily rubbed the sleep from his eyes."
},
{
"author": "kaylamityjane",
"message": "Avril Maddox\nAvril's Residence\n\nThere was the telltale shuffle of footsteps across the earthen floor in the other room, and at that, Avril appeared from where she had been working. She looked him over with a cursory glance, keeping it rather brisk and almost chilly, before saying, \"There's some breakfast in the pot over there.\" She gestured towards the fireplace, which had a pot hanging from the bar over the fire, keeping a breakfast of mush warm. \n\n\"After that, we'll finish cleaning you up and get you on your way,\" She continued. There was a brief pause before she added, \"You may have some product, if you need it. Only a small amount, however. I don't want you completely gone and in my house.\""
},
{
"author": "purelyplutonic",
"message": "**Dustin Olsah**\n**Avril's Residence**\n\nDustin winced slightly at the tone, thinking that it was because of his using in the bathroom earlier and he said as much as he got a bowl. \"Sorry about two nights ago.\" He said, his time sense blurring with a dream he had. \"It just made the pain go away. I didn't know you wouldn't like it.\" He said, spreading his hands slightly in apparent trying to make peace.\n\nHe walked over to the pot of mush and spooned our a small bowl before sitting down, eating hungrily. \"And thanks for the bed. And food,\" He managed through a mouthful. He swallowed roughly. \n\nThe words were few, but the tone was sincere, however, Dustin immediately got to business. \"Who am I running for?\""
}
] | 212 | 1,307 |
192.636364 | 2019-09-07 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "valenkryst",
"message": "David Bradshawe\nDavid's Home, Audeamus Forest\n\nWith a sigh of relief, he sat down, a slight grin on his face. David was behind his house in the woods, sitting cross-legged on a stump he regularly sits on when he reads. He'd grown to like the forest, it's a good place for him. Mostly quiet, very few visitors. The sorcerer set the book in his lap, and opened it. It took him a moment to find the correct page, but once he did, he set himself to reading. It was about midday, and thanks to the canopy there was shade, but enough light to read. The temperature was fairly comfortable. David was wearing relatively light clothes, with sandals for his footwear. \"It's a good day..\" He muttered to himself. He hadn't gotten to relax the day prior, as he'd had to go out to a village to \"Help\" Someone. The poorfolk in the area are generally kind and humble, so usually he charges them very little for his services. This day was going to be a day of studying and relaxation, or at least he planned it to be this way."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**\nLord Syric Vignola\nAudeamus Forest \n**\nSyric had spent the majority of the last week in Stormalong, at the summons of Lady Angelica Stafford. With her husband still disposed in Hagen Keep, she'd not been able to call upon his assistance in dispelling the rumors that lingered just on the edge of the Audeamus forest. \n\n_\"I'd have gone myself, or send in our guard, but it feels like a... Diplomatic issue. And Marcus doesn't do well with his nannies for more than a day.\"_ She'd explained, handing the man the reports her court had taken from complaints in the villages nearby. Well, they weren't so much complaints as reports of activity. A magic man, creeping out of the tree line at the request of desperate families looking for medicine that was a little more accurate than brews at their local apothecary. \n\nShe'd done right in calling for him; a team of guards would have failed in rooting out a magic user. Although magic in Astoria was openly accepted, it was still iffy in South Feyshore- depending on the laws of the ruling Lord in the area. Stormalong was a safe place, but Brewerns, the territory that the reports lingered on, wasn't. And if there was a medicine man who was doing good for the country, he'd prefer the man be allowed to continue in public. It would grant some peace to those who still feared magic, and probably some stability for the forest dweller. \n\nSyric pulled the reins on the steed he rode, making his way through the trees in the area the man was rumored to live. After about half the day, he came across a humble looking man sitting on a stump, book draped over his lap. \n\n\"Hello, can you help me?\" Syric questioned. \"I'm looking for a medicine man that's said to live in the woods, are you him or do you know of him?\""
},
{
"author": "valenkryst",
"message": "David Bradshawe\nDavid's Home, Audeamus Forest\n\nDavid had lifted his head at the sound of a horse's hooves. It's not often he gets to hear those, as very few people venture into these woods. He'd learned that in his long time staying there. His eyes eventually rested on a man on a horse, which made him tilt his head to the side a little bit. Thoughts ran through his head as he thought of the reasoning, which led to him being kinda zoned out when he was spoken to. It took him a moment to think of a response, and then it dawned on him. What if this guy was here.. To take him away? The thought frightened him, and he stood up, his book in his arms. \"*Nope. Never heard of him.*\" He replied, and then walked away, going around his house towards the door. He'd prefer not to take his chances. He liked the area, and it's his only place of safety."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Lord Syric Vignola\nAudeamus Forest **\n\nThe man rose, snapping his book closed with a definitive answer before turning and heading back to the home behind him. \"Please, I've come on behalf of the Lady of Stormalong. The infant is ill, he has been for quite some time. She heard rumors of a healer and tasked me with finding him.\" \n\nTechnically, none of those things were a lie. He was sent by Angelica and Marcus was sick, it just wasn't the _reason_ he was sent. \n\n\"I'm just looking for some help, I'd never forgive myself if the child suffered because I gave up every time a man turned away from me.\""
},
{
"author": "valenkryst",
"message": "David Bradshawe\nDavid's Home, Audeamus Forest\n\nThe mystic's walk faltered at the man's words. He's not a bad person, per-se, but he doesn't want to go to prison.. Or worse. \"*Sorry. I can't help you.*\" He called over his shoulder. David then continued his walk forward, and turned the corner to where he was at the front of his house. His breathing gradually picked up, and his chest hurt a little. David was scared. He thought he could die if it was found out who he really was, and he doesn't like taking chances. At the same time, he would not like to leave an infant to die.. He stops at his front door as the mental conflict rages within him. What to do, what to do.. David eventually decided he'd wait where he stood, and see if the man gave up, or followed him around. He needed to know just how serious this guy was."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**\nLord Syric Vignola\nAudeamus Forest**\n\nThe hesitation in the man's step was all he needed, and he dismounted from his horse with a heavy fall of his boots on the leaves that littered the ground. \"Stormalong is a place where magic users are protected. The Lady herself has asked for you to come and help her, that isn't an action that will be punished.\" Syric pointed out, taking the assumption that the man's hesitation meant he was the healer he was looking for. \n\nHe looked like a regular old man, and incredibly unintimidating from what he'd imagined to find."
},
{
"author": "valenkryst",
"message": "David Bradshawe\nDavid's Home, Audeamus Forest\n\nThe old-ish man turned his head a bit, and he looked at his visitor with a single eye. \"*I can't.*\" He couldn't explain his reason, either. The conflict still raged on within him, so he continued to simply stand there. He raised his hands to his face, and rubbed them in. What should he do, what should he do? He thought to himself. David then turned around, looking Vignola in the eyes. \"*What's wrong with the baby?*\" Is all he asked. At the same time, he thought that healing an important person's child is a good way to get quite a bit more books for himself. Something he simply loves. He took a few steps forward, closing the distance between them. His arms were folded across his chest, meaning he wouldn't seem at all threatening, either."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**Lord Syric Vignola\nAudeamus Forest.\n**\nHe asked what was wrong with Marcus, and Syric pressed his lips together. He knew, because of his friendship with the Lord and Lady or Stormalong, but it wasn't public knowledge and he knew Angelica wasn't keen on anyone knowing just how ill the child was. As far as he knew the physicians who knew in Stormalong were sworn to secrecy unless they thought they found someone who could help. \n\n\"We're unsure. A few physicians said it was a cold, others weak lungs. Some think he's not long and there's nothing to be helped anyway.\""
},
{
"author": "valenkryst",
"message": "David Bradshawe\nDavid's Home, Audeamus Forest\n\nDavid gave a little sigh, and turned to look at his home. It's been about 15 years since he'd come here, and not once had he gone back to any of the big towns. He so badly wanted to stay, but he couldn't leave a little babe to die, could he? And since it's something like weak lungs, David could certainly do something to help him, maybe even cure him completely. But he's a wanted man! Ever since the collapse 15 years ago, he had been one. These are all the thoughts running through his head, but eventually the good parts of him shine through. \"*I can help him. I am indeed the \"Healer\" In this area.*\" He said, and walked forward a couple steps to where they were at proper conversing distance."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**\nLord Syric Vignola\nAudeamus Forest **\n\nSyric smiled as he turned, agreeing that he was in fact the man he'd been searching for. \"You'll accompany me back to Stormalong to help the heir?\" He asked, wanting confirmation of that fact. In Stormalong Angelica would be there to help persuade the man into going public. And perhaps, if he really could help Marcus, they'd have a good story to spread of the man through the city to help dispel any warlock rumors."
