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 Post subject: Darkness and Ice
View Likes PostPosted: Thu Feb 22, 2018 4:36 pm 
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"Come. We've still a long journey ahead of us yet," called the cold and soft voice of Eira Anwyl as she mounted her horse, Eirlys, with all the elegance and grace expected of a queen. Her silvery cloak, which seemed far too light for the weather, glimmered in what remained of the moonlight as it fluttered for a moment before settling around her, and along the back of the horse. She pulled the hood loosely around her fair face, covering the light blonde curls that tumbled over her shoulders

"We must reach Argus before noon. Ride fast and do not fear the weather," she instructed, looking up at the sky, black in the night, the stars mostly hidden behind thick clouds. Snow had begun to fall around them once again, yet it would not impede them. They would not fear the snow as many would, for they were accustomed to it, and they knew that their Queen would protect them from such.

With a click of her tongue, Eira urged the white horse forward, and behind her rode a small company of men. Snow flakes danced around them, falling from above and kicked up from below by the horses that carried them swiftly towards the border or Eirwen, towards the ruins of the once great kingdom of Argus. Their journey was long, and the weather was not favorable, as it was winter in the kingdom of Eirwen, and their winters were long and harsh.

A snow storm was blowing through the kingdom, as they often did this time of year. The air around them was cold enough to chill even the thickest of humans to the bone in a matter of minutes, hours if they were well protected, and the snow was thick and heavy, falling with increasing vigor. Yet on they rode. Eira's magic afforded her near immunity to the cold, and she could extend this protection to those she willed, and she did. The men would still feel the sting of the cold, so unlike the young Queen, they wore thick, layered clothing, but they were far more protected than any others who might dare to venture out in such a storm.

Despite the cold and the snow, they dared not make another stop before they reached their destination. They were heading to Argus for a meeting of the utmost import. The Council would meet today to discuss the Shadows that had been growing, and now seemed to whisper of a coming war. Long had these Shadows grown in secret, long had this Darkness lingered, long had the Queen of Eirwen warned the other kingdoms that it would come, and long had they ignored her warnings. Now, what appeared to be an army of wraiths was amassing near the border between Eirwen and Ciardah, and strange things were happening near the borders. Villages raided, the small tavern towns lie vacant, and then there were the reports of people who seemed as though they were not themselves, as though they were possessed, having shadows for eyes, attacking others.

These, Eira thought, were the preludes of war. Yet many still refused to believe that war was inevitable. So tightly they clung to their peace that they would let it slip through their fingers without realizing it until it was too late and every last shred of it had vanished into the shadows. She had called this meeting of the Council in order to try to prevent this. She only hoped that they would listen, before it was too late.

So on they rode, until the snow let up and eventually faded from view, replaced by warmer air that smelled faintly of dirt and vegetation, signalling the end of her kingdom, and the beginning of another: Argus. Still on they rode, at least two hours before the ruins of the great kingdom came into view in the distance. The ruins still spoke of the last great war and the horror that had befallen the kingdom at the hands of Dardanos. Even the lands around it still bore the scars of the darkness they had fought. There were no plants visible around the ruined kingdom, and no animals anywhere to be seen. Yet from among the ruins of battle, amid the war-torn city, stood a tall crystalline castle, sparkling beautifully in the sunlight, a beacon of hope among the horrors of war.

After traveling the remaining distance between themselves and the city, Eira and her men arrived on the steps of the large castle. Eira dismounted the horse with the same elegant grace with which she had mounted her, landing lightly on her feet and allowing reigns of Eirlys to fall to the ground. The horse would not run, as she was both loyal and well-trained. Once they had seen to their own horses, her men would see to hers.

Eira then entered the building alone. Inside she was greeted by the cool air that filled the castle. The hall before her was rather expansive--large enough to hold an adult dragon, she thought--and lined with pillars decorated with intricate patterns. The ceiling of the room was tall to match, with staircases winding upwards on either side of the room. At the far end were a pair of large doors that seemed to be made of crystal, decorated with an intricate pattern of a silvery-blue metal. Beyond these doors lie what used to be the throne room, but now acted as the meeting chambers for the Council.

