For The Crown ~ Castle Oasis Nydewia
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				Title: <strong>For The Crown ~ Castle Oasis Nydewia</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LimitlessNikkie</strong> on <strong>25-09-2011, 12:10:57</strong>
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				<div align="center">(http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs45/i/2011/050/b/9/desert_palace_by_cassiopeiaart-d2175qb.jpg)</div><br>Standing like a beacon to travelers far and wide Castle Oasis was the first castle erected in the middle of the only settlement in the Nydewia empire a century ago, now it is one of three pearls of the desert that mark the shifting sands of the culture of Nydewia. It is an open air design that lets in the near constant breeze that comes in off the large oasis that has given life to the Nydewia empire since it's birth in a time to far gone to remember. Though usually only housing a single person of noble blood it stands a symbol to all not to underestimate the desert nomads who are in fact capable of great things.
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				Title: <strong>Re: For The Crown ~ Castle Oasis Nydewia</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rhaegar14</strong> on <strong>25-09-2011, 12:34:46</strong>
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				The Castle Oasis was the center of their power, a standalone constant in the seas of sand. It stood for all that the Nydewians had to become, steps toward their future and civilization. How he loathed it.<br><br>King Haidar of the Rampage, the first of his name, sat in the throne in the castle's audience chamber as he held court. The chamber was walled with yellow stone, many tattered banners taken from raids lining the walls. Leading to the platform in the rear where the throne stood was a rich violet carpet that stretched to the entryway, lined on each side with columns fashioned into the heroes and King's of old. Behind the ivory throne stood Haidar's own statue, trident raised as his horse reared. The enormous man had already heard a half-hundred minor issues from a half-hundred peasants, but still it would go on, and though he hated these duties, he saw to them to the best of his ability.<br><br>As always, he was dressed in battle regalia; ringmail-and-leather armor that showed the tattoos on his arms, with his trademark black falchion slung over his shoulder and a dagger and handle belted on his hips. The King had forced himself to remain in the castle for weeks, biting back his desire to ride the dunes and raid into Aserit. Haidar had to wait. Theiri would be desperate soon, and he needed to be at the castle to receive their messenger.<br><br>So the horselord bided his time and passed his judgments on the trivial tribulations of lesser men.
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				Title: <strong>Re: For The Crown ~ Castle Oasis Nydewia</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MarissaSeraphOfInsanity</strong> on <strong>25-09-2011, 13:12:38</strong>
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				<div align="center"><strong>Olivia Wilde</strong></div><br><div align="center">(http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lq5q7nhyEq1r069m6o1_r1_500.jpg)</div><br>Olivia sat in front of the mirror inside her bedchamber, running a brush through her flowing, silky locks. Letting out a gentle sigh, she flicked her wrist downwards in an elegant, practised movement to make her hair perfectly straight. Soon she’d have to leave to attend the court of her lord, King Haidar of the Rampage and she wanted to look absolutely perfect before stepping outside the sheltered cloister of her private chamber. Her room within the confines of Castle Oasis was like her own private sanctuary, a bastion of civility and order within a land of savages. Her bed was draped in the finest silks while scattered across the room were bookcases of rich imported pine, filled to bursting point with tomes, scrolls and treatises. Normally she hated leaving these confines for anything but lately she couldn’t control her excitement, with the possibility that she may finally be able to travel to Theiri like she always wanted. <br><br>Slowly a knock sounded at the door and an attendant poked his head inside. “My lady,” he asked rather impatiently. “The King is waiting for you.” Letting out a weary sigh, Olivia continued running her brush through her hair. “A person of greatness never hurries,” she replied calmly, quoting one of her favourite authors. “A person of greatness causes others to hurry.” The attendant stood there for a moment, fidgeting nervously. “My lady,” he added finally. “The King is getting impatient.” <br><br>Gently resting her brush upon the table, Olivia turned her head