},
{
"author": "valenkryst",
"message": "David Bradshawe\nDavid's Home, Audeamus Forest\n\nDavid gave a firm nod, and then gave verbal confirmation. \"*Yes, I will.*\" His fear had died down, as he was somewhat sure that this man was not looking for a David Bradshawe, no.. But instead a remote healer, one that could save an heir. He was almost certain that he could save the little baby. Lung issues were quite common among the peasant folk's young, so he had more than a little experience with them. Not to forget that he can do far more than just heal. If he needs to escape, he certainly can put up a fight. He then found himself thinking of Stormalong. Going back, after all this time.. He wondered how much it had changed. He had been quite fond of it in the olden days, so he's a little worried it would be completely ruined."
}
] | 185 | 2,119 |
332.9 | 2019-09-09 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Lord Eric Stafford\nHagen Keep\n\nEric had let Elise go back to making preparations in her keep. Eric was outside, inspecting positions for defenses while Captain Hart was setting up patrols, patrols hadn't been completely figured out yet and there some gaps as Stafford had only been there an hour or two. Some guards saw some dark smoke rising from the side of the keep, where a large trellis attached to the side of Hagen's keep had caught fire. The five man patrol saw a man running from the scene.\n\n\"STOP!\" One shouted, when he didn't, \"Shoot him!\"\n\nThree crossbows snapped. The first shot went wide, but the second bit deep into the man's lower back and the third into his upper left shoulder. The man went down almost instantly, by the time the party of five recovered the body, it was essentially too late. He was on his last breathe and when Eric came to the body, the unnamed man died. \n\n\"You five, pull that trellis down, _Now_!\" Eric commanded. The fire was spreading across it, licking the stone walls and singing them but not doing much other damage. The five men moved to the side of the trellis that the fire had not spread to yet and pulled it down into the green, wet grass.\n\n\"Let it burn out.\" Captain Hart called out. Get some buckets of sand incase the fire spread onto the grass. Three of the men obliged and ran off to dig up dirt buckets. Captain Hart looked at Eric and lowered his voice. \"What the fuck was that?\" \n\n\"I don't know.\" Eric sighed, shaking his head and rubbing the bridge of his nose. \n\n\"Was he affiliated with this Lord Duckly?\"\n\n\"He died before I got to him. They said he was trying to run.\" \n\n\"We'll get guards around all the trellis. Trying to light a stone keep on fire, what a genius, huh?\" Captain Hart scoffed before walking off to finish sending out patrols. \n\n\"Yeah.\" Eric shook his head at the dead man. \"Clean up the body.\" Eric commanded, \"Bury him somewhere, don't bother marking it.\" \n\nWith that Eric about faced and walked back to the main section of camp.\n\nWhere a man on a horse was stopped by the bulk of Eric's force being questioned, the man was wearing Stafford's colors and held a letter in hand. \n\n\"Lord Stafford,\" One of the men called out as Eric approached, _What now?_ Eric complained in his thoughts. \"A letter from Lady Stafford.\" The courier announced as Eric reached him, taking the letter. \n\n\"Hm, thank you.\" Eric's stomach twisted hoping it wasn't bad news. He broke the seal and began to read, with some thirty onlookers.\n\nAs Eric's eyes followed the letter, his grip on the letter tightened and his lips tightened. \"I see.\" He muttered. He looked to the thirty men, \"Continue setting up defenses. You five,\" He pointed at a few men in front of him, \"Start readying your horses as well as mine... _Now._\" Eric's tone did not need a response, only the sound of footsteps. \"Courier, you're go back to Stormalong and inform Lady Stafford I am on my way.\" \n\n\"Aye Mi'lord.\" And he turned the horse around and rode back to Stormalong. \n\n\"_Captain Hart!_ \" Eric called out.\n\n\"Moving!\" Was the response, and Hart seemingly materialized. \"Everything all right, my lord?\" The stressed look communicated that every was _not_ all right.\n\n\"Take charge, I am writing Lord Coridon to take my place. You'll take commands from him unless it is something stupid. You're a man of common sense, you know what stupid is.\"\n\n\"Aye, and Lord Duckly?\"\n\nEric rubbed his temples. \"I'm telling Lord Coridon to attempt to get the two to negotiate. If Lord Duckly gets hostile, write me and defend this keep. I'll descend from Stormalong and rip him apart.\"\n\nHart nodded, \"Of course my lord, safe travels.\"\n\nEric sighed, \"And good luck to you here. Make the most of it.\" With that, Eric stepped off to write a letter to Lord Coridon and to leave for Stormalong."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "**\nLord Syric Vignola\nAudemaus Forest**\n\nThe trip back to Stormalong Keep wasn't long, and when he arrived Angelica was standing in the foyer, pacing back and forth as if she was waiting on someone. When he opened the doors she'd looked up, a light filling her eyes that disappeared with a blink. \n\n\"Lord Vignola, did you find the man you were seeking?\" She questioned, and Syric gave a nod, moving aside to gesture towards the man who claimed to be the healer. Angelica's eyes moved over the older gentleman, and her grip on Marcus against her chest tightened. The child gave a small wheeze in response, and she loosened her hold a bit. \n\n\"Were you waiting on me this whole time?\" He asked, curious why she looked a little... Well, strung out, to be polite. \n\n\"No. Eric's on his way home.\" She answered shortly and looked to the guard. \"Upon the Lord's return alert me immediately. I need to be the first one to speak with him.\" She instructed without waiting for a response, and turned on her heel, leading the two gentleman down the hall."
