Desperate Times (ItBrewer & Caldawen)
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Light =&gt; Light: Human Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: Caldawen on 26-08-2017, 22:49:24</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Desperate Times (ItBrewer &amp; Caldawen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caldawen</strong> on <strong>26-08-2017, 22:49:24</strong>
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				Princess Elaine bounced in the carriage as the small caravan of knights and her made their way toward the border of Garenat and Fresia. Fresia is a medium sized agricultural kingdom with one large port town on the Sea of Horus. The mountains to the royals right and loomed largely overhead. Rumor had it that recently the king of that land was overthrown by a mercenary that now laid claim to the throne. However, all attempts to make contact with said being failed. Leaning back Elaine brushed a small stray chest-nut brown hair out of her face and fixed in back in her loose bun. She wore a brown silken outfit lined with beads and precious jewels. It was the easiest thing that would blend into a forest surrounding. On the top of her head was a small golden crown that was more of a headband that twisted and had a small point in the middle.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>King Leotus, her late father, died suddenly two months ago. Right before that the nobles had become restless demanding that they expand their territories and secure more recourses for the kingdom. Her father was a kind man and had lead their people in a time of piece and tranquility. Unfortunately, for some peace throughout the kingdom was not enough and she suspected a coo would occur right before or right after she is crowned queen of Fresia. Being the only child of a beloved king was both blessed and difficult. The princess was raised in the political sphere and spent a large part of her time at court. The rest was spent in study of military and the languages and internal structures of the surrounding kingdoms; as well as her own. Further, she was forced to learn how to sew, paint, play instruments, dance and other abilities that are deemed appropriate for a woman of her stature. Although, she was a thin woman at 5’4 she had a huge heart but lacked the courage to show it at court. Putting forward her authority had always been difficult for the young woman. At 22 one would think she would have more of a backbone but being raised by a headstrong and stern father negated that.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>A knock came on the door of the carriage “My lady we will reach the destination shortly. I see the signal of fallen rose branches ahead.”&nbsp; Sir Tiberius was the head of her fathers personal guard and now was in charge of her safety. The other eight knights traveling with them surrounded the carriage as a small group of loyalists appeared out of the brush. Tiberius jumped off his stead and unhelmet himself revealing his handsome face. He had bright red hair with five-a-clock shadow red stubble on his face. With green eyes, he was indeed handsome. His silver and blue armor was shadowed by the over casted clouds. On his shield was a willow tree with a dragon encircling it. This was the emblem of the king and now queen. Nodding to his similarly dressed men they got off their horses and surrounded the group. “Is this everyone…?” He asked the leader who stood wearing a green cape “Yes good sir there is only about ten of us but we hope to gather more as soon as we have our new rulers blessing.” The man smiled weakly tired from tilling the fields. Tiberius nodded and one of the knights walked to the carriage, opening the door for the princess.<br><br>Taking the hand of the knight Elaine stepped out of the carriage and walked gracefully towards the group of loyal citizens “My thanks for you continued loyalty to my family and I”. Tiberius put a hand on the princesses left shoulder and smiled “Yes we are all happy for your continued loyalty to our beloved royal family.” With a nod to the others Tiberius put his sword to the princess’s throat and the other knights began slaughtering the loyalist. Within mere minutes they lay covered in their own blood.&nbsp; Elaine struggled ordering them to stop the slaughter. The heir to the throne’s pleas went unobeyed. Tiberius laughed and let go of her letting her fall in the blood of the dead “No one can hear you this far out. No one will save you. And no one will miss you.” He held up his sword and readied himself for the final blow. Elaine’s hands went up as she waited for her eminent death.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Desperate Times (ItBrewer &amp; Caldawen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ITBrewer</strong> on <strong>28-08-2017, 22:43:16</strong>
