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Post by Lord Harrab on Sept 18, 2015 7:05:13 GMT
Day 1, Afternoon coolyo294 The morning had been busy for the Empress to be, she was still unsure if that was a good or bad thing, as the work, listening to reports, reading legal tomes and messages from across the empire and beyond, had manged to drive the thoughts of grief from her mind for a time, she could do nothing more for her father, but there was much she had yet to do for the living. She glanced up from a message from the Snow Elves Commander, giving Guard Captain Galland a brief smile, even as she raised a finger to ask for his patience as she finished reading, the message was like many she had received that morning, expressing her sorrow and a request that as she would be attending the funereal, one of her honor guard be allowed to help carry their emperor to his fire. She allowed the scroll to roll itself back up and turned her attention fully to her guard captain. "Of course Captain," she replied to his question, sitting back in her chair regally, slightly spoiling the effect by tugging absentmindedly at the high collared black dress she now wore, "in fact i would welcome a break from this deluge of well wishes, requests for audiences and flowery language. Is something amiss, or do you intend for my lessons to begin now? i'm afraid i'm not dressed for it." halonachos NeptyQuestioning the young kitchen worker gave little information, apparently the intruder had hovered around the stables for a time, only moving towards the door when a cart laden with supplies had entered the courtyard and stopped by the portal. But the lad had been instructed to assist in unloading it, and when the rough individual had tried to slip in while he was busy with a sack of potatoes, had tried to slip in with other staff. That was when he had challenged the man, and he had fled. but did not wear the uniform of staff or the armor of the guard, and questioning the groomers in the stable gave no information at all, for none had seen any such individual, being busy with their own tasks although the cry for the guards had caused some to abandon their tasks and rush to see what the commotion was. The Gate guards were likewise of little help, they had seen no such individual enter and had searched the cart as their duties dictated, if the man had fled, it had not been to the city beyond, at least by this gate.
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Castiel
Rising Legend
Lord of the West
Forth Eorlingas!
Posts: 644
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Post by Castiel on Sept 19, 2015 18:18:57 GMT
Dania read the scroll that had appeared on her desk, brushing off some of the dust from its magical delivery. She frowned slightly as she digested what she was reading, before reading it again to be sure there was no mistake. Carefully she set the scroll on the side, before turning and walking to the door. She opened the door, nodding to the Silver Guard stationed nearby. She gestured to a messenger stationed outside. The man hurried over from where he had been leaning against the wall and stood swiftly to attention. “Hurry and find Captain Althaus, the Inquisitor and Gerald Wicksworth. Instruct them to meet me here as soon as they are able. Press upon them the urgency of this matter, please” Dania instructed. The messenger nodded and took off at a run, hurtling through the palace to find the men.
She turned back into the room, and resettled herself at her desk. The room was neatly ordered, shelves of magical tomes and spell books carefully organized on shelves around the room. A globe depicting the world stood on one corner of the heavy oaken desk, a quill and ink carefully stored above the writing board. A single bed stood tucked in against a wall, foot towards the fireplace that stood beside the door and opposite the large closet. She pulled a sheet of parchment out from a binder and picked up the quill, dipping it gently in the ink, before beginning to write.
“Members of the Circle,” She began, quill scratching softly against the parchment. “This is a time of great unrest for the Empire, and we must do all we can to ensure its stability. To this end I ask that each of you keep a watchful eye and report to me anything that you believe might pose a threat to the Empress or the Empire.
Yours humbly,
Dania Everstorm, First Magi”
She bound the parchment up softly with a ribbon, before placing a magical seal on it, knowing only the intended recipients would be able to open them. Placing it down on the desk she uttered a quick incantation of multiple sending and the scroll vanished with a pop and the faint smell of burnt apple. Even now they would be appearing on the desks of every member of the Circle throughout the Empire. Satisfied that her word had been sent she sat down to await the arrival Sir Galland, Gerald and the Inquisitor.
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Warrender
Rising Legend
Currently suffering longterm absence from the site
Posts: 698
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Post by Warrender on Sept 20, 2015 13:27:01 GMT
Gerald slowly strolled through the gardens, hands clasped behind him as he admired the expertly tended flowers and bushes that looked so artificial when compared to the wild growing plants of the same kin that littered the lands and forests surrounding the city. As ever, his loyal companion and friend strolled at his side keeping pace, his stride never more and never less than that of his master as his head and eyes swayed left to right, keeping watchful that no threat would come to him or his master without him seeing.
Gerald stood against a large flowering bush, its petals a vibrant but low blend of red and rose. Gently he let his hand brush over the numerous flowers of the latericus petrulia breed of plant that had only recent begun to flower in this kingdom in the last 20 years after being brought from a neighbouring kingdom up north.