},
{
"author": "valenkryst",
"message": "David Bradshawe\nStormalong, probably\n\nThe old mystic had followed Lord Vignola all the way to Stormalong, and the journey wasn't too bad on him. He's not used to long distances, and so it had left him a little winded and achy by time they made it to Stormalong. When the lady that was most likely nobility asked about him, he kinda lifted a hand a gave a teensy little wave, though he remained quiet. He doesn't belong there, and he's 100% aware of it. His eyes shifted to the babe in her arms, and he heard its wheeze, which made him cringe a slight bit. This child was clearly not well, and it surely sounded like a lung issue. Lung issues are not hard for him, it doesn't require too much of his magic to alleviate. And then she turned to walk away. He stuck close to Vignola, thinking that he would most likely not get lost that way."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Stormalong Keep \n\nAngelica was lost in thought as they walked, all too aware of every sound that came from the keep around her. She chose a path that followed the exterior walls, her head turning to look out every window that passed on the way to the meeting room. She wasn't opposed to magic, but she'd only grown more paranoid with each passing day and having yet another stranger in her home without Anyanka or Eric to stand beside had her at her wits end. At least Syric was here, and the Lord offered to take Marcus from her but she rejected the offer with a small but firm shake of her head. \n\nHer blonde curls had gone flat, and she turned nearly immediately as they entered the room. It was set up with basic accommodations to host a meeting of about twenty, but she didn't bother to take a seat.\n\n\"I hear you've been preforming magic in the Audemaus. It's not exactly ideal to have those rumors floating around so close to Brewerns.\" She told him plainly, and Marcus coughed in her arms, a rough rattling sound that made the woman close her tired eyes- revealing just how purple and dark they were without the blue to contrast it. When Marcus settled once more, she continued on her question. \n\n\"So I need to know who you are and why you're worth protecting.\""
},
{
"author": "valenkryst",
"message": "David Bradshawe\nStormalong Keep\n\nDavid had watched women closely as they walked, trying to notice her mannerisms. The main thing he noticed is that she seemed trouble. The old man had to be the observational type, given what sort of thing he does. As soon as they entered the room, he shifted off towards the side, a bit away from the two of them, but his eyes still making contact with her. He listened to her words, and then painfully to the baby's coughing, and then to her question. David's face showed little to no emotion, not wanting to give anything away.\n\nHe blinked at her mention of Brewerns.. He raised a hand to his face, and placed his fingers against his temples as he thought to himself. Brewerns, Brewerns.. Where is that? He had no recollection. \"Who am I, you ask? I am simply Valentine.\" He replied to her, before continuing. \"And do not worry, I ask not for your protection. Lord.. Vignola, yes, Vignola led me here, saying that a child with royal blood needed aid. I am capable of doing such a thing.\" The mystic was trying to keep his words vague, not giving anything away."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Stormalong Keep\n\nHis explanation had Angelica's eyes darting to Syric, who gave a small shrug. \"You tasked me with bringing him back here, it seemed the only way to get him to agree.\" \n\n\"_My_ son's health isn't something to be spread through all of Stormalong, Vignola.\" She retorted, and looked to the man who claimed himself Valentine. He was older than herself, and from her guess older than Anyanka too, which placed him at prime age for the fall. A magic user hiding in the woods wasn't the best use of that sort of magic, and she wondered if he'd felt the pull to Astoria. Maybe that was why he was lingering in the woods. \n\nOr, rather, maybe he'd been there all along, and only now that Stormalong had started to stand on it's own was anyone paying attention to things like this. \n\n\"Aid how?\""
},
{
"author": "babyratprincess",
"message": "Lord Duckly \nDucksbury, Southern Feyshore\n\nJeff's body was thrown down at Lord Duckly's bejeweled toes. He was a proponent of wearing a *Minimum* Of nine toe-rings, each adorned with a different precious gemstone. He glanced down at the mangled adolescent body. When questioned, he responded with a simple \"I do not know this man.\" \n\n\"Is this another victim of the Hagen wench?\" Lord Dorcas sneered. He looked pointedly at the Stafford men. \"Perhaps instead of murdering young boys, you should try and arrest the madwoman who blindly armed a town of illiterates.\""
},
{
"author": "valenkryst",
"message": "David Bradshawe\nStormalong Keep\n\nDavid, to put it simply, watched the two squabble for the little time that they did. He raised an eyebrow at it. It had been a long, long time since he'd had to listen to courtly troubles, and it was almost.. Amusing, in a way. His reasons for being there are quite plain and simple in his mind: To heal a child. After that was done, he planned on going right back to his forest home, where he could study things in peace. A part of him said that since he came this far, there's a good chance he won't be going back. He chose to ignore that part, to say the least.\n\n\"I thought it would be quite clear how I would aid. After all, I was dragged from my home to do just that.\" He said at first, and then gave a sigh. It was against his own laws to share his magical secrets. \"I will say this: I can heal him. I refuse to say how, though.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Stormalong Keep\n\nHer brow rose, and she gave a scoff of a laugh. \"You're not touching my son without telling me _exactly_ what you intend to do.\" She told him, twisting her torso and Marcus away from him. \n\n\"Angelica, that's rather backwards thinking for someone who is so close to the Queen. You'd let her preform magics on you and your family but not this man?\" Syric questioned and Angelica looked at him like he'd just asked why she'd ride a horse but not let one care for her infant. \n\n\"The Queen has saved my life countless times, I trust her with all of our lives. And besides, her magics are-\"\n\n\"Untrained?\" \n\n\"You verge on treason, Vignola.\"\n\n\"Why? This man has practiced and successfully provided a skill for what-\" He glanced at Valentine, and held his hand up, prompting confirmation \"Ten years? Longer?\" \n\n\"_I didn't request him here to poke and prod at my son._\" She said finally, frustration making her words sting more than she'd intended. Marcus hiccupped in her arms, and started to fuss, clearly upset by the situation. \"Valentine, I'll be frank, the woods is no place for a man with power that you're reported to wield. I'd like to see you to Astoria, to train under Doctor Coren in the Astorian court. He's teaching others how to use craft and medicine together. I'm certain the Queen would love to have you work with him and his students.\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Lord Eric Stafford\nStoramalong\n\nA knock would sound at the door of the room Angelica was using, a voice would call out after the knock, \"My lady, Lord Stafford has been spotted on his way to the city.\" He'd report. \n\nThe report he was given was actually old by now, as Eric was passing through the gates as the steward was knocking on the door. The streets cleared when Lord Stafford rode down it, quickly the populace gave Lord Stafford and his party of five room for them to quickly ride directly to the keep, most hailing Eric Stafford as he passed by. They were ignored, Eric needed into his home _now_.\n\nAs Eric was making his through the streets of Stormalong, and the steward that had just walked away from the door, another man appeared, \"Ah, Lord Stafford is in the city, Steward.\n\n\"My, he was riding quick.\" The steward went back to the door, \"Correction, my lady, Lord Stafford is in the city on his way to the keep, I'll prepare a welcome for him.\" He called again through the door before going to the main hall where Lord Eric Stafford was waiting, still dressed in mail, making for an uncomfortable ride. \n\n\"My lord! I wasn't expecting you_\"\n\n\"Where is my wife?\" He asked sharply, cutting him off. \n\n\"Follow me, my lord.\" And the steward turned on his heel toward the hallways and toward the room. Once they were in the hall, Eric had a good guess of what room and outpaced the steward and went to the door, opening it and entering abruptly. Being taken a little off-guard by the company with Angelica.\n\nCaptain Hart\nHagen Keep\n\nWas looking at the lord sternly. By the time Lord Duckly arrived, minor defense and stakes had been put into the ground forming a perimeter in the front of the keep. There was a line of Stafford men-at-arms watching Lord Duckly and any men he might have brought with him. \"My lord,\" Captain Hart began, remembering his courtesies, \"This boy was caught setting the keep of a Feyshorian noblewoman on fire. When he was apprehended, he ran. Rather than allow an arsonist escape, he was shot twice. How would you rather we deal with arsonists?\" He questioned, crossing his arms. \"Lord Coridon has yet to arrive, when he does, Lord Stafford has instructed us to oversee negotiations so we can avoid fighting.\" Captain Hart added. \n\nLord Coridon was exactly six miles out from the location, not exactly moving fast as he had a taste for comfort and was bring a small baggage train, some hedge knights and his own men with him into the field. If Lord Duckly had any scouts watching the south, he'd know that Lord Coridon was well on his way and would be arriving in an hour or two."