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				The mountains with their passes did a lot to keep trouble the either side from spilling into the other. Never mind that the free cities, for the most part, were too concerned with fighting each other to organize and march over the mountains, their divided and combative nature made them unappealing for conquest.&nbsp; The ascension of the trade league had placed a stable and growing realm just on the other side of the mountain pass. The administrator of that realm was a known mercenary, skilled in the arts of war it had been a surprise when Theasar Lazeris became king of sorts, in all but blood at least.<br><br>The rumors of trouble over the mountains had motivated him to send patrols and scouts into the passes, no one claimed the lands, and if some ambitious lord thought to mark troops into the desert to grab up some more and he wanted to know about it before he had an army marching through the pass. To that end, he had been rebuilding some ancient forts along the pass for the last few years. It was from one of these the man himself had taken a patrol into the mountains, the sound of horses and a carriage moving through the woods had sent the soldiers, a squad of scouts, into the woods to hide. They had carefully followed out of sight from there. They saw a lot of fancy knights, the coach, and that was it for some time, at last, they seemed to come to a meeting place. <br><br>They watched the meeting as close as they could, listening as it became clear that the knights and soldiers were in the act of betraying the others at the meeting. It had all happened so fast, they had not been expecting it, and all by the princess were left when the order was passed, arrows began flying from the trees, two of the knights fell with a shaft in their neck. With that two lines of ten men streamed from the woods, coming together locking shields together, with short swords, clearly ready for a fight, and their commander standing behind them, shield on his arm, longsword drawn. All were dressed in chainmail, while the commander had the added protection of a breast plate.<br><br>“Good morning!” he called across the distance<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Desperate Times (ItBrewer &amp; Caldawen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caldawen</strong> on <strong>28-08-2017, 23:03:59</strong>
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				<br>Tiberius disliked interruptions of any kind; this intrusion of flying assailants was no different. He watched as two of his knights fell and the others struggled against the mercenary horde. With a growl, the knight ran towards two of the intruders and sliced them in half at the torso. Suddenly a man appeared across the clearing and yelled a greeting to him. At that pint two more arrows sped at him. Dodging one of the arrows the large knight caught the other in his hand. Snapping the arrow in half he tossed it aside and began to run towards the obvious leader. At that moment, he heard groans as two more of his men fell “This is ridiculous… You are trained knights how dare you fall.” He hissed stopping his advance. Sir Tiberius turned and saw that his victim was gone to his detriment. With another snarl he gaged his odds of winning. “Zero… Survival is assured but the men’s is not..” He growled once more turning and running to his horse “Retreat!” He ordered his remaining four men that leaped onto their horses and ran behind their leader. <br><br>Tiberius swore that he would have his revenge on the intruder and have the princesses head or her hand. However, first he had a little matter to take care of at the palace.<br><br><br>Elaine heard the loud whistling sounds of arrows flying past her and above her in the sky, moving her hands she saw a confused Sir Tiberius looking round bewildered and angry. Within a few moments twenty men came flying out of the woods attacking and killing many of the knights. The lead knight moved killing two men in a most grotesque fashion as the princess stood swiftly and began running into the wooded area, holding her dress up tightly with her muddied hands. In the distance, she heard a voice call out but she did not know or what to stop to know what it said. <br><br>Running for her life the brunet dodged under branches and climbed over rocks. The brown dress received rips as she continually turned to see if anyone was fallowing her. A branch scratched her face, causing blood to trickle down. Another loud voice came from behind and she looked back, tripping over a stone and falling down a small embankment. At the bottom were thorns that became twisted in her dress and around her feet. Elaine was trapped and receiving more and more wounds as she struggled. At this rate, she was sure to be caught.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Desperate Times (ItBrewer &amp; Caldawen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ITBrewer</strong> on <strong>29-08-2017, 00:16:25</strong>
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				The fight had been surprisingly fierce for as brief as it had been, Theasar paused a moment looking around the clearing, the fallen knights, the loyalists, his own men. The last bothered him, he did not much care for his own soldiers to die, though it was certainly a risk they all took.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That knight, the one in charge, he was going to be a problem, Theasar already could tell that much without even really speaking with the man.<br><br>He looked around a moment at what remained of his men, the arches appeared out of the trees, and Theasar sheathed his sword as he looked around quietly. “get these cleaned up….burry those men, we’ll use the horses to get our back home” he said pausing to look at the knights who had died “burn them” he ordered before looking around, it didn’t take too much time to figure out where she had run, he followed her trail through the woods, foot prints, broken branches, scraps of cloth.<br><br>Theasar stopped at the top of the embankment looking down to the princess trapped in the briar patch a moment. It was a sad sight for sure, but he had the impression they were pressed for time. It seemed likely that the knight would return with reinforcements, and even if he had not seen the crest on the armor, a silver dragon on a field of red, he did not want to be out here much later than was needed.<br><br>“do you need some help?”<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Desperate Times (ItBrewer &amp; Caldawen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caldawen</strong> on <strong>29-08-2017, 00:31:41</strong>
