<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#99ccff">Exion looked at the Raven that came, his eyes gazing towards it, before he would give a curt nod at the bird. His daughter was right to warn him- The Xyphon Campaign was his primary concern, but if fire was burning back at home, he must return swiftly to put it out. However, as he began packing to leave himself, he placed a hand on his head, feeling the familiar presence in his mind. "<b>I know, time is of the essence, but I am needed back home...."</b> Exion said, before he heard the familiar haunting sound coming from the amulet around his neck. "<b>If I don't return on the Queen's orders, she going to start suspecting something is amiss, I cannot afford to have Maddox mucking up our plans now....." </b>He said. He would then watch it glow lowly, before sighing. "<b>I'll stall for time, but i can't stall for too long...."</b><br/>
<br/>
<b>"I'll do what I can, but you better keep your end of the deal- I won't lose her. You keep your hands off my baby girl." </b>He said, as the presence left. He would sigh once again, before walking out.<br/>
<br/>
<b>~~~~~~~~</b></span><br/><br/>Anthony would just nod, a grin on his face, as he would take the<a class="link link--external" data-proxy-href="/proxy.php?link=https%3A%2F%2Fi.pinimg.com%2Foriginals%2F9a%2F72%2F1a%2F9a721a6e9f32279db43096c5ee9f1953.jpg&amp;hash=db2b03d6c35bd213209cd87d359edd72" href="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/9a/72/1a/9a721a6e9f32279db43096c5ee9f1953.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank">pin</a>that signified his position on the court. "<b>Oh trust me, Lord Maddox- I won't need that much time." </b>Anthony said, clasping it to the hem on his shirt, before raising his hand. "<b>But~ I made a promise, didn't I? A gesture of good faith."</b>He said, before raising it above his head and snapping his fingers. Six workers came in, carrying chests, before setting them down. Anthony would gesture for them to open them, before the six would open the<a class="link link--external" data-proxy-href="/proxy.php?link=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic1.squarespace.com%2Fstatic%2F531c7437e4b0b2e4038995b3%2F531c976fe4b00720a4769d43%2F537b1a1be4b05f3bc93770cb%2F1406575468511%2Ftreasure-chest-fantasy_314735.jpg%3Fformat%3D1500w&amp;hash=ce06af5c35cef89ea0e9bbc03f4cbd08" href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/531c7437e4b0b2e4038995b3/531c976fe4b00720a4769d43/537b1a1be4b05f3bc93770cb/1406575468511/treasure-chest-fantasy_314735.jpg?format=1500w" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank">chests</a>, revealing they were packed with treasure. Anthony would take a single gold coin out of the chests, examining it, as he would speak.<br/><b><br/>
"The nobility of the old Empire had to hide their wealth when the Mad Emperor began purging those who he saw as traitors- An oversight of his was not claiming the wealth these nobles had. I managed to....<i>persuade </i>them to give it up. It was only slowing them down." </b>He said, twirling the coin in his hand. He would then indicate them to step away. "<b>As I stated- Allow this to flood your coffers, My Queen. This is only a <i>taste </i>of what comes to those who align themselves with the Mor-Hauser Family's interests. I looked forward to working <i>very </i>closely with you." </b>He said, giving her a wink, before walking out.<br/><br/>A complete success, in his opinion, but it would only get harder from here. He must remain vigilant.<br/><br/>As he was walking back, he saw.....a woman, fighting off two people. It wasn't surprising, resources was scarce, but what was surprising was the look of the woman- She had burn scars all over her body. She was fighting with a couple of peasants viciously, using a<a class="link link--external" data-proxy-href="/proxy.php?link=https%3A%2F%2Fs3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com%2Flot-images.atgmedia.com%2FSR%2F32076%2F2900555%2F292.1-20142414366_540x360.jpg&amp;hash=7dfa65a756616f7eb97ffc38c0556c14" href="https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/lot-images.atgmedia.com/SR/32076/2900555/292.1-20142414366_540x360.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank">broken wrought iron spear</a>from a fence. Anthony wasn't interested in that, however- It was the burning look in the woman's eye. She wanted to win, wanted to survive, and was ready to kill for it. With the other peasants, all there was, was desperation and need, no true desire. This woman was special indeed.