}
] | 251.5 | 3,329 |
165 | 2019-12-07 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "minihedgie",
"message": "Asteria Fyrinth\nSouth Feyshore\n\nThe night cast a different look on the town, making it seem more dastardly and frightening to those who might decide to go wandering. Asteria felt the stares of the onlookers trail across her form despite how desperately she had tried to conceal herself from prying eyes. Whispers followed her as she walked quickly through the dimly lit streets, fear coursing through her blood and giving her speed. \n\n~\nThe town was mostly unfamiliar to her and the dark caused her to second guess the directions she had been given. Her mind screamed at her to return home but pure desperation urged her to continue looking, *She needed help*. After what felt like a lifetime of terror, she arrived at the door and before she could allow herself to regret it, knocked."
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Marsila Vema\nSouth Feyshore\n\nIt had been a silent week for Marsila as she hid herself inside her home. She spent her time reading by the dim lit fire she created, making sure to contain the flame so it wouldn't spread throughout her home. A small chuckle left her lips as she flipped through the pages slowly until it was suddenly interrupted by an abrupt knock. She hadn't expected anyone today, however, Marsila was never shy of telling those she trusted her location. \n\nPlacing the book down, Marsila made her way to the door. Upon opening, she found herself facing a terrified female. Before she had the chance to speak, the shifter inches closer to the frame so the woman would have room to enter. \"Let's not speak out here.\""
},
{
"author": "minihedgie",
"message": "Asteria Fyrinth\nSouth Feyshore\n\nAsteria was not sure what precisely she had expected but she did know that a friendly looking young woman had not been on the list of possibilities. The home too seemed warmer than she had anticipated, the flickering light from a fire casting a comforting glow in the room. \n\nUpon being beckoned inside, Asteria pulled back the hood of her cloak and took a deep breath, wringing her hands in an attempt to stifle her anxiety. Asterias ever watchful eyes caught sight of a book that had been set aside and an immediate apology rushed to her lips, \"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt. I'm sure you're busy..\" She placed a shaking hand to her forehead, chastising herself for the unexpected intrusion."
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Marsila Vema\nSouth Feyshore\n\nShe shook her head dismissively towards her apology causing a few strands of hair to part from the messy bun she had put in earlier. Her unkempt appearance was similar to someone who had recently woken up, even though that was not Marsila's case. It was her home after all. \n\n\"Don't be ridiculous. I find no issue in putting down a book that I can read later. It's not going to run away.\" She interjected, noticing the way her sight had landed on the book she placed down earlier. Waving her hand towards the stool that stood only a few feet from her favoured chair, Marsila gestured for her guest to sit down. \"You on the other hand look one breath away from fainting. Please sit.\"\n\nMarsila found it quite simple when it came to figuring out someone's emotions and preferred to have those with a sound mind in her presence. Hence the kindness she emitted the moment she opened her door."
},
{
"author": "minihedgie",
"message": "Asteria Fyrinth \nSouth Feyshore\n\nThe apprehensive woman felt a wave of relief at the accommodating tone and politely sat on the stool offered, doing her very best to stop the trembling of her hands. Asteria smiled halfheartedly at the girl before her, coming to the realization that they were probably close in age, although stress made her feel older. \n\n\"I need help\" Was all Asteria could manage to say before her voice failed. The look of pure desperation in her eyes conveyed her hopelessness, perhaps even better than words could."
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Marsila Vema\nSouth Feyshore\n\nShe couldn't help but feel pity towards her, it almost made her own heart sink as she watched desperation flood the poor girl's face. Deciding the woman would be more comfortable if she was sitting herself, Marsila did just that. \n\n\"Are you dealing with a human or a monster?\" She questioned as she decided against having her explain further. There was only one reason someone would show up at her door at this hour. Reaching behind, her body was forced to twist an awkward angle as she took a hold of the pad that she used to take notes. Luckily her quill and ink were sitting by the book she set down earlier. \n\nTurning back towards the female, she cocked her head slightly to the right as she realised they had forgotten formalities. \"By the way I am Marsila. What name would you happen to go by?\""
}
] | 164 | 990 |
158.133333 | 2019-12-08 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "minihedgie",
"message": "Asteria Fyrinth\nSouth Feyshore\n\nAsteria chuckled almost sardonically at the question and glanced away, her tone soft as she responded, \"Are they not the same?\" \nHer cheeks turned pink once the words had been spoken and she shook her head, berating herself for the cynical comment. \"I apologize, that was uncalled for. It's a human.\" \n\nShe smiled at the introduction and bowed her head slightly, \"I'm Asteria.\""
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Marsila Vema\nSouth Feyshore\n\nShe couldn't help but chuckle at the comment made. It was true in Marsila's opinion, she always found it difficult to separate monsters from men during her bounties. She was amazed at how cruel a human could be when she was forced to hunt them down. It would become a mental battle as she would argue whether she should follow through with the kill or hand them in.\n\n\"You don't need to apologise and that's a lovely name. Now, are they female or male? Could you provide any description if possible? Is there any chance this person could be of nobility? I ask this question because it helps me prepare for what I am about to face.\""
},
{
"author": "minihedgie",
"message": "Asteria Fyrinth\nSouth Feyshore\n\nShe felt slight reassurance when the woman chuckled at her comment instead of frowning and slowly let some of the tenseness in her chest release. Maybe this girl could really help her, though Asteria was afraid to allow to much hope invade her mind. \n\n\"Male. He's a handsome man, one I'm sure most people around here recognize.\" Asteria felt her heart clench as she once again thought about the absurdity of what she was asking this girl to attempt, \"His name is Lazarus Fyrinth.\" \nOne of the most influential and well-known members of society in the area, Asteria would be shocked if the woman had not at least heard his name in passing. She felt immediate guilt at the suicide mission she was asking this girl to partake in and looked down, ashamed."
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Marsila Vema\nSouth Feyshore\n\nThe name was something Marsila had come across in her time. She knew of him but only from the whispers of those who had the unfortunate luck to meet him. Suddenly, a realisation crossed her mind which forced her to temporarily lay down her quill. \n\n\"Yes I have heard of him.\" It was simple but she wanted to see how the woman would react to her saying such. \"I will not turn down this job but I will need to warn you that there are dangers. This man you speak of has many loyal followers, fortunately for us it isn't due to religious reasons. That would have made it extremely difficult. These followers may attempt to uncover the hit placed on him.\" \n\nPicking up her quill once again, she continued to write notes. \"What is your relationship with this man?\""
},
{
"author": "minihedgie",
"message": "Asteria Fyrinth\nSouth Feyshore\n\nAsteria could not help the grateful smile that graced her face, nor the appreciation glowing in her eyes. How could this girl be so fearless? Asteria took a deep breath and linked her fingers together in an attempt to replicate the woman's bravery, \"He's my husband.\""
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Marsila Vema\nSouth Feyshore\n\nThe husband. That explained why this woman was so timid and fearful. Everything slowly began to make sense in her mind as she continued to jot down notes. She was suddenly very intrigued, wondering how this woman had come to marry this man. However, this was not any of her business. \n\n\"Due to the circumstances, I will need this to look like an accident. Blame will immediately fall to you if foul play is suspected upon his death so once I manage to do such, I will need you to have an alibi. I will not ask for coin until ten days past his death to avoid suspicion falling to you as a precaution. He may have someone overlooking his valuables and coin.\"\n\nRaising her gaze from the notepad, her eyes narrowed towards Asteria. \"I will not be pleased if I find you avoiding me when I come to collect. So I will warn you that if you leave this debt unpaid, there will be serious consequences and I will end up being paid one way or the other. Do you understand?\""
},
{
"author": "minihedgie",
"message": "Asteria Fyrinth\nSouth Feyshore\n\nAsteria could see the hint of curiosity in the woman's eyes and for an instant wondered what it would be like to have someone to confide in. She quickly shook the thought away though, instead focusing intently on what Marsila was saying.\n\n Suddenly the reality of the situation seemed more intimidating than before and Asteria could feel exhaustion creeping up on her. However, the bounty hunters sudden intensity made Asteria widen her eyes and she was quick in her reply, \n\"Of course, I understand. Here-\" Asteria loosened a magnificent ruby studded ring from her finger, \"Take this as assurance that I'll hold to my word.. It was a gift from my Father, no one will notice it's absence.\" She held it out earnestly, meeting the other woman's eyes with determination."