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				A strong but gentle voice sounded behind her asking her if she needed assistance. Turning the heir saw a tall strong long-haired man before her. The dragon crest she did not recognize neither the field of red in which the dragon stood. As the figure loomed his muscular figure was indeed intimidating. Biting her bottom lip she was unsure how she should respond “What is your purpose behind giving me assistance?” Her query was the best reply she could dream up. The fact was she had no idea wither he was friend or foe or something in between.<br><br>The area they were in was well known for mercenaries and those types tended to view nobility as a means to acquire gains. Though, this man had a full set of armor and a strong bearing, he bore scars and a rough exterior. Blowing her brown hair out of her face she realized that her bun had fallen apart leaving it half up and half down. The whole mess was tangled with branches and briars. Taking note of her surroundings once more a loud clap of thunder soon sounded above her. The whole situation had made her oblivious of the changing weather. “When had the sky grown so dark?” She thought as rain began to fall down upon her. Within minutes the princess who had never been in a wild surrounding was soon deep in mud and soaked to the bone.<br><br>Elaine once again looked up to the strange man “Again, I ask you. What is your purpose for giving me assistance?” The falling drops began to cloud her vision as a cold breeze began to sweep through the forest. The mountain behind her provided the cold, rainy weather that now covered her. Sighing knowing she had no choice “Yes…Kind sir I need help. I do not know your intentions but if I stay here either that traitor will come and kill me or the natural elements will. I would be much obliged. However, before you do may I know the name of my rescuer?”<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Desperate Times (ItBrewer &amp; Caldawen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ITBrewer</strong> on <strong>05-09-2017, 18:00:22</strong>
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				He stood there at the top of the slope looking down to her as the rain began to fall in earnest, these storms he knew could blow up suddenly this time of year. He watched as the rain started with a few drops before suddenly shifting into a heavy downpour, to make matters less pleasant for her, the hollow she was in collected the water a bit, turning into a muddy mess to punctuate the theme of her day it seemed. Once it was clear she was going to allow him to help her he moved beginning to navigate down the slope. Digging his heels in to keep from falling down as she had “My name is Theasar Lazeris, I am the commander of dragon company.” <br><br>At last he reached where she had found herself tangled in brambles and branches offering her a hand up to help her stand “and to answer your previous question, in the short term it was because I do not care to watch soldiers murder unarmed people, and in the long term…” he gave a noncommittal shrug “that depends on what was supposed to be happening”<br><br>Moments later another of the soldier’s appeared at the top of the ridge “Sir? Everything alright?”<br><br>Theasar nodded “throw a rope down, we’ll use it to help climb back up” the man would salute and vanish, a short time later a coil of rope could be seen, flying down toward them, one end secured to something the line would uncoil and lay itself out to help with their ascent.<br><br>“Ladies first, that way if you slip you don’t end up back at the bottom,” he said with a smirk offering her the line<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Desperate Times (ItBrewer &amp; Caldawen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caldawen</strong> on <strong>05-09-2017, 23:35:54</strong>
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				Rolling her eyes Elaine began to climb the rope. The end of her dress was ripped from the brambles and their were holes all over her garment. Slipping due to the rain she lost her grip for a moment only to be stopped by a large, strong chest. Sighing she regained her grip and began to climb again only to slip and fall head first into the mud. The princess had lead a very sheltered life and had never really been out in nature such as this. Her father prepared her for the political sphere and little else. Rising she noticed blood dripping from her chin "I must have scratched it on a rock.." She thought as she reached for the rope trying to climb once again.<br><br>A loud clap of thunder roared right as she reached the top causing her to jump with fright and back onto Theasar "Im useless out here..." She thought as exhaustion began to overcome her "What type of queen am I...if I cant climb out of a hole."Soaked and covered with mud the princess tried again, this time making it to the top where she collapsed on the ground. <br><br>As her rescuer came up behind her she stammered "Thank...Than.. Thank you for helping me..." She said weakly. Her day had been unimaginable. It started with hope only to be dashed in an instant. She had run further than she had ever had in the past, and her heart still would not stop beating so fast. Elaine's whole body began to hurt and burn as the scratches became apparent to her. Some of them gouged her deeply causing immense pain . The last thing she remembers is looking up at her savior then black.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Desperate Times (ItBrewer &amp; Caldawen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ITBrewer</strong> on <strong>29-09-2017, 18:31:06</strong>