Eira pushed the doors open, passing through and glancing around the room. She was early, but only barely, and she was not the first to arrive, nor the last, it seemed. Several of the other rulers had apparently arrived before her, yet a few remained absent. Nevertheless, she passed by those present without word, walking along the expanse of a large table at the center of the room, to a chair at the head of the table. It was a chair that had once belonged to her mother, but now belonged to her. She felt infinitely small as she sat in it, wondering if she would ever get used to it, if she would ever truly be able to take the place of her mother. Yet it didn't matter. Her mother was gone, and the responsibility, the burden now rested on her shoulders, whether she felt big enough to carry it or not.

As she sat, she pulled back her silvery hood, freeing her heavy curls, which then spilled over her thin shoulders, framing a somewhat cold but beautiful face. Her ice blue eyes scanned the room, mentally making a note of who was there and who they need wait on before they could begin. For the moment, she didn't speak, as she had never been one for small talk, nor had she ever felt inclined to fill perfectly good silence with idle words to make others feel more comfortable. When everyone was here and ready to begin, she would speak. Until then, she was rather more inclined to remain silent, unless spoken to.

---------

Meanwhile, in Eirwen, soldiers were setting up tables beneath an awning outside of a medium-sized building near the center of the southern portion of the castle town. Posters had been hung all over the city, and even in villages throughout the kingdom, asking for volunteers. There was a war coming. The citizens of Eirwen had long sensed the darkness that loomed just beyond their borders, so it came as no surprise when the military began asking for volunteers to aid in the upcoming war. They asked for the aid of any citizen willing to provide some assistance, even if it they were not fighter. Wars were not won on the backs of soldiers alone. There were many other ways to help, and many other professions were needed to help in the efforts: healers, blacksmiths, cooks, everyone could help in some way or another.

And so, their booths were set up, despite the snow that fell lightly within the walls surrounding the city. Rhoswen, one of Eira's chief advisors was there, along with Aderyn and Cadfael, who had helped Eira in her battle to reclaim her throne. Together, they sought to draw in recruits from across the kingdom to join their efforts, to protect their home. In spite of the falling snow, people still came, signing up to aid however they could, even if it was just by providing provisions or supplies, volunteering to cook meals, or make clothes for the soldiers. It was truly a sight that Eira would have been proud of, had she been able to see it.

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 Post subject: Re: Darkness and Ice
PostPosted: Thu Feb 22, 2018 6:40 pm 

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Two Weeks Prior:
Zane watched the monster in front of him, standing across the ruined court yard as the beast charged him. It was mostly humanoid, with the body of of adult male. It’s head however was that of a bull, and the horns atop it where sharp as spears. It also wielded a large double blades ax, which shined in the dusk sun as he raised it to cleave Zane in two. Zane jumped to the right, his left rapier flashed upwards to slap the blade the other direction. When the blade imbedded itself in the cobblestone beneath them, Zane’s right rapier steamed forward like an arrow, punching a deep hole into the beasts chest. However, it was much harder to kill than that. Reeling back from the stab, it released its ax and charged Zane horns first. To close to fully dodge the horns, Zane instead ran towards them and hopped up, one of the horns impaling him through the stomach. But from this position, the monster couldn’t see Zane as he reversed the grip on both his blades, plunging them down into his chest. Both lungs pierced and his heart ruptured twice, the abomination fell quickly. Pulling himself from the monsters horn, Zane watched as the hole filled with the dark smoke that constantly flowed from him like ink. After filling the hole it began to change, into the section of his body that had Ben removed. Satisfied the monster had done no permanent damage to him, Zane sheathed his twin blades and walked off.
It was then he first felt the pull of the Dark King. Zane felt a force pulling on his mind, seeming to drag him towards the heart of the ruined country. The castle of the Dark Kingdom, something wanted him there, something that could control half of his being. It felt as though Zane’s feet would carry them there whether he wanted it or not, but his mind was still his own.
Pushing free of the power, Zane looked to the dark horizon as he considered what just happened. The magic had to of come from the man who held the other half of his soul. He could not take back what was his alone. The King would be opposed. That meant there would be other Zane could ally himself with to obtain what he wanted. Looking towards the opposite horizon, Zane began to walk away from the power that had tried to control him.

___________________
Present day:

Zane had wondered the wilderness, being set upon by a tremendous snow storm. He had seen smoke before the snow had arrived, and hoped he’d reach the source soon. He soon came upon the town, the house not destroyed, a small novelty to Zane, though he acknowledged it was an odd one. Walking into the town, he quickly spotted the many posters, advertising recruitment for a war. As it seemed a good place to start, Zane followed them to a stall. Walking toward the men, who’s eyes filled with fear at the ghostly man in front of them, Zane stopped directly in front of them.
“I volunteer.” Zane said, finding his old voice strange to hear. He was soon met by a large number of guards, he placed him in cuffs and took him to their leader.