<br/><br/>He would then watch as she held up her hand and....sparks flew out! Burning bright and blue, they struck a peasant, obviously killing them, as she then impaled the other through the neck with her spear. With them dead, she looted the bodies for whatever was left, and went back into the ally. However, before she left, she raised her hand and set fire to them, incinerating them completely. Anthony would step towards the alley, interested, before finding what the woman was protecting- a small hovel. It was built from an old straw and fur sleeping area inside of a large crap, to keep the rain out, with a cloth to keep the sun away. The ally  led to a dead end, most likely the scarred woman's slice of the world. She had pulled a cloak over herself, to keep the winter's air away, as she watched two<a class="link link--external" data-proxy-href="/proxy.php?link=https%3A%2F%2Ftaseatlocal.files.wordpress.com%2F2012%2F09%2Fdsc06231.jpg&amp;hash=bff8bcae1c2c49e46fcc58e08e1a9889" href="https://taseatlocal.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/dsc06231.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank">rat skewers</a>cooking over a fire.<br/><br/>Anthony had to admire her will to survive- most would not stoop this low to live another day. He should know- He had too during the rebellion. He would approach the woman, before speaking up. "<b>Hello." </b>He said, though he was not surprised when the woman raised a spear towards him. He didn't move however- sudden movements would've caused her to act rash. Anthony would merely continue speaking. "<b>Who are you?"<br/>
</b><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff4d4d"><b>The woman kept the spear up, long enough to see if the man was going to try anything, before lowering it. "</b>.<b>..Spina. Spina Ashguard.</b>"</span><br/><br/>Anthony knew that name- Old Family, long-standing warriors for the Imperial Family. It explained the poor position, but not the burns. "<b>Someone like you should not be eating rats in the streets. You're a warrior are you not?"<br/>
<br/>
<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff4d4d">"Who in the Kingdom would hire me...?"</span></b><br/><br/>Anthony would nod. "<b>A fair point....." </b>He said, before gesturing for her to follow.<b> "Come with me. I will see you properly fed and clothed."<br/>
<br/>
<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff4d4d">"-and why should I trust you not to just sell me as a slave?"</span></b><br/><br/>Anthony would raise an eyebrow. "<b>Who would buy you?" </b>He asked. It was cutting, but true.<br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff4d4d">The woman would look down, before speaking lowly. "<b>a fair point...." </b>She said, before standing up and following after.</span><br/><br/>Anthony led her to his mansion. He expected Lunelra to discern it's location soon, so he had to act fast if he wanted things to go according to plan. He would let the servants bathe the woman proper and find some decent clothing to wear. As food was laid before her, she ate ravenously, as if she was starving. Considering her burns and who she was, it was not all that surprising. Anthony would tap his fingers as he spoke to her. "<b>So tell me, Lady Ashguard-" <br/>
</b><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff4d4d"><b>"Not a '<i>Lady' </i>anymore, the Queen saw fit to that."</b></span><br/><br/>"<b>Fine then- Tell me Spina. What happened to your body?"</b><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff4d4d">The woman stared at the food before her, as if lost in thought, before trailing a hand over her burnt-out eye socket.  "<b>After the rebellion, my family was stripped of everything- most of them died during the fighting, but the few that were left were preyed upon. Rebels seeking retribution, hatred from those that we used to command- The Traitor Prince used to keep things from going too far, likely out an old sense of loyalty, but after they turned on him......" </b>She would lower her hand. "<b>My mother and sister were taken by slavers.....I refused to live the life of a slave, so I did something that nearly killed me."</b></span><br/><br/>"<b>The Burns...."<br/>