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				When Elaine returned to consciousness she would find she was warm, and dry, resting under heavy blankets.&nbsp; The light was dim, coming from a brazier in which a small pile of lit coals cast a little light, and heat in the room she was in. to that end there was canvas over her head, the sound of rain pattering on it told the tale of a continued downpour. She was in a tent, on a cot of some kind, her wounds had all been tended carefully, cleaned, those that needed bandages were covered, and she was dressed now in a plain white shift, the dress she had been wearing nowhere to be found.<br><br>She would have a few moments to wonder about being undressed when a woman entered the tent with a candle. The woman was tall, thin, though strong looking, she had hair cropped much sorter than one would expect for a woman and wore trousers and a tunic, though currently had an apron on as well. she carried a bowl with some sort of liquid in her other hand. she moved to the cot and knelt.<br><br>“good you are awake” she said quietly she set the bowl down and dipped a cloth into the water it held, wringing it out before brushing it across Elaine’s forehead “the commander will be pleased” she said quietly “how do you feel, hungry I’d imagine”&nbsp; she said “no fever so that is a blessing, I’ll go let the commander know you are up, and pester the cooks for a meal.<br><br>With that, the woman, a healer it seemed, stood and left the tent, leaving the candle. It was a short time later that the flap opened again, this time, however, Theasar entered the tent. He had changed out of the heavy armor he had been wearing before, and was dressed now more casually. <br><br>“I think you are going to survive,” he said with the hint of a smile he carried a tray, on which a bowl rested, steaming with something that filled the tent with the scents of stew, a small round loaf of bread could be seen, and a clay mug held something to drink. He carried the tray to a small camp table and set it down. “do you feel able to get up or do you need help?”<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Desperate Times (ItBrewer &amp; Caldawen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caldawen</strong> on <strong>08-10-2017, 22:37:07</strong>
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				Elaine was perplexed by the whole situation. Trying to remember what happen soon it came flooding back. The betrayal, slaughter, the strange rescue she had endured and some tall, strong man…” Sitting up she leaned forward clutching her head ash the healer kindly dabbed it for her. “I am hungry thank you..” She said to the oddly dressed woman. <br><br>The princesses head pounded as if she had hit the ground hard, only remembering that she did. The man from memory or almost a dream entered carrying a lovely smelling stew with a piece of warm bread. The rain could be heard tapping on the tent above her. His head was slightly wet but his small smile was oddly warm. “Thank you. I think I can manage.” A pair of shoes were unstrung at the foot of her bed. Inserting her feet she did not tie the leather laces as she slowly walked over to a wooden chair sitting down “Where are we…?” The future queen held her head and took up the spoon in her right hand. Blowing it she took a portion of the stew and placed it in her mouth. Not the best tasting she ever had but it was filling. The bread tasted good as well as the pain in her head slowly subsided.<br><br>Looking up at him, Elaine finished and leaned back against the back of the wooden chair. “At this point I assume that you know who I am. So lets not beat around the preverbal bush. If my memory serves me right Theasar Lazeris or King Theasar as some call you just claimed a region in the mountains as a new nation at the area that once served as the border between my homeland and Garenat. Taking territory from both kingdoms my father fought against you before his assassination and never recognized you as king. Though apparently, recently, the king of Garenat has recognized your claim in exchange for a military alliance against another kingdom. Luckily, not mine. Now, I find myself in need of your assistance. I need to be escorted to the king of Garenat in an attempt to garner support in reclaiming my obviously overthrown kingdom. Then I must go to a few others and do the same. If I am successful and regain my land I will not only recognize you as king but also have a full alliance with you. As well as exclusive first choice in trading rights.” Sighing she put a piece of her brown hair behind her ear.<br><br>“However, another option lies before you. You could ransom me for a large profit, be recognized and potentially slaughtered by those ruffians. Although…” She said rubbing her head once more “Death could come to you in almost every scenario. Continuing, they could recognize your rule and do exactly what I already promised you I would do. They may or may not betray you. How am I to know…” Looking at him she could tell he was amused by her banter “Or you could just kill me and get it over with, because as I see it I am a dead woman in pretty much every likely scenario…” Waiting for his response she yawned. “May I first thank you for saving me. I appreciate your rescue no matter what decision you make. However, again I must ask, Where am I?”<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Desperate Times (ItBrewer &amp; Caldawen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ITBrewer</strong> on <strong>19-10-2017, 21:49:42</strong>