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 Post subject: Re: Darkness and Ice
PostPosted: Fri Feb 23, 2018 4:33 pm 

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Argus...he was finally going to Argus - the once Kingdom of the Light that had been razed so terribly in the last war against the Darkness even the land had not recovered. Pyren flew overhead as part of the escort to his Uncle, King Julian. His deep crimson red scales were easily seen in the sky as he flew with Princess Seirian and Prince Kai. These were the two younger children of his Uncle, and also those Pyren was personally responsible for taking care of. It wasn't that they couldn't take care of themselves. They weren't that young even by dragon standards, but he had been responsible for training them for the last decade or so. Both of them were crimson red dragons just as he was, but a bit smaller...especially Seirian. Not that such mattered as his cousins were still lethal combatants in the air. His eldest cousin was not with them on this trip to the Council, but had to remain behind in command of Pyralis, the Dragon Kingdom. He would not have fit in at the Council considering he desired war above all else, but from what Pyren had heard...war was coming anyway. There had been rumors of late in Pyralis of trouble along Eirwen's borders. Indeed, he had heard of raids on villages, and worse. Some of the things he had heard seemed to be a definitive indication of the return of Darkness.

As much as Pyren hated war - he was also exceptionally good at it...in theory. He had never really had to fight in a war or battle as yet with the exception of minor skirmishes which took place from time to time in Pyralis. In theory, however, he was exceptionally talented at tactics and strategy, and if it came to war - he would fight. The mood of his two cousins was clear: excited, concerned, wary, and nervous. He had to remind himself that Seirian had never been beyond the borders of their home, but Kai had...his own nervousness and excitement based more on who would be at the Council than anything else - or so Pyren surmised. He had been among Humans and Elves, and had even studied with the Elves for his training in the Natural and Healing magic. Experiencing the world for the first time beyond the realm he had grown up in had been exciting and filled with nervousness. Such things, Pyren remembered clearly, and he smiled to himself as his cousins flew on either side of him. He still remembered meeting Isilnaur for the first time, and their many years spent together as he learned from her about healing and nature. Now, as they flew ever closer to the crystalline castle of Argus; Pyren found he missed her presence. They had not seen each other in the past twenty-plus years, but this was a short time for Elves and Dragons. Pyren wondered how Kai would react to seeing Queen Eira again. His cousin had actually helped the Ice Queen several times, and had even been engaged to her at one point. Pyren, for his part, had never seen Eira, and wondered at what she was like.

Far below rode King Julian with a full company of his elite guard: 200 soldiers armed on foot, and ready to change to their dragon form on a moment's notice. At first, Pyren had not liked the idea of his Uncle bringing an entire company of troops. After all, they had to march through other lands, and other rulers might be rather nervous seeing so many draconian troops marching by. Yet, Pyren had decided not to question his Uncle; for he had learned to trust the King in such matters. There was trouble stirring, and if a battle were to happen - then the King wanted to be ready. Indeed, he had told his heir before leaving to make sure the borders were on high alert. Prince Andras had gladly agreed to keep extra vigilance over the borders; for he delighted in all things to do with war. If anyone was to remain behind and defend the kingdom other than his Uncle; it would have been Andras. Though a full company of King Julian's elite marched with him; it really was still a small force all things considered.

In the distance, Pyren could see the crystal towers of the one time capital of Argus glowing in the sunlight. They would be arriving shortly, and as they made their way towards the castle - Pyren noted the banner of Eirwen already present. The Ice Queen had already arrived. He had not had any interaction with the other royal families from the other realms as yet, but then he had been busy studying with the Elves, and teaching his cousins. With the Ice Queen's arrival - he knew others could not be far behind. Other banners already flew to show their arrival, but there were a couple still missing...his Uncle's for one. He wondered how long it had been since King Julian had been to the crystal castle of Argus. His Uncle had been around for the last war against the Darkness, and he would remember how the land once looked before the war. Now, Pyren could actually see the damage left over from when Argus had been razed. The land was still suffering even after all these years. He almost immediately wanted to sweep down and try his experiment in order to restore the land, but that would have been the height of stupidity. No one would realize his desire to purge the land of the wound it had suffered with his idea of dragon fire. Instead, they would have thought he was trying to attack them, or even worse...just showing off and being reckless. Neither of these options appealed to him. Thus, he restrained his desire to begin immediately. Besides, that was not why they had come to Argus. He was there to listen in Council, watch for trouble, and get to know the other ruling families.