</b><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff4d4d"><b>"I poured oil over myself and lit myself on fire- Slavers wouldn't take me." </b>She said, as her hand would clench into a fist. "<b>I refused to scream as it burned, but when it was finally over.....the city saw me as a freak, a monster. '<i>How could someone survive and not scream as they set themselves on fire, she must be possessed by a demon</i>'. Maddox take them all." </b>She said, grinding her teeth. "<b>No place would hire a '<i>cursed woman'. </i>I couldn't tell you how many times I've had people call me a witch or fling things at me." </b>She said, placing her hand down.</span><br/><br/>Anthony would lean back listening. He knew that Mirielle wanted to make an example of the families that supported the Emperor, but these people did it out of duty- What she did was undue and unlawful punishment. Still though......It left this one with a fire in her soul. Anthony would lean forward as he asked one important question. This would determine his next course of action. "<b>Why did you fight so hard? Why not simply leave?"<br/>
</b><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff4d4d"><b>"Because this is </b><i><b>my </b></i><b>families land- I was born here. I was trained here. The Ashguard Family's only crime was we were loyal to a madman. The Pretender on the throne can pose all she wants- </b><i><b>This is our land. </b></i><b>I won't be driven off by the little girl on the throne, even if I have to scrap for scraps, I will continue living in my home. She can kill me if she wants, but she will never destroy me." </b>The woman said, venom burning through every word.</span><br/><br/>Anthony merely smiled- There it was. What he was looking for. The Indomitable Will to achieve your goals. It was the same fire that burned in him, the burned in his friends<i>once, </i>that burned inside of his master......Exactly what he needed in an apprentice. Anthony had come to terms with the fact that someday, he might die. Hell, he HAD perished due to betrayal! But he also had an epiphany- His knowledge, his legacy, everything that he was.....they would die with him. He didn't know if he could have children, he didn't know if Neema wanted any, and could he have lovers down on this world? He didn't know. But he wanted to leave a standing mark in this world behind, in the case that the he'll one day fall- someone who will carry his knowledge forward.<br/><br/>and now? He had found that person.<br/><br/>Anthony would stand, before walking towards the woman, before speaking up. "<b>You hate this world, don't you?" </b>He said. He was glad the sword kept Maddox from entering his compound- No doubt, he would find what he was about to do next VERY suspicious. "<b>You wish to watch this world burn away. At the end, you'll be left standing, no matter what- Nothing will change that, right?" </b>Anthony asked.<br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff4d4d">The woman would look up, almost startled, but would nod. "<b>Yes.....only the weak accept things as is. It is why Mirielle's fantasy kingdom has fallen apart- the Weak Govern. The Strong Rule."</b> She said.</span><br/><br/>"<b>What if I told you.....the strong can rule again?" </b>He said, watching as she gave him a look. "<b>I am Anthony Mor-hauser. As of today, I stand at the Queen's side, as her Master of Coin.....but my motives are my own, for they are plans a year in the making. Join me, Spina- I shall show you a world where you do not bend to it, but it bends to you." </b>He said, watching as she adopted a look of disbelief. "<b>Neema's favor flows with me- What do you have to lose? Are you a sheep or are you a wolf, Spina Ashguard?" </b><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff4d4d">Spina looked as if she was torn, not daring to hope beyond hope, but knew that if she simply returned to her hovel, nothing would change- Could this man give what was promised? She didn't know, but as he said, she had nothing to lose. If Neema truly favored him, then she knew this was a path to walk in the favor of her faith. So she made her choice. "<b>Yes."</b></span><br/><br/>"<b>Yes?"<br/>
<br/>