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				The stew was the sort of thing fed to soldiers in the field all over this part of the world. A thick rich broth with chunks of meat, and vegetables, and spiced with a few herbs she might not know. It was hearty, warm, and full of flavor along with providing what the body needed at the end of a hard day of work when another was expected the next day. <br><br>Theasar sat and listened quietly to the princess, whom he knew well enough by her look, never mind her manner of speaking. That she admitted to it certainly smoothed things along for this first conversation. He studied her quietly.<br><br>“a small correction, which the king of Garenart wisely capitulated too when we became allies…the region known as the free lands, though claimed by both nations, was never truly part of them. No taxes were collected, ancient forts were long abandoned, both nations ignored the people living there, and their responsibilities…were they truly part of those realms” he said quietly, it was an old argument, one he had made in writing to her father.<br><br>“I was sorry to hear of your father,” he said quietly, making a study of not answering her questions “I respected him as a ruler, he took care of his people, and as a strategist, I suspect we would have gotten along well if fate had not cast us as opponents.” <br><br>He studied her a moment “right now…we are in my camp, about a day’s ride from where your people were ambushed” he said quietly “this camp’s exact location is a secret, because it is where my scouts work from, when you and I depart on our way to my capital, the camp will move.” He said looking toward her “where you are is safe, I give you my word that no action of mine or anyone swore to me will bring you harm.” He grew thoughtful a moment as he considered her stated plans.<br><br>“Those we met in the woods…I would not deal with” he said simply “ that they are willing to ambush those under a flag of truce in that way speaks volumes. I judge them a threat to my realm, as they would seek to take back what they see as lost, though it would cost them dearly.”<br><br>“Here is my suggestion princess…you and I will travel first to my capital, where you will be my guest. From there we will make a diplomatic trip to Garenart, as this problem in your homeland threatens that realm as well. there we will decide, as three rulers, how to best deal with your civil war.”<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Desperate Times (ItBrewer &amp; Caldawen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caldawen</strong> on <strong>14-12-2017, 23:20:32</strong>
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				Elaine listened to the strong man before her. He spoke ina an authoritarian manner but was gentle in his approach. Will much of what he said made sence then capitulation of the king of Garenart seem unlickly in any situation. When he finished she nodded “I will accompany you to the capital. However, because it seems you are providing me with information I shall do the same for you. To repay your kindness as well.” Leaning forward she looked him directly into his eyes.<br><br>“If you truly wish to help me with this cause you must be in full knowledge of the facts. Those that betrayed me will not stop until I am dead or in their position at the very least. By helping me you are declaring war on those who deem to take my kingdom from me. As you pointed out they are not so low as to kill the innocent and your people will be at risk. Further, unlike most rulers I do not mistreat those who declare their allegiance with me. However, if you seek to betray me, you better pray that I never regain power again for I will have you hunted down and tortured slowly before death. This is already a law in place that is meant to deal with traitors. Though, as of this moment I plan to revise it to be longer and more painful for those that slaughter the innocent. I may sound harsh or unfeeling in my words but I am giving you a sincere warning of whats to come if we alline our causes. Further..” She sighed and leaned back “If your words are accurate and the king of Garenart did capitulate then you should be on your guard… He is a cunning, vile man who s not to be trusted. I am unable to give you the details of my knowledge of this, due to promises made. However, if we are to be allies I shall not withhold information that will prove of value to you.” <br><br>She sighed finishing her statement. Standing with ease now she curtsied and then stood straight “I thank you and accept your kind offer to be your guest. I await you instructions and when we shall commence our journey.”<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Desperate Times (ItBrewer &amp; Caldawen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ITBrewer</strong> on <strong>18-12-2017, 01:48:44</strong>