Yet, the pain Argus was in called out to his soul, and it was not something he would ignore for long. Indeed, he wanted to talk to the Council about the experiment he was working on. He was sure they would be highly intrigued by his idea, but this particular Council session was for the growing threat of Darkness...not some idea he had not yet the merit to back up. That would require him studying the damage done to Argus, but he also felt restoring the land would be a huge blow to the Darkness. It would have also been a massive boon to the Elves - whose kingdom this had once been. That alone would have been fantastic help in boosting the morale of everyone - the Elves most of all. Such reasoning was what he wanted to bring to Queen Eira's attention. Though he did not know her; her realm was one of the most principle enemies of Darkness. Naturally, he would likely have to wait until after his Uncle had introduce him, and then after the original Council meeting...or during a break.

It was not long before his Uncle and company arrived at the crystalline castle, and with their arrival - Pyren swept down with his cousins...the sunlight glancing off their crimson scales in an array of beauty - though not as magnificent as the castle's glittering towers. Once on the ground outside the castle with his Uncle; Pyren and his cousins changed to their human-like forms - complete with clothing and armament. Only Prince Kai was armed in the traditional manner of the other draconians. Seirian was simply attired in a fire blue dress - which actually flickered with blue flames at the fringes of the skirt - though nothing caught fire. Pyren, however, wore the silvery chainmail his Uncle had given him personally, but over this he wore his emerald robe edged in silver flame as given by the Elves he had trained with. He bowed to his Uncle who smiled grimly in return, and then led his family inside to the Council room...that which had once served at the Throne Room of Light. To Pyren, it was absolutely stunningly beautiful, but something about it all made the place seem...lonely. It was almost as if the place missed those who had once filled the halls.

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 Post subject: Re: Darkness and Ice
PostPosted: Sun Feb 25, 2018 1:55 am 

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The Previous Morning:

Taro walked down the hall leading to his fathers quarters, passing the various paintings his father had recently acquired. There were multiple new ones, and Taro almost gave a small sigh as he noticed one of his favorite had been replaced. It had been a landscape of Tora during a thunderstorm, with a bolt of lighting striking the sapphire on the main tower. He'd have to find where that painting had been place, but first he had to deal with his father.

The doors swung open onto a scene one would expect to find in a brothel, not the kings chambers. Various people; male, female, and every race under the sky, where laid about the rooms various furniture all in one state of undress or another. While most where in two's or threes the largest concentration of bodies was the massive bed that sat against the far side of the room, where a large man with an extensive silvered beard laid with ten figures strewn about the bed. Walking with deliberately loud steps Taro crossed the room, waking most of the 'artists' his father had entertained. Waiting at the foot of the bed while they streamed out of the room in whatever cloth they could quickly find, Taro picked up a large metal mask that laid at the foot of the bed. With the room empty except for him and his sleeping father, Taro hit the mask with his knuckles thrice. The resulting ring woke his father, but failed to mar the mask's design. His father's artists might all be drunken nymphomaniacs, but they were skilled at their craft.


"Why have you woken me son. It is far to early." King Tarren said, his hand raised to nurse his hangover.

"The council is meeting today sire, we need to leave if we're to arrive in time." Taro said, standing at attention as his father rolled himself from the bed. The large man was thankfully wearing undergarments, and walked about to stand in front of his son. While his father had let himself ago, he was still a physically imposing man. But Taro stayed his ground and stared him right back. Eventually the King looked away, moving towards his dressing room.

"Fine, what time must we leave?" The King said, a pair of servants coming out to lead him towards the bath Taro had them prepare.

"Two hours, if we want to make it to the tail end." The Prince responded, moving to leave the king do his preparations.

"Why can I not just said you?" The King said, it seemed he had forgotten as Taro expected he would. "What makes this meeting so important?"

Taro paused at the door, "Because it's about Dardanos' return." He said, pushing the doors open ahead of him.