<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff4d4d">"Yes- I, Spina Ashguard, Last surviving member of the Ashguard Family, will follow you, Lord Mor-Hauser." </span></b><br/><br/>Anthony had to keep a smirk of victory off his face, as he lead her to the room he devoted to the old gods- Neema, Lythaniel, Maddox, and Arashi. The Four Governing Deities. Anthony would look towards Spina, as she approached, before speaking up. "<i>'</i><b><i>Prostrated before The Supreme Great Goddess Neema I ask of thee, thy fealty'</i> " </b>Anthony said, using the old way.<br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff4d4d">Spina would plant her spear into the ground as she would kneel before Anthony, keeping her head low. "<b> '</b><i><b>I swear to thee my life, loyalty, and will. Walking on Neema's path, thy spear shall act as the Lance of Order. Thy shall pin down the corruption that festers thine world and bleed it til death embraces thee. Lady Neema, Goddess of Order, grant that my path be righteous, my vision clear, and my fire cleansing......and if I should stray in my path, grant me forgiveness.' "</b></i>She recited, as the magic circle beneath them would glow.</span><br/><br/>Anthony watched the Goddesses Magic at work- Though it was expected to be powerful, given that she brought Anthony back from the Dead, it was amazing to see it at work. Anthony would bow his head, in silent thanks, before looking down towards Spina. "<b>Rise, Spina Ashguard- I accept your pledge of loyalty, and name you my Apprentice."</b><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff4d4d">"<b>Thank you, Master......I shall not waiver."</b></span><br/><br/>"<b>Now, to get you out of those rags- Your new look should befit my apprentice. For now, you shall be known as my personal guard. You must act the part."</b><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff4d4d">Spina was confused as to why she needed to dress a second time, before being lead to the bedroom again. She found herself dressed in fine steel, with a proper spear laid before her, as she set hers by her old clothes. She placed it on, but would notice for the first time the lack of scarring on her arm. She quickly checked the rest of her body, before running towards the mirror. That it when she saw it- <a class="link link--external" data-proxy-href="/proxy.php?link=https%3A%2F%2Fi.pinimg.com%2Foriginals%2F8b%2Fde%2Ff9%2F8bdef94450311e1a7b7b307b2ec982e7.jpg&amp;hash=7defb3c21b4dd56b10d013c0df9d482b" href="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/8b/de/f9/8bdef94450311e1a7b7b307b2ec982e7.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank">Spina Ashguard</a>, completely untainted by the burn scars she had gained. Spina placed a careful hand on her face, before kneeling before the fire, in silent prayer. '<i>Lady Neema, your generosity knows no bounds.....as long as I shall live, my faith shall never waiver.'</i></span><br/><br/>~~~~~~~~~~~<br/><br/><i>In Neema's bright <a class="link link--external" data-proxy-href="/proxy.php?link=http%3A%2F%2Fwarofwings.com%2Ffiles%2FBio%2FPhotos%2F20121112075031617.02.WofW-GrivetArt_HEAVEN-MOUNTAIN_SCENE.jpg&amp;hash=8a2c0f321c2297f0f581e95844148b48" href="http://warofwings.com/files/Bio/Photos/20121112075031617.02.WofW-GrivetArt_HEAVEN-MOUNTAIN_SCENE.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank">cathedral of light</a>, her chamber would glow with that of another flame of faith- Zion's actions had already gained many followers back to the path of light, this one being one of the brightest- a flame of unwavering faith and conviction. Much like Zion, this flame possessed a strength that would prove invaluable in the days ahead. Another Warrior of the Light gained, another defeat to Maddox's Madness and Chaos- Another Pawn on the board.<br/>
<br/>
~~~~~~~~~~~</i><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#4dff4d">Azurnine's chambers would appear to be untouched when she returned to them.....<br/>
<br/>
Save for a <a class="link link--external" data-proxy-href="/proxy.php?link=https%3A%2F%2Fthumbs.dreamstime.com%2Fb%2Fextraterrestrial-abstract-fantasy-cube-science-fiction-type-object-concept-art-object-made-mysterious-material-83574231.jpg&amp;hash=266a1af0cfcadf41ba8473fb70e197da" href="https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/b/extraterrestrial-abstract-fantasy-cube-science-fiction-type-object-concept-art-object-made-mysterious-material-83574231.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank">small cube</a> on her vanity.<br/>
<br/>
On it were two notes- One from the Exile.<br/>
</span><br/><div style="text-align: center"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#4dff4d"><i>'I was asked to deliver this to you by your mother.</i><br/>