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				After their conversation, it was explained that they would not be departing until the morning, as it was far too late in the day to make their next stop before nightfall. It was explained that her adventure through the woods and into the briar patch had damaged her clothes beyond usefulness and so the next person she met was the company quartermaster who provided clothes very much like the uniform Elaine had seen the other soldiers wearing, brown trousers, with a red tunic, additionally a chain shirt was provided along with a helmet. When asked it was explained that their goal was to have her not stand out till they were safely back to the capital.<br><br>They would depart from the camp early the next morning, traveling by horse through most of the day aside from a few short rests for meals. By the end of the day, they reached an ancient fort along the road which had obvious signs of recent repair and was already returned to a formidable structure. From there they joined up with another group moving further into his domain. The second day they crossed a pass and began descending from the mountains into the drier climate on the other side. As they traveled for days into weeks they passed through farmlands, small villages, towns, a small city, and at last with the road following a river that lazily cut its way through the desert the capital came into view, farmland surrounded the city the walls were built of the same deep red stone they had seen jutting up out of the landscape as they traveled. <br><br>The city was large, larger certainly than most that did not travel into these lands assumed would be found.&nbsp; They traveled through the city along a winding yet wide road that eventually led to a second wall and gate, passing through that it became clear they were approaching a red stone keep, somewhere between a castle and a palace, they were admitted into the inner courtyard and from there Theasar drew Elaine aside explaining that she would be taken to a guest room to change and refresh, explaining that clothing would be provided, though it would likely not be as fine as she was accustomed too. From there he departed, with the promise to meet with her after for a meal, to discuss their next steps.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Desperate Times (ItBrewer &amp; Caldawen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caldawen</strong> on <strong>07-02-2018, 23:19:40</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Elaine was grateful for the Theasar’s detail in procuring her clothing that would permit her invisible to the wandering eye as she would be determined to be one of the many soldiers that the dragon commander had. Unfortunately, that also made her a target for arrows and varying other lethal instruments should the company come under enemy threat. The turbulent atmosphere of her up bring made her keenly aware of varying scenarios and prospects; each side of the coin. While most would view her attitude and frankness as abhorrent and unbefitting a lady of her station, she found it a necessity as well as a defense mechanism. Her words are blunt and logical void of any real other emotion then the one she is intending to portraying. What she did not say, however, spoke volumes. The princess/queen was one of internal contemplation and was not one to voice her inner most thoughts to others. Past experiences provided ample reasoning as to why masking ones true feelings was appropriate, given her station.<br><br>The brown trousers given were two sizes too large, the tunic and the chainmail as well engulfed her entire body. The helmet was obtained from a soldier with a smaller head and was the only descent fitting piece of equipment she was offered. The horse she was given was a standard brown mare with a male saddle. It was obvious from the whispers of the other soldiers they expected her to complain and yell about the cloths, saddle, route and everything else royals normally complain about. Elaine decided to disappoint them and rode the horse with ease and the only words that escaped her lips were those of gratitude to those that had helped her. <br><br>The first few days of travel seemed to depict exactly what geography the ‘kingdom’ obtained. From woodlands to farmlands to mountains the kingdoms natural splendor was breathtaking. Her face did not show her delight as she had to pretend that she had seen it all her life. With her hair in a tight bun, to hide her femanity as well as her bounded breasts she was determined to look like a regular soldier. As the days turned to weeks the landscaped changed until they reached a large city wall with deep red stone. <br><br>Elaine had heard of the red stoned city of these lands. It was said that the stones color was because of the heretics ritual blood sacrifices that were used to make their city impenetrable. Another version was that a dragon breathed fire to make the stone red. These were all tales that circulated through the nations since before her conception. The second wall was just as massive and the winding road was narrow in places while wide in others. It was clear the this was an old city steeped in tradition. The keep was massive and was guarded by at least two platoons of soldiers. As they reached the inner court yard she sighed in relief happy to have finally reached their destination.<br><br>Dismounting from the long journey she staggered for a moment as her legs felt like weights.