"Dardanos is dead, he isn't returning! This meeting is a pointless waste of everyone's time!" Tarren called out his voice quivering in equal parts fear and anger. The door closed before he could continue his rant, the prince quickly marching to where the artists stayed when not entertaining his father. Entering without warning, Taro gained their attention by knocking on the mask again.


"I'll need three of you to entertain my father in his carriage, any volunteers?" Thankfully there was, a trio of human women whom where currently sharing a blanket for decency. A servant walked forward and gave them a set of fine clothes. "And who made this mask?" Taro said, raising the item in question. One of the girls who volunteered raised her hand, which caused her cover to fall. "Consider yourself promoted, I want you to make face masks for the soldiers when you return, starting with mine." He then walked out as the other artist congratulated the girl.

__________________________________
The Day of the Council

King Tarran had taken four hours to prepare himself, and then had made a show of his favorite horse not being there to pull his wagon. That horse had died 12 years prior, but he probably hadn't noticed till now. They had stopped at the edge of Tora, Taro stating they would at least arrive at the castle to learn their decision in person. However when they arrived at the castle, being the first to arrive, they found the council's meeting was to be today.

"Well, it seems I had been misinformed." Taro said when Tarran asked the meaning of this. "I'll have to make sure the messenger who did so is harshly punished." He had already been given a lovely painting of the Tora castle. As the other rulers arrived, the King's mode worsened. As the arrival of the Pyralis King was announced, Tarran beckoned to Taro.

"I want you to stay outside for the council." He stated, his voice thick with controlled anger. Taro openned his mouth to object, but lightning began to crackle through Tarran's beard. Deciding it best to not cause a scene, Taro walked to the door to greet an old friend.

"Kai! It is good to see you. What has transpired for you these last couple years?" Taro said as the prince entered the hall. At least not all the nobles where as spineless as his father.

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 Post subject: Re: Darkness and Ice
PostPosted: Sun Feb 25, 2018 12:57 pm 
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Russell was ecstatic that the battalion he belonged to was chosen to escort the king and prince of Tora to this council meeting. They were nearing their destination, and already he could smell the barren earth of the ruins. At 260 years of age, Russell did not have much experience in fighting, unless you counted combat training and sparring for fun. He had no idea what war would be like or what it could cost, but he was excited for it. The energy of electricity flowing through his veins only added to it.

The rows of men in the battalion marched in disciplined unison. Every step was a metallic drum beat.

The man marching to the right of Russell sighed, seemingly deep in thought. Curious, Russell asked what was the matter.

"The king isn't who he once was," the soldier replied.

Russell tilted his head to the side as they continued marching in unison. "How do you mean?"

The soldier dropped his voice so that it was barely louder than the clink and creak of metal. "Did you not witness the spectacle he made of himself about his horse not being the one to lead his carriage? That horse had to have been dead at least a decade. There is talk that he does not care about the signs of war on the horizon."

Russell's red brows lifted above his amber and slit pupil eyes, disappearing under his too-long red hair. Russell did not follow politics much, nor did he care to join in on the gossiping circles of troops after practice, so this was news to him. From then on, he walked without a word. Russell listened hard for any signs of life outside of the soldiers stomping, but he heard only the wind gusting from the kingdom of Eirwen. No doubt the the kingdom known for it's long winters was having heavy snowfall.

Hours passed. How many, Russell was not sure, but he could tell the sun had moved further westward in the sky, though it had not yet reached it's zenith. He could see the scarred ruins of Argus. They were near their destination at last. The ground was barren, it seemed no grass had grown there since the last war. Russell's heart sank at the thought of such lasting damage.

More time passed, and they finally entered the city. Posters were hung on every willing surface, looking for volunteers for the rumored coming war. There seemed to be some sort of disagreement between the Prince and the King when the King exited his carriage. Russell could feel the current of electricity from where he was standing within the ranks of the other troops. It passed quickly and the king slowly headed into the castle while the Prince's attention moved to one of the nobles.

Russell wondered if they had to stay in form while the king took part in this council meeting, or if they could break and explore and/or eat.

*****

Lysona tucked her golden hair into her black hood. She had traveled from a small town outside of Cordelia. It was the latest place her wonderlust had carried her. Even in such a small town, there had been flyers to volunteer for the rumored coming war. The flyers had said any capitol city had places to sign up, but Lysona had also heard rumors of the council meeting in Argus. She decided it would be an excuse to see where she and her family would have lived had it not been destroyed. The Elf wanted to see the ruins before leaving the kingdom, but for now she would find the place accepting volunteers in Eirwen.