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Marsila Vema \nSouth Feyshore\n\nShe was pleased to say the least regarding Asteria's reaction. It eased Marsila knowing this woman was willing to prove herself as trustworthy by handing her a keepsake of her fathers to use as collateral. Laying her hand beneath Asteria's, the jewel fell to Marsila's palm before she retracted her hand to observe it. Thankfully, it was made from gold rather than silver. That would have been an issue. \n\n\"I appreciate it.\" Her stern gaze slowly warmed until her features were gentle. \"Now I only have a few questions left to bother you with. What is his routine? Does he have any mistresses that you may know of? There is a chance I would be able to leave a trail of evidence that would mistaken her as the killer if foul play is suspected.\""
},
{
"author": "minihedgie",
"message": "Asteria Fyrinth\nSouth Feyshore\n\nAsteria relaxed as Marsilas face softened and she let out a relieved sigh, feeling better now that the other woman seemed more at ease. The ruby ring was incredibly beautiful and undoubtedly worth several pounds of money but Asteria had always found it a bit gaudy for her taste; as a matter of preference she preferred to go without jewelry but the gift had been from her Father and she treasured it, if only for that reason alone. \n\n\"My husband is a busy man, often out socializing or dealing with the estate. I know very little of what he does outside of the house really. He is home most evenings though, always with me. If there is one fault my husband is not guilty of, it's infidelity. He loves his possessions.\" Asteria took another deep breath and placed a careful hand on her stomach before continuing, \"My husband is a very charming man with several friends and admirers, finding him alone will be a hard task.\""
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Marsila Vema\nSouth Feyshore\n\nA bitter taste left her mouth when she heard the word possession and did not miss the way she placed her hand onto her stomach. The simple action caused rare knots to form at the thought of a possible fetus before she was forced to refocus on the husband in question whom she planned to eliminate. \n\n\"I usually refuse to murder a human. However due to circumstances, I will allow this to slide.\" Her lips pinched into a thin line as she lowered her gaze to the notes written. \"Does he hunt for sport?\"\n\nUnlike with others, Marsila didn't rush with the questions. She felt sorry for this woman and worried about her return to her husband. It would take plenty of fear and adrenaline for a female like herself to show up on Marsila's doorstep with the request she had. \"Do you two share a bed?\""
},
{
"author": "minihedgie",
"message": "Asteria Fyrinth\nSouth Feyshore\n\nAsteria's body was still trembling despite being in close proximity to the fire; her long fingers found the tip of her braid and she fiddled with it anxiously before nodding, \"He does enjoy hunting, although he has been going less often recently. I suppose he's had other things on his mind.\" The next question stilled the woman and for a moment she remained frozen, as if reliving a memory. Asteria swallowed and glanced away, \"Yes. We do.\""
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Marsila Vema\nSouth Feyshore\n\nShe had an idea on how to approach the husband through his sport. Unfortunately she could not inform Asteria what she planned to do as a caution. Not for her own safety but for the safety of her customer. She picked up the quill and notepad before placing it beside the book she had been reading earlier and covered the jar filled with ink to prevent it from drying out. \n\nOnce her lap was empty, she placed her hands above her thighs while interlocking her fingers and looked towards Asteria with a gentle stare. \"Last couple of questions. Are you carrying his child? If so, is there anyone who could help you bring this child to term and raise it?\"\n\nThis was not a question she asked her customers when they gave her a target. She was worried for Asteria however, growing a liking to her after she had been prodding her with questions."
},
{
"author": "minihedgie",
"message": "Asteria Fyrinth\nSouth Feyshore\n\nAsteria watched as Marsila put away her writing utensils and couldn't help but regard the girl with curiosity; how did she manage all on her own? Asteria could only hope that she might be able to do the same with time. \n\nThe next question caused a pink flush to come to Asteria's cheeks and she glanced up with a small laugh, \"I'm not very good at hiding things, am I?\" Asteria took another deep breath before responding, \"But no, I don't have any help. I'm afraid I lost touch with any friends I may have had.\" The sad tone in her voice hinted to a more sinister reason behind her isolation but she said nothing more, instead choosing to smile reassuringly at Marsila, \"I'm sure I will think of something.. Thank you for asking.\""
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Marsila Vema\nSouth Feyshore\n\n\"Do not beat yourself up over it. It's the way you hold yourself that gives it away and the protective look you gave to your stomach when I questioned you.\" The shifter admired the way the woman was able to keep herself from falling apart. From what she had gathered, this woman was in a very low point in her life and Marsila couldn't help but feel anger towards Lazarus. If it hadn't been for the amulet that dangled from her neck, Marsila was sure her irises would have emitted a golden glow when Asteria answered her question. It was why she was able to keep a calm facade the moment she opened the door. \n\n\"Is your husband currently away from home? Is that how you were able to find me without him noticing?\""
},
{
"author": "minihedgie",
"message": "Asteria Fyrinth\nSouth Feyshore\n\nAsteria glanced down at the hand that protected her unborn child and let a tiny smile sneak onto her face. She could almost believe that everything would turn out okay;the calm presence of Marseli had somewhat soothed her troubled soul. She brushed a few escaped tendrils of hair behind her ear and met the woman's eyes again with an appreciative gaze.\n\n\"Yes, he had to go out of town for a social event. I was feeling too unwell to accompany him at the time so I stayed behind.\""
}
] | 174 | 2,372 |
221.142857 | 2020-01-07 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "indulgence8146",
"message": "Tyja Von Agstein\nStormalong,South Feyshore\n\nTyja sat in an intricately carved chair of Witherland Pine,staring out a the bustling street below him through the polished oak lattice of the singular window of his study.The myriad of raised voices accompanied by other sounds threatened him with a mild headache.He raised a leather gloved hand to draw the crimson silk curtains which hanged from silver poles over the windows before he left them as an afterthought.The brothel was lifeless today,he had sent all his employees to their homes so that the building could be cleaned,so he decided to go for a walk through the city.He shrugged on and buttoned up a wheat hued cardiganal robe over his leather vest and leggings.He slowly walk towards the study door,went down the polished stairs and across the main hallway before opening the double doors and walking into the Stormalong sunshine"
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Marsila Vema \nSouth Feyshore\n\nMarsila gave a small nod in understanding and was relieved this woman could find her way back home without the fear of seeing her husband. Placing the notebook above the novel she had been reading on a small round table beside her, Marsila stood from her chair and held out a hand for Asteria to pull herself up with. \n\n\"You should probably make your way back home before someone notices you are missing.\"\n\nShe planned to visit this woman in the morning. It was something she did often with her customers when they were close to the person they wanted to harm, especially if they lived together. This allowed her to gain better detail of her Target's interests and routine without causing a headache through other methods."