<i>A favor called. A favor repaid.</i><br/>
<i>The world is teetering on the edges and drums of war begin to echo</i><br/>
<i>Tread carefully, Azurnine- Darkness Rises as Silence Dies'</i></span>​</div><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#4dff4d"><br/>
The other note wasn't titled- likely from Azurnine's absent mother. It's wording was.....strange. Almost Ethereal.<br/>
</span><br/><div style="text-align: center"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#4dff4d">'<i>I feel like the day you were born....was a lifetime ago, Azurnine Angelius, my child. My Spark.</i><br/>
<i>If I could grant you one thing, it would be the ability to see through my eyes, so you could realize how special you are to me.</i><br/>
<i>I know you feel abandoned, left in the dark, but know that I had no choice in the matter- forces play and prey around us both, forcing us apart.</i><br/>
<i>Stay strong, my Child- Don't be afraid. Everything will be okay, I promise. I will always be watching. You have to remain strong.</i><br/>
<i>I've done all I can to protect you, and hide you from who you are, but things are spiraling out of my power. But I have one last card to play.</i><br/>
<i>Until your 22nd Birthday, this is all I can do for you- This cube holds something very powerful. What is inside shall act as your protector.</i></span><br/>
<i><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(77, 255, 77)">Not even Maddox would dare challenge it lightly, if only not to invoke my wrath. The gods do not see you as I see you- they only see a pawn.<br/>
This gift shall ensure that you have someone trusted at your back, always. The Exile can be trusted, but he has been gone a long time.<br/>
Stay strong, Little Flame. We shall meet sooner than you think. When we do.....you may judge me how you wish. I merely wish to hold you once again<br/>
'Let dust return to dust, but never bring despair, for their is no futility, even in death'<br/>
</span></i>​</div><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#4dff4d">The box glew with a strong red light, before finally being enveloped by it at Azurnine's touch. When the light faded, there was big Bombay cat on her desk. It was Black, with white going a spiral around it's body, like a tattoo. It gave a low meow, before looking towards Azurnine. "</span><b><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(77, 255, 77)">So you're my new Master...I could've done worse. "</span></b><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#4dff4d">It said. Azurnine would then be able to notice.....two tails on it's backside, one black the other white, as it would jump down in front of her. It would then....morph! It would change it's shape until a </span><a class="link link--external" data-proxy-href="/proxy.php?link=https%3A%2F%2Fyt3.ggpht.com%2Fa-%2FAK162_4GO32puckaCXgg0lzFE_gkzvUtYn6F-KpH2w%3Ds900-mo-c-c0xffffffff-rj-k-no&amp;hash=89a578174a877b34a5ce0b7f802d899f" href="https://yt3.ggpht.com/a-/AK162_4GO32puckaCXgg0lzFE_gkzvUtYn6F-KpH2w=s900-mo-c-c0xffffffff-rj-k-no" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(77, 255, 77)">young man</span></a><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#4dff4d"> was standing in front of her. He would lay himself down on her bed, a coy smirk on his face. "</span><b><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(77, 255, 77)">I am here to look after your needs, and keep you happy and entertained, fulfilling your <i>every </i>desire.....though if you tell me to put on a dress and dance on a battlefield, I will have to kill you." </span></b><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#4dff4d">He snarked, cat ears twitching, tails sashaying behind him.</span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#4dff4d">A Bakeneko- These were powerful Cat Youkai, who acted as Avenging Spirits for Arashi. Sarcastic as he might act, it was likely warranted- He was strong, they lived for centuries and were quite knowledgeable on subjects of alchemy, magic, and combat. They also made quite loyal companions- When a Bakeneko swore themselves to someone, they couldn't betray that oath, they were bound by Arashi's Code of Law, and if you could earn it's respect, quite friendly....<br/>
<br/>
And this one just said that Azurnine was it's new master.<br/>
<br/>
One hell of an early birthday present from an unknown mother.</span>