She took a deep calming breath, tugged on her hood in the hopes to conceal her face in its shadow, and entered the snow covered city. The soft, newly-fallen snow crunched under feet as she walked. Lysona glanced behind her and watched as more snowflakes fell in and around her footprints.

Lysona wondered if women were even accepted into the army, but it was too late for that now. She found the square, where people were signing up for the war.

A man with deep-black hair pulled back in a pony-tail, a high contrast to his pail skin, said he would volunteer, only to be met with handcuffs.

Lysona debated whether or not opening her mouth would bring any good at all. She could just as easily keep to herself as planned. The Elf was not a fan of attention by any means, but she was curious as to why he would be placed in handcuffs instead of enlisted. After all, being placed in the midst of a war sounded like a punishment to her, and yet, here she was.

Lysona stepped lightly, but quickly up behind the guard as he began to lead the man away. She cleared her throat as she fell into step next to him, hoping to gain the guard's attention. "What does one have to do that he'd be placed in handcuffs when he wishes to volunteer for a war guaranteed to bring much destruction? Your flyers must make you sound more desperate for soldiers than what is actually needed then, no?"

Lysona glanced at the man that she hoped to reason with the guard about. Now that she was closer she could see black tendrils of, what looked like steam, rising from him. The sight caused her to stop dead in her tracks. Was he of the Darkness? the Elf thought.

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 Post subject: Re: Darkness and Ice
PostPosted: Mon Mar 12, 2018 10:40 pm 
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(Sorry this took so long. If I need to edit something, let me know.)

The Day Before

Sybolt marched towards the hall leading towards the throne room, glancing out of the lines of windows, displaying the swimming merfolk and the guardsmen making their daily rounds. He paused for a moment, seeing a trace of snow white trot before the window. With dark blue fins down her neck, and lovely golden hues, the horse gave an enthused neigh before she went galloping off. Holding back a laugh in his lips, he made his way towards the throne. Though the sight was best saved for a comedy show, much less a King's throne. Several knights and nobles collapsed on the floor, laughter overtaking most it not all of them. Some wiping the tears from their faces.

This was not surprising to Sybolt at first. But before he could give a word, the King spoke as the laughter continued around them. "Oh no. What do you pronounce "fish" without the 'i'?" Running a hand through his large grey beard, he finally answered. "FSH!" Before Sybolt knew it, chuckles and loud laughs broke out once more. Two guards falling flat on their buttocks before the King, pointing at the King. Finally approaching his father, standing a few feet away from the King.

"Not even a chuckle from you, my son?" The King asked. "Have you grown cold to me?"

"No. Father. That meeting is today, and I wish to go with you." Sybolt spoke sternly, standing sternly while his father rose up from the throne as he gave a more solemn expression.

"And do you know what this meeting for?" Emiyn asked, seeing that the knights and nobles were doubling in laughter to pay attention to them.

"A man named Dardanos... Someone presumed dead..." Sybolt answered.

The King rose fully from his throne. Treading with a strong gait, his hands resting on his son's shoulders. He shook his head, "No, my son... Dardanos isn't dead... He is real. And he will return to this world. If he were truly dead, this meeting would not be needed." His tone grew darker before he advanced towards the doors. Sybolt followed suit behind his father whilst an elder-looking guard clad in silver and azure armor approached them both. "Gorlois-" The King began before the knight raised his hand. "Watch over yourselves, and I shall watch this land. Be it a dog or monster, Cordelia will stand my last breath."

"Thank you, Gorlois." The King said relieved. "It seems I can always rely on you."

"I look forward to having a joke for you when we return."

-


Day of the Council Meeting:

Father and Son spared no time in preparing for the council, and King Emiyn gathered two of his best horses: Serdan and Llamrei. Once he noticed the two approach them, a smile was pulling upon Sybolt's face. "This is a special day. You may Llamrei, and there'll be no arguing that point." And no arguments there would be. The two traveled hastily to Tora, Emiyn looking to his son and mostly the budding smile that seemed glued to his face at that moment. Llamrei was chosen by Sybolt when she was born, and the two bonded instantly. However, when Sybolt was swimming, an assassin ambushed him. Llamrei jumped in, and managed to send him off, but was badly injured. He was worried she wouldn't have pulled through. They arrived at the old castle safe and sound. Though it was good to see they weren't the only ones to arrive.