},
{
"author": "minihedgie",
"message": "Asteria Fyrinth \nSouth Feyshore\n\nWith grateful eyes, she took the woman's hand and stood, appreciation pouring forth from her face, \"Thank you. For everything.\" \nAsteria had been filled with anxiety over the situation, her heart in torn in a ruthless battle as her morality suffered the consequences for her choice. But it had to be done. She would not allow her child to suffer the same fate that she had, regardless of what she had to do in order to obtain protection. \n\nThough still filled with a healthy dose of fear, she was resolved, and Marsila had done a great deal to ease her troubled soul. With the beginnings of hope blooming in her mind, Asteria made her way back home. *Finally- they were saved.*"
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "When Asteria had left, Marsila had placed the ring that had been used as collateral in a small wooden chest above her bookshelf, hidden away from wandering eyes. She had an off dealing about the task she had agreed to, knowing this man was human. She hoped to forgive herself for harming a human, only preferring to hunt monsters in general. This case however, she worried for the safety of Asteria and her unborn child. \n\nFinding her way to bed, she allowed the darkness to take over her sight before drifting off into a dreamless sleep. \n\n•••••••••••••••••\n\nMarsila woke up the moment the light shone through her window and brightened the room, finding it difficult to sleep whenever daylight was about. She had never been one for sleeping in, especially when she remembered what she had promised. The shifter sat herself up on the bed before stretching her arms back to open her chest. Following her stretch, Marsila pulled her head to the left until an audible pop could be heard and repeated with the other side. \n\nShe pushed herself out of bed and strolled towards the small pantry near what was a piss poor attempt of a kitchen. The pantry had been filled with jerky she had made herself, taught by her adoptive father as a way to get through the day without having to deal with cooking or hunting. They lasted her a long time and would occasionally eat fresh meat when she had the time. \n\nGrabbing a handful of jerky, Marsila simply wrapped them before putting it in a makeshift bag which resembled a small sack made from cloth and rope. She hadn't bothered to change into new clothes considering she had only worn what she was wearing for a day and didn't have much else to wear. So once she was ready, Marsila began her journey to the Fyrinth home."
},
{
"author": "minihedgie",
"message": "Nightmares haunted her sleep.Visions of horrific punishment and broken bodies decorating the place she called home; the sound of a child crying in the background and screams from a tortured Mother. Endless, unceasing terror gripping her body so tight that breathing seemed impossible; darkened blood on her hands, staining her skin an unnatural color as she viewed the chaos around her. The spiral into dread as it threatened to consume her, suffocating the few breaths that escaped her body. \n**\nAsteria woke with a gasp, sucking in as much of the crisp air that she could, her body coated in sweat. A shaking hand raised to brush back the tendrils of hair that stuck to her moistened skin and carefully, she moved to the side of her bed, feet hanging down and resting upon the floor. *Had she made a terrible mistake?* Nausea seemed to overtake her senses and she closed her eyes, breathing slowly through her lips in an attempt to regain control. \n\nAfter an eternity, she rose to her feet, deciding to simply slip a robe over her nightgown, in an attempt to avoid further irritating the bruises that had been painted across her form- carefully hidden from sight. Calling a servant in for assistance, she had her hair intricately braided, deciding some decorum was still necessary. \n\nFinally feeling prepared for the Marsilas' visit, she made her way downstairs, carefully sitting in the lounge room and requesting tea, her body in no state for breakfast. Elegant fingers drummed anxiously on the couch as she awaited a knock on the door; heart beating fast in anticipation and fear."
},
{
"author": "gonna_drown_the_rich",
"message": "Marsila Vema\nSouth Feyshore\n\nIt had taken longer than she hoped to arrive at the house occupied by the Fyrinth couple, finding trouble along the way due to the large crowds that occupied the streets. When she finally managed to arrive, her eyes scanned over the front door that held a metal ring above the handle before reaching towards it. Marsila gave knocked the ring against the wooden door three times before taking a step back. She already made the decision as to how she supposedly knew her client if one were to ask. \n\nShe took a step back to give herself some space between the door and herself as she waited for someone to welcome her in. As she did so, Marsila decided now would be a great time to pull out a stick of jerky for her to snack on."
},
{
"author": "minihedgie",
"message": "Asteria Fyrinth\nFyrinth Home, South Feyshore\n\nThe sound of someone knocking at the door pulled Asteria from the suffocating silence of her home and she quickly moved to the entrance, instantly forgetting any manners that had been instilled in her as she passed the butler. Throwing open the solid oak door, she barely took notice of the woman snacking; instead, she carefully pulled the woman inside and let out a sigh of relief, motioning to the sitting room. \n\n\"I can call for some food if you like- and tea?\" She motioned to one of the servants and sat down, nervous fingers fiddling as her eyes roamed the room, just waiting for someone to appear. Despite knowing that her husband had left, she still felt his presence lurking, a silent reminder of him in everything her eyes crossed."
}
] | 175 | 1,548 |
263.333333 | 2020-01-08 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "valfarensun0922",
"message": "Valkrin Farensun, Kingslayer\nStormalong, South Feyshore\n\n\nIt had been years since his departure from Marin, and from the look of Stormalong not much had changed. His one brown eye scanned the port, the amber glass in his left eye socket rolling as he gazed. \n\n\"Those are some nasty scars you have.\" The owner of this small vessel continuously chirped about everything he saw on their journey. \"Say, how'd you get them scars?\"\n\n\"Wrong place, wrong time.\" The match in Valkrin's hand fizzled as he lit his last Terresolian cigar. \"But I ain't paying you for small talk. Get me to the port.\" A small gleam came from the satchel at his feet, it was the crown of Vronti Kelwynd, a keepsake of his most famous battle. Covering the satchel and stepping onto the dock in Stormalong, Valkrin paid the boat man and turned to face the city. He made sure the spear and crown of the late king of Terresol were secured to him before beginning his walk into Stormalong."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Lady Angelica Stafford\nStormalong, South Feyshore\n\n\"So you're telling me you just let a ship slip past your blockade?\" Angelica questioned, and watched as the man before her gave a sullen nod. Annoyance dripped from her voice as she continued, not even trying to hide it. Marcus hadn't been sleeping through the night once more, something that was becoming more and more frustrating with every passing day, and she was well over the joys of motherhood. How Anyanka had dealt with it, she didn't know, though the redhead insisted it got easier once they were out of the first few years. \n\n\"And you're telling me that instead of sending a smaller ship to catch it immediately, you _somehow_ let it dock and it's passenger is now undocumented on South Feyshorian soil?\"\n\n\"The captain of the vessel gave a description, but apparently the visitor didn't give a name when he chartered the ship.\"\n\nA description wouldn't help much if the man was a biological weapon sent from Terresol or Gods knows where to take South Feyshore down another notch. The last thing they needed was to see Stormalong weakened. \n\n\"Anything significant enough to catch the man within the next few hours if given the citizenry a notice?\" \n\n\"An amber glass eye and King Maith's symbol branded on his face.\" It made Angelica swallow, and her brow knit together. \n\n\"_King Bradai Maith?_\" She questioned once more, and the nod made her tense up. \"Find the man, bring him to Stormalong at once. That's Valkrin Farensun.\""
},
{
"author": "valfarensun0922",
"message": "Valkrin Farensun, Kingslayer\nStormalong, South Feyshore\n\n\nThe guard here was shifty, uneasy. Every one of them eyed him, moving together to subtly create a sort of human net amongst the crowd. A rugged looking man approached him first, unsheathing the blade from his hip. \"Valkrin Farensun, you are hereby ordered to cease any and all activity in Stormalong and accompany us to the keep.\" \n\n\"Is that what I'll do?\" Valkrin grinned, teeth clenching that cigar. Typically, the pirate would've started swinging, but he was far outnumbered. Though he was referred to as 'The Madman of Terresol', he was no idiot. \n\nAfter an unprofessionally rough arrest, Valkrin had been quarantined and examined. It took a good bit of swearing and threats to make the examiner put the crown and spear back in his possessions, but they were nonetheless taken to be presented to whoever had him arrested. \n\nNow the Kingslayer stood, hands bound and chained to the floor."