&nbsp; The leader then pulled her aside and explained what was to occure next. Nodding she followed a servant to the guest quarters where she was stunned to find two gaurds already stationed at her door. Entering a small bason of water was perched on a table with a cloth. The male servant left the room and soon a female servant entered with clothing. Removing her clothing she stood bare and wiped off the dirt and grime from her journey. The woman helped her into female undergarments and tightened a basic corset around her waist. The princess almost expected trousers to be presented to her but instead a deep red colored dress with a black styled over coat was provided along with brown boots in her size. Not pleased with the overcoat she asked the servant to bring her sheers as well as a needle and tread. Confused the servant did as she was instructed and Elaine went about to improving the garment to her tastes. Cutting the bottom she made a reversed V-neck that went to her waist making the coat easier to navigate in. Then she cut the long sleeves in half to where the reacher her elbows. Sewing the ends with the red thread she was provides she made an entirely new look with just a few clips. Now her long red sleeves protruded out the top of the coat and she made a small belt out of the remaining material to tighten it to her waist; making it more form fitting.<br><br>A small meal of meat, bread, soup, and fruit was sent to her chambers as well as a draft of deep red wine. Eating and drinking till she was contented she then exited her chambers and looked to the gaurds on either side of her. “Take me to Theasar at once he we have pertinent matters to discuss.” They bowed and proceeded to lead the way. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Desperate Times (ItBrewer &amp; Caldawen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ITBrewer</strong> on <strong>03-05-2018, 20:52:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Theasar, for his part, had used his time since arriving at the keep in much the same way, he had cleaned up, shaved the few days’ worths of beard from his face, and changed into more suitable clothing. When she reached him, gone was the armor, in favor of more comfortable clothing, though it still had the air of a uniform more than the sort of regal clothing one expected to see on the leader of a city. They were meeting in what appeared to be a library of sorts,&nbsp; three walls were lined with bookshelves, or racks containing maps, the fourth opened up onto a small garden, the doors were opened wide to allow in the cooling evening air<br><br>“Ahh, princess….I hope you are feeling refreshed” he said indicating a table in the center of the room. It had been largely cleared,&nbsp; a small meal having been set out for them in place of what was likely normally on the table. Theasar moved over and pulled a stopper from a decanter of wine and filled two glasses before placing one in front of a chair “join me…” he invited, waiting for her to be seated before settling himself as well.<br><br>“You managed the travel well,” he said lifting his glass in salute “I’ve seen many people who considered themselves quite hardy falter under those conditions.” He said with a smile “We have baths here fed by hot springs, ask your maid and they can show you where, I suggest you use them this evening, you will be sore in the morning.”<br><br>He sighed looking at the food that was being set before them, he was filling the time with small talk, waiting till the servants departed fully before getting to the heart of the matter. “So...you have a civil war on your hands,” he said quietly “As the heir your claim is obvious, those who would supplant you will want to get their hands on you, either to force a surrender or a marriage to legitimize their claim.”<br><br>He studied her a moment “So what are you going to do?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Desperate Times (ItBrewer &amp; Caldawen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caldawen</strong> on <strong>03-05-2018, 22:04:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The doors to what seemed to be a study of sort opened before her to reveal a clean, clean-shaven Theasar smiling at her. The princess entered the room and the doors closed behind her. Walking towards the center of the room she took the glass of wine he offered her. With a nod she sat down in the chair opposite him as he spoke to her. Taking a small sip of the wine her tired gaze drifted towards the cool breeze and open window. Closing her eyes she happily breathed in the mountain air. The area he chose was gorgeous and the climate was ideal. However, she knew that she had little time to enjoy herself. Looking back at him she nodded once more “I will look into the hot springs, I thank you. However, at this point I think neither one of us is much for small talk, as I am sure you would agree.” When he asked what she was going to do she paused. In truth she had only a vague idea of what she was going to do.<br><br>Setting down her glass on the table she looked him directly in the eyes. “Currently, I plan to go to neighboring nations and garner support. As for surrender or forced marriage I have no intention of falling to their hands. My main concern right now is for my people. I dread that they may be suffering because of this war. Therefore, I must ask a favor from you? Will you lend me some men to escort me to the neighboring nations to strengthen my alliances with them and obtain their armies as support? Further, if I may be so bold as to ask, would you support me in regaining my country? We could have a formal alliance drafted immediately. Though, I am sure you have terms if you accept my pleas. I would expect nothing less. Therefore, I must ask what do you think of my plan and will you aid me?” Crossing her fingers in front of her she leaned back awaiting his response. <br>
			</dd>
		</dl>
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