To be at the once Kingdom of Light was a sight for sore eyes, though Emiyn was already preparing a joke for the messenger when they would leave. If King Emiyn was known for anything, it would be trying to brighten someone's day. As the other rulers had arrived, Emiyn's legendary smile was replaced with half-solemn, half-amused glance. He petted Serdan and Llamrei before he left.

"It's your choice to sit in on this. It will be long." Emiyn commanded, his voice firm with authority. The prince merely nodded as Llamrei snorted contentedly before his father grabbed him by the arm. "And son... Raise your head. You need not look so depressed." He spoke before that glance returned to his face. The two entered the crystalline room, Dylan could not help but take in the beautiful sight. It was pleasing to the eye, but after a fell sadness befell it now. Like an empty void grasping for something to fill it.

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 Post subject: Re: Darkness and Ice
PostPosted: Sun Apr 08, 2018 9:17 pm 
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Eira sat quietly in her seat, observing the other rulers. Queen Awel and King Tarran had already been present when she arrived, and King Dimitur was not far behind her. She gave a nod of greeting to Queen Awel when the other woman greeted her, and the same to King Dimitur upon his arrival. Yet she made no move to approach them or converse with them. There would be plenty of time for words, so she hardly saw the point in wasting her breath now.

The only one she had spared a word for thus far as been Taro, prince of Tora. Years ago, when she was fighting for her throne, he had been one of those who had aided her. Thus, she viewed him as a friend, and felt it necessary to at least greet him on her way into the chamber. Given that he had been with his father, who appeared to be in a rather foul mood, she kept it short, saying hello on her way in.

Now, she watched at his father entered, leaving him outside. After him came the Pyralis royal family, or at least most of them. The Crown Prince, Andras, was missing, as was the king's wife. But the King had brought Kai and Seirian with him, as well as another individual whom she surmised to be his nephew, Pyren, who had trained Seirian and Kai. She'd never personally met the Princess, but Kai was one of the few she considered to be a true friend. He had been the one who really encouraged her and helped her to learn to control her magic and take her throne back.

She gave a nod in their direction, and a small smile for the one she knew. Finally, King Emiyn and Prince Dylan from Cordelia entered the room, and all of the seats were filled. She gave those still conversing a chance to finish before she stood, quiet and graceful, from where she sat. As she stood, the room seemed to fall silent, as if even the walls surrounding them felt the solemnness of what was to come.

"My fellow rulers, councilmen, and guests. You all know why we have gathered here today. The day that many feared, and too many denied would one day come, is here," she looked around the room, scanning each and every face as she spoke. "Darkness has once again come to our world. It looms on the horizon, waiting to strike. Already it reaches out beyond the borders of Ciardah, testing its own strength just as it tests us, to see how we will respond," she continued, her voice calm and matter-of-fact, yet somehow carrying with it the weight of the situation that lay before them.

"Yet still, even now many of you refuse to accept the truth. Even now you run from it, hoping that if you deny it, if you ignore it, it will simpy go away. But it will not go away. While you sit at home eating, drinking, enjoying yourself, pretending that everything is okay, our world will fall," she spoke with conviction and determination. "But it will not fall without a fight. Those of us who know, those of us who have seen the Darkness rising before our very eyes, we will not sit idly by and watch the Darkness grow. We will not watch as our people suffer and die, as our kingdoms burn and fall."

She paused briefly after her declaration, before speaking once more in a calm, level voice. "I called this meeting because I have seen this Darkness with my own eyes. I have felt it growing just beyond the borders of my home. I have listened to reports of those along the border, my people, being killed by wraiths and other dark creatures. I--no, we--cannot sit back and wait any longer. While we wait, his strength grows. It is time for us to act. It is time for us to prepare for what is to come," she paused once more, eyeing each of those present.

"I would not stand by and watch this world fall. What about you? Each one of your came here with your own beliefs, your own opinions on the matter. I know that there are those of you who do not and perhaps will not believe that war is upon us, that this great Darkness that once brought this world to its knees has returned. Each of you have your own reasons for believing the way you do. But I ask you this: Do you believe in your reason strongly enough to risk the fate of the world upon it? Is it worth the lives of your people, and our people, to stand opposed to a united effort to stand against the Darkness?" she asked, scanning the room once more.