}
] | 235 | 790 |
172.166667 | 2020-01-28 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Lord Eric Stafford\nStormalong, S. Feyshore\n\nA baby was being _fussy_. At one point, a toy ball was thrown at Eric as the child revolted against the idea of going to bed, despite a very loud yawn.\n\n\"I know you're tired. _Just lay down_.\" Eric grumbled as he tried to swaddle the child in the crib, it thrashed anyway. \n\n\"Nahhh! Rahhh! EHHHHHHHAAAA!\" It cried, just as frustrated as Eric was.\n\n\"_Stop_.\" Eric said, through gritted teeth. Eventually, the child was restrained as it emitted increasingly demonic-frustrated whines. \"You're going to be okay. You sleep every night. This isn't any different than any other time.\"\n\nThe baby didn't quite agree, offering a rather convincing rebuttal in the form of another whine followed by a yawn and a flutter of eyes. \n\n\"I'm winning, Marcus. Just go to sleep.\"\n\nMarcus whined faintly before eventually slipping into sleep. All of the rebelling against sleep had, in fact, put the child to sleep. Eric breathed a sigh of relief and turned to his wife, who had decided to watch Eric put their child to sleep. \"And that's how it's done.\" Eric whispered, beginning to creep out the door so Marcus could sleep without interruption."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Angelica Stafford\nStormalong, South Feyshore\n\nHer husband may have been a master on the battlefield, but she could help but take pride in how he fumbled as Marcus protested. It was a battle she had fought throughout the first few months but he hadn't been around as often for that, so he had yet to learn the tricks. \n\nSoft toys were key, so anything being lobbed at you wouldn't actually hurt. Also it was generally better to hold the babe, and lay a blanket over him so that when you did try to lay him down, you were practically half way into swaddling him so he wouldn't fuss as much. \n\nMarcus also just had better manners in regards to his mother, when Eric was home he just wanted to play with him, and Angelica understood the child's fascination. \n\nShe stood from her chair when Eric announced his victory, moving to the cradle to assure the boy was asleep. A long lingering glance kept her a moment longer in the nursery before she eventually followed her husband out. \n\n\"He's surprisingly strong, isn't he?\" She teased, tapping her finger to where the toy had hit him."
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Lord Eric Stafford\nStormalong, S. Feyshore\n\n\"Quite an arm on him. I don't think even _I_ can throw that hard. He's got a temper, wonder where that came from.\" Eric questioned, walking with his wife. \n\n\"Now for him to decide to wake up at midnight and be wide awake forever.\" Eric said, predicting exactly how his night was going to likely be spent. \"He needs for cloth animals. I don't think he should have anymore blocks until he stops throwing stuff. He thought it was _hysterical_ when it hit me.\"\n\nLord Eric Stafford\nStormalong, S. Feyshore\n\n\"Not a whole lot, though, I've been admittedly too busy for letters. Have you heard anything?\"\n\nEric had been gone for sometime to visit all of the outlying villages to survey them, hear out their issues, and to see how plague resistant they could potentially be. With him, Eric had taken more physicians and medicine people than he had taken guards. Eric came back frustrated and worried, he didn't share his findings and only expressed he was going to 'Try to remain optimistic'. \n\nIt wasn't great. He'd ordered certain preventative measures, but he doubted it would help them much in the event of an epidemic. He essentially left village elders with instructions to quarantine sick people, if they perish, burn their house. Come the spring or once the illness passed, damages would be repaired."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Angelica Stafford\nStormalong South Feyshore\n\nShe moved into the bedroom, closing the door behind her husband as he entered as well. \n\"Yes, a letter from Anya. It seems she's considering sending Mikhail to Vincentien.\" As she spoke, she moved towards the vanity, reaching for a small cloth and wetting it from a small container of water she kept beside her rouges. The used it to wipe away what she assumed was jelly from a sweet cake Marcus had shared with her and then proceeded to smash. \n\n\"It seems her original plan to retrain Amalthea didn't go so well.\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Lord Eric Stafford\nStormalong, S. Feyshore\n\n\"I wasn't fully in on the plan, can you brush me up on what she did? And why is she sending Mikhail _there_?\" He asked, taking a seat.\n\nThe games going on in Astoria were always something Eric had struggled with. All of the intricate plans and pieces being laid out to do some goal Eric wasn't fully aware of."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Angelica Stafford\nStormalong South Feyshore\n\nAngelica scrunched her nose, examining the cloth briefly to confirm the sticky substance she had felt on her neck was jelly, then folded the cloth and set it aside. \n\n\"Amalthea Victor is too valuable an asset to just kill, and from what Anya told me, death was too quick and painless for what she put herself and Mikhail through.\" Angelica didnt think that was a wrong assessment. \n\n\"I mean, the woman ran us out of Vincentien with swords looming over our heads. We _had_ to take up arms with Storm just in hopes we would have a place to live. \""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Lord Eric Stafford\nStormalong, S. Feyshore\n\n\"Right, sorry, all the different figures of current events gets sort of crossed for me.\" He admitted, shifting his seating to a more comfortable position. \"So, what was Anya's plan then? The one that hasn't gone very well.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Angelica Stafford\nStormalong South Feyshore\n\nAngelica nodded, and moved to take a seat on the corner of their bed beside him. \"Basically the goal was to break her and use some type of magic to see if she could control her.\" Angelica explained, though she herself was missing a few details. \n\n\"Harmattan has spent-\" She paused, trying to think of just how long they had kept Amalthea underground. \"Gods, almost two years trying to break the woman. I think he managed, and I know Anya preformed some sort of ritual, but it was around the time of the wedding and I was intentionally kept in the dark about it because Anya was worries about my stress levels. All she told me was that it was successful, and in a few months they would send her back to Vincentien as a puppet. I guess it hasn't worked.\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Lord Eric Stafford\nStormalong, S. Feyshore\n\nHis expression darkened for a moment and he rubbed the bridge of his nose. \n\n\"So, why would she send Mikhail into Vincentien then? Wouldn't that be the last place we'd want him?\" He asked, wondering how many different ramifications this adventure could potentially have."