Although his thoughts drifted to his love of botani he was still mindful of those around him, never letting his guard down as his companion sat patiently by his side. From the corner of his eye he could see two well dressed noble women, talking amongst themselves and glancing over to Tim his timberwolf every so often in disgust. Gerald smiled to himself, reaching out and gripping the stem of one of the plants, waiting for them to look over before he plucked the flower from its stem, chuckling to himself as the two women looked on in horror at his blantent disregard to the plants of the royal garden that must not be picked. He knew he wouldn't be in trouble, in fact his knowledge of botani was highly sought after by the gardens tenders to ensure nothing poisonous or dangerous was brought into the palace grounds.
He was giving the two women a smug grin of satisfaction when Tim's ears suddenly perked, twisting as he rose quickly. Gerald glanced down, the plants and two women a forgotten memory as he understood the importance of this reaction to something. He leaned down, Tim still staring off in the direction of the Church Gardens and spoke in a hushed firm voice "Tim, show me"
Tim suddenly darted towards the Church, fast enough to make Gerald need to jog in order to keep up but not quick enough so that he could maintain a silent approach if needed. He cared not that people were staring at his hasty pace across the gardens, it was his duty. As he rounded a large stone fountain he spied two guards on patrol and raised his arm, clicking his fingers, signalling them to follow, Tim wouldn't have perked his ears if there wasn't something worthwhile chasing.
Tim stood still at the gates to the Church Gardens, waiting to ensure Gerald was with him before trotting slowing into the grounds, head swaying as he tried to locate what had distracted him and attracted his attention.
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Post by Lord Harrab on Sept 21, 2015 11:07:58 GMT
Warrender The two guards glanced at each other, then shrugged and followed after the Game Warden, matching his pace with hands on sword hilts, just in case. The Wolf lead the small group around to the entrance of the church, darting in like a sleek shadow, Gerald right on his heels like they were a pack after a sent, no further commands were exchanged between then on, and the two guards he had summoned felt rather out of place, no amount of training, drills or experience on their part could have imitated this smooth and effortless teamwork. So they didn't bother to try. When the Wolf halted in the aisle of the church, ears and nose now working together as the animal tried to pin down what had unsettled him, the two guards game to halt in the clatter of chain-mail, causing those seated in the pews to turn and look at them, some in surprise, some in annoyance. Except for one man, sat near the front, head bowed and hands clasped. It was to this gentleman the wolf trotted, a low growl in the back of his throat growing in primal fear inducing power until the timber-wolf was right next to the man, hackles raised. One of the Guards drew his sword, looking to the Game Warden for instructions even as several church goers gasped. An elf woman in heavy priestess robes near the back frowned under her hood, but said and did nothing other than move towards them a few steps, then halting, uncertain. The one the wolf had targeted, seemingly no different that the other common folk in the building, simply pressed his eyes closed tighter and mumbled prayers under his breath, seeming to try and ignore the huge beast out of existence.
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coolyo294
Iconic
Slayer of Demons
Posts: 1,169
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Post by coolyo294 on Sept 21, 2015 22:00:09 GMT
"Of course Captain," she replied to his question, sitting back in her chair regally, slightly spoiling the effect by tugging absentmindedly at the high collared black dress she now wore, "in fact i would welcome a break from this deluge of well wishes, requests for audiences and flowery language. Is something amiss, or do you intend for my lessons to begin now? i'm afraid i'm not dressed for it." "No, I'm not here for lessons. Not yet, at least. I have something for you." Galland said. He produced a dirk from one of the sheaths on his belt and laid it in front of the Princess. It was a beautiful weapon, crafted from the same silverite ore as the Silver Knight's swords and armor. The shimmering blade seemed to catch every speck of light present, twinkling beautifully in the afternoon sun that streamed through the windows. Unlike most weapons of the nobility it was bereft of jewel inlays and gold filigrees, instead relying on its obviously superior craftsmanship to catch the eye. Its only decoration was the motto of house Athelhere inscribed on the hilt. "I was hoping to wait a few more years before passing this on to you, but unfortunate circumstances have forced my hand. As I'm sure you know, now that you are the Empress you are now my master and commander. This blade is a symbol of your authority over the Order of the Silver Knight. It belonged to your father, and his father before him, and before he died he told me that he wanted it passed down to you." Picking up the blade Galland gave it a few deft swings, the keen blade whistling through the air. "It is a fine weapon, a true masterpiece of dwarven craftsmanship. Light as a feather yet strong enough to pierce plate. I pray to the gods you shall never have to use it, but still I insist on training you in its use." he said.
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Post by halonachos on Sept 21, 2015 22:12:01 GMT
"Well if the man isn't dressed like one of the staff or the guards it doesn't necessarily dwindle down the number of people it could be." Timothy said to the inquisitor, "The best I could do is have my staff muster for a roll call and see if any new hands show up or some don't, then work out something to do from there. I would also suggest warning the guard captain as I had originally planned so that he is aware that there may be someone who means ill will towards the Empress." he finished whilst brushing his shoes with a rag to rid them of loose dirt.
"Perchance we could go ahead and do that?" Timothy hinted, "Then celebrate with a good glass of wine."
"And at last I'll be rid of some level of nuisances for the day." he thought as he looked to the best way of continuing the search for the man.
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Warrender
Rising Legend
Currently suffering longterm absence from the site
Posts: 698
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Post by Warrender on Sept 22, 2015 8:57:54 GMT
Gerald Wicksworth Church
Gerald raised his hand up, signalling the two guards to remain where they were and stand ready as he approached, slowly walking down the aisle to the figure and gesturing to the Elvish woman to remain where she was "Madam, stay seated if you please, this does not concern you."
His attention now fully back on the figure praying hard, his mind was going over the possiblities of exactly what had caused his companion to find him disturbing enough to attract his attention. By any rights he had no grounds to arrest or questions this person, and yet, with Tim acting so aggressively there was obviously something amiss that must be investigated. He came alongside Tim, who was still growling and causing an echo that elicited more tuts of disapproval. A casual hand gesture and Tim stopped, licking his lips and remaining ready should something occur.
Gerald looked down at the man, hand on his weapon should the need arise "Sir, I want to ask you some questions, but this is a holy place and I don't wish to cause any more of a scene. Come with me" he spoke calmly, never taking his eyes off him even as he guestured the two guards to approach. He did not know why but he had a feeling that all of a sudden this quiet peaceful looking person would suddenly explode into a fury of energy and bolt. Even so Tim would have him by the arm before he even took a handful of steps he really didn't want to cause a scene in such a holy place.
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Post by Lord Harrab on Sept 23, 2015 1:14:35 GMT
coolyo294 The Princess lifted the bade uncertainly, she had indeed seen it on her father's belt before, but had thought nothing really of it, swords and Armour were-, had been like a second skin to Him. However, to her shame, the sight of it made her uncomfortable. She placed it carefully back down on the polished wood of the desk, despite her fear of it, she could admire its beauty, in a cold, lethal way, and she sheathed it in its simple leather holder with a suppressed shudder. "Thank you Captain, it means a lot to me to have you and your men so diligent. I swear to keep it close." The princess has been given a masterwork blade, however, she is not confident enough to wear it. WarrenderThe man finally opened his eyes and looked up at the game warden. "Why? I aint done nothing wrong. your dog must not like me, hardly grounds to haul a man off for praying for the Old Emperor."
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Warrender
Rising Legend
Currently suffering longterm absence from the site
Posts: 698
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Post by Warrender on Sept 23, 2015 8:00:18 GMT
Gerald Wicksworth Church
Gerald smiled cooly at the gentleman, he knew something was amiss even if he could not yet see it, he trusted Tim as much as he trusted him, with such bonds one learns not to question the other, knowing all will become clear in time.
"That wasn't a request and I was trying to save you further embarrassment" He said, reaching and grabbing a fist full of robe above his shoulder and hauling him to his feet, pushing him forcefully towards the door where he could question and search him outside without further disgracing the church. If this was going to backfire in his face he may as well go all the way and accept and consequences.
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Post by Lord Harrab on Sept 28, 2015 21:32:29 GMT
Warrender The two palace guard, were quick and efficient despite their uncertainty why the Game Warden had fixated on this man in particular, their search uncovered a small steel dagger, scrapes on his hands and knees and a roll of parchment that was blank, but bore the marks of magic obvious to even these simple soldiers. "Been climbing something?" said one of the Guards, a sergeant, with a sneer, "Been somewhere you shouldn't, lad? Playing with Magic? I reckon the Spymaster will want a word with you." "Magic? Should i Get the First Enchanter Sarge?" said the other, not quite able to hide the moment of fear across his face. Most common folk had no truck with magic in any form. The Sargent glanced at Gerland, "What say you, Lord Warden? If you have no questions we'll haul him down to the cells." The apparent unjustified arrest of a man in the Church has started an unsavory rumor about Place guards bullying citizens halonachos The Kitchen Staff were summoned, as well as the stable and some of the cleaning staff, a task that took remarkably little time despite the oddity of the request. Of course they couldn't all fit inside the kitchens, so mustered outside in the courtyard. Some were worried, fearful of some mistake on their part that had caused this summons, and fearful of dismissal they trembled or averted their eyes, however, they were all known to him and his subordinate managers all confirmed that they had been where they were supposed to be when the call came. "If i may, sir." Said Sandra Thatcher, Head Maid of the Interior, as the staff was dismissed, "but what has you so worried? we were preparing the guest rooms when your call came, and doubtless her Grace will notice our absence and request an explanation. What shall i tell her?"
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