"I would like to hear your thoughts--any of you who wish to speak, either in favor of or against such an effort," and with that she fell silent, sitting in her seat once more, waiting for anyone who wished to voice their opinion to do so.

-----------

The guards at the volunteer station were both surprised and afraid when they saw a ghostly man approach them. There was a dark smoke that seemed to come off of the man, which didn't bode well with them, all things considered. One of them, having been a scout along the borders recently and having seen a wraith first-hand, thought that this man reminded him very much of one, even if he did look more human than those he had seen before. He was confused by the fact that the man volunteered, but he wasn't about to take any chances.

He signaled some of the other guards and they surrounded the man, cuffing him and leading him away. As he led the man away, a girl came up, asking what one had to do to get arrested for volunteering. He glanced back at her, but before he could answer her, she seemed to figure it out on her own, stopping dead in her tracks. "You get it now, don't you?" came a soft voice from behind the girl. "Even if he is volunteering, we cannot take the chance, not now. It is true that we need all the help we can get, but the help of someone who appears to be tainted by Darkness is not to be lightly accepted. We cannot afford to simply trust everyone who walks in here," Rhoswen explained to the young woman.

"It is kind of you to care for the fate of a stranger. But take care that you do not let your kindness be used against you," she spoke kindly to the young woman, placing a hand on her shoulder and smiling gently. "If you wish to volunteer, you may do so at the tables over there," she gestured to the tables before following after the guards.

Once they reached the main portion of the castle, the man was taken to a cell and the door closed behind him. "I do apologize for the treatment, if indeed you do wish to volunteer. I hope that this will not deter you. But you understand, don't you? That we cannot accept such without some precautions? Once the Queen has returned, she will decide whether or not you may be a part of our efforts against the Darkness," Rhoswen explained. "For now, may I ask why it is that you wish to aid us?"

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 Post subject: Re: Darkness and Ice
PostPosted: Sat May 12, 2018 9:40 am 
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Emiyn cleared his throat as he sat in his seat while Dylan slumped in the seat, though his eyes glanced around the round table. It seemed they were some of the last to arrive. With several of other rulers and greeting one another as he gave small glances around the room, his curiosity taking hold for the time. Some of the Kings and Queens and other members beside rarely rang many bells to them - at least not right away. Queen Awel and King Tarran, as his father often spoke of them. Be it through all of the jokes he might have had prepared for him.

The other royal families seemed to draw blanks for the time being. Still, he imagined he might have time to speak to either of them - or perhaps any fellow princes and princess of other realms. Though his gaze slowly turned to the silent woman. She did not see her offer but one word to anyone, but her solemn yet graceful composure made him ease up straight and hold his head on his fist. With the initial greetings turning to silence, the young prince feeling swaddled in blankets of the solemn aere. As did the King beside his son.

Once the young ruler spoke, his bluish hues practically fixing onto her with a more stern expression as she scanned every face in the room. It was then she said it, "Darkness has once again come to our world." Emiyn's gaze remained on the girl, those cerulean hues getting darker in his gaze. Her coming words were blood-soaked knives inches away from his body. As Dylan had tensed up in his chair, his gloved hands unknowingly clawed at the wooden arms, his teeth clenched together for a few moments. Dylan looked to his father, whose eyes shifted towards him and then back to the young woman once more.
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Those words seem were stone in the King's heart. Though, she was not wrong. The Darkness was here, and the longer they stood around, the more time darkness had to spread and destroy everything in its path. Already people were murdered by dark creatures... Clutching his chest, the Caederean prince cleared his throat, and his words flowed decisively and calmly. "I couldn't agree more... If it is here... Now it's in Ciadarah. Tomorrow, it could one of us or all of us. We shouldn't stand here and do nothing!"
Meanwhile, in Cordelia, guards marched towards the city gates, preparing the walls with hardened coral barricades. Fortifications and posters were made on posts and handed out through the realm, and preparing transports to the kingdom, requesting any able-bodied souls to be trained in the army. Knights and healers were deployed to the villages, some taking positions in bodies of water as they were on patrol. If the darkness was truly coming back, Gorlois knew there was no time to be farting around.

_________________
Hello there. Despite calling myself a madman, I am quite friendly. My door is open should one need an ear, so feel free to consult me should life be getting on your tail. I also have a link to my resume here as well as a work in progress list of my characters here. I will likely be serving some plot cakes over the summer.


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