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Angelica Stafford\nStormalong South Feyshore\n\nAngelica leaned her head to the side, pushing her hand along the back of her neck. \"It gets... Really complicated.\" She sighed. Before she continued, she features for Eric to move with her,wanting him to place himself against the headboard so she could put her head in his lap.And he could play with her hair while she spoke. \n\n\"So Vincentien operates on an elected official system when there is no heir. And since Anya was ousted, Mikhail is _technically_ the heir, right? But Amalthea overthrew them both, and so with her gone it would fall to who?\" She left a beat but continued \"Her son, Robyn. But Robyn left Vincentien when his mother went missing and went to the only family he knew, and where might he be you ask? In Astoria, with Mikhail and Anya. Training under Harmattan, who -by the way- is his father.\" \n\nShe started to hold up fingers now for each point. \"So we've got Anya, ousted. Mikhail wrongfully thrown from what he was raised as his birthright, Amalthea in Astorian dungeons, and the second contender to the Vincentien throne has no idea his mother is being held.\""
},
{
"author": "shadowbob34",
"message": "Lord Eric Stafford\nStormalong, S. Feyshore\n\nEric smiled halfheartedly and climbed into bed with his wife and let her lay her head on his lap. His hand lazily started to play with her blonde hair. \n\n\"This is some politics. So who is our preferred horse? Do we want Mikhail on three thrones? Astoria, Feyshore, and Vincentien or do we want this Robyn child to have Vincentien and to be sort of a puppet through Harmattan? This sort of cloak and dagger stuff isn't what I'm good at.\""
},
{
"author": "durkhan",
"message": "Angelica Stafford\nStormalong South Feyshore\n\nHis hand moved through her hair, making her close her eyes in delight at how he was careful not to pull on accident. Hee fingers laced together and laid across her ribs as she spoke with eyes closed on her back. \n\n\"I think the goal is an isolated region to see how Mikhail handles power. He has a legitimate claim, Venjamin Victor _raised_ him to rule Vincentien one day. He was never given a trial on Vincentien, he also shouldn't really be made to suffer for Anya's \"Crimes\".\" Her fingers made air quotes briefly. \n\n\"And to test our the bonds of the new court he'a build for himself. Robyn will probably be given the reigns in the end when Mikhail returns..\" She trailed off for a moment, her eyes lingering on the ceiling when she opened them.\n\n\"Gods, some day there might be a Durkhan empire at the rate they're going, Hm?*"
}
] | 161 | 2,066 |
282.5 | 2020-02-18 | GuildTextChat | [
{
"author": "blargh.",
"message": "Lady Elise Hagen\nHagen Keep\nFor the time being Elise was working on a few side projects. Currently one of the farmers lost a wheel off their cart. To her it was just another day in the forge as she made the ring of iron just larger than the wheel was and welded it together from the sheer heat she put between the two layers. Luckily for her the forge she was working with was plenty large and she had a cool spring flowing just beside her to use as a cooling peice for the ring. Soon she had it on and slid over the wheel. The flames were expected as it went on so Elise cool as she could be poured water over the ring to shrink it to the wheel. It was hard work, but it had to be done by someone. By the end of it she had a fixed wheel and rolled it up to the keep doorfront and smiled as the farmer came and got it giving her a few of their crops as payment. This could feed her for a few weeks so she was quite gracious as they left."
},
{
"author": "artemis2624",
"message": "**Jeremiah Far-Farer Vessel Tonrar\nHagen Keep**\n\nTo Jeremiah, it wasn't like every other day of the month for him. He was cold, he was hungry, and worse, he was *Spent*. Two weeks of walking through the forests and swampy areas of South Feyshore really take a toll on a person, and unfortunately, it had been some time since Jeremy had encountered a community or a town. His rations were low, and even while he had money, he had no way of purchasing food; which left him to foraging the area as he walked. Even if he was meticulous and took great care, it was difficult to find anything in the vegetation worth eating.\n\nWhich has led him to soon stumbling through the woods finally onto a clear road, leading up towards the remnants of a large keep. His clothes, a simple combination of a shirt, trousers, and green hooded cloak were the epitome of a woodsman. His hat lay by his side as he tugged on his side pack, a sigh of relief escaping his lips as he headed toward the keep. \n\nAs he stumbled towards the great doors, he knew he would encounter a Servant or two. Leaning slightly against the great doors, Jeremy knocked his fist against it in a few quick raps. While he had been stumbling up the path however, the thought struck him that the Keep may be unoccupied. It was slightly derelict, yet showed signs of renovation. Perhaps there was a new Master to its halls?"
},
{
"author": "blargh.",
"message": "Lady Elise Hagen\nHagen Keep\n*The Keep seemed to have been recently redone as from the looks of the structure there were clean stones atop it and new smaller rooms rebuilt to the sides of them. A small crest of a blacksmith's hammer silently standing guard at the door. It's colors a bright yellow and orange, just those of the color of flame and hot steel. From within though cane the quick, but oddly soft steps which sounded to be from a person of the feminine attributes. As the door opened it revealed a quite short woman.* \"Oh hello there, goodness you look like you have seen the bad end of many a days.\" Elise says as she quickly waved him in. \"Come, come, I have just received some grains and produce. I don't mind sharing at all with someone in such poor shape.\" Elise says softly her red hair hanging down freely of any bindings. As for the inside of the keep he could see it was also recently fixed thanks to the oddly warm and welcoming feel."
},
{
"author": "artemis2624",
"message": "**Jeremiah Far-Farer Vessel Tonrar\nHagen Keep**\n\nAs Jeremiah was admiring the Sigil that was upon the doorframe, he quickly leaned off of it in surprise as it pulled open. It was to his surprise that a short woman was the one behind it, and even more so when he realized just the sort it was. The young woman could not have been two or four years younger than him, yet was nearly two feet shorter. While she lacked in terms of height, it fully seemed as if she were a.. *Mature* Woman. Yet even more surprising to Jeremiah would be her..\n\n.. Hair. A lovely color that had to be strawberry blonde, but was a beautiful strain of *Red*. He was already taken aback by the women's hair, so imagine his surprise when she offered him to come in. Wrapping his arms around his chest, Jeremiah found his voice failing him as he couldn't help but smile wearily. \"-Uh. Y-yes please. Thank you so much ma'am..\" *Ma'am* Felt like such an odd term to describe someone so young, yet it felt appropriate. As Jeremy followed the young woman in, he could already feel the warmth of a hearth inviting him closer.\n\nNot short on manners, Jeremiah quickly introduced himself as he tugged his backpack to the side, placing it near the entrance along with his cloak. \"I.. Apologize for not introducing myself earlier. My name is Jeremiah Far-Farer Vessel Tonrar.. Your *Grace*,\" Jeremy said softly as he bowed towards his gracious host. Just bowing made the taller redhead come nearly face to face with the woman."
},
{
"author": "blargh.",
"message": "Lady Elise Hagen \nHagen Keep\nElise seeing how he reacted to her hair and body chuckled a bit. \"My my, I can say you're not the first to stare, but I've long since stopped caring. My love is in caring for others and making things for them. Though hearing your name it is quite interesting. I'll call you Jeremiah if that's okay. As for me my name is Lady Elise Hagen. One of the last few of our family. The others, well they decided to leave the town and people to me. It's been an interesting last few years, but I can handle things pretty well.\" Elise says as she carefully lead him into the dining room and began to cook. It did smell quite nice and from the smell of it she more likely than not made a few pot pies, except were it's a simple single pie to be taken from a cast iron Dutch oven. Though it just seemed to be a pot that when she brought it out had a nice layer of crust on top and a mix of vegetables and once dried meats in it. \"Here you are, I hope you can enjoy this. I just cook from time to time so this isn't that great.\""
},
{
"author": "artemis2624",
"message": "**Jeremiah Far-Farer Vessel Tonrar\nHagen Keep**\n\nJeremiah couldn't help but blush at Elise's astute observation of him measuring her. God, here he was being rude.. Placing his hands behind his back, Jeremy uttered softly as he followed her to the dining room. \"-I apologize, Lady Hagen. I don't mean to stare. I've..\" He felt his voice falter a bit again. It seemed like such a silly thing to a stranger, but to someone from Melsoh.. It was something else entirely. \"... I have never met anyone with red hair like mine. Its.. Very beautiful, my lady. And it means the world to meet someone with it.\" In the land of Melsoh, people who were born with red hair were rare altogether, and in fact were branded as.. Less than savory.\n\nAs Jeremiah fell into a chair, careful to not touch top many silverware, he couldn't help but feel like he entered a dream. The aroma of delicious food in the air. The smiling, pleasantness of someone who was so endearing. As Elise brought out the pie for him to enjoy, Jeremiah couldn't help but feel a few tears tug at the edge of his eyes. Forcing a smile, Jeremy tried some of the pie with his fork, taking in and savoring the flavor before speaking.\n\n\".. Lady Hagen. This is by far the best meal I have ever had, by the most grand person I think I've ever met. Thank you, ma'am. Thank you, for your kindness..\" His heart strings were being pulled as he turned his head, glancing to his bag near the entrance. \"Please, allow me to pay for my presence and this food. It's the least I can do for troubling you.\""
}
] | 280.5 | 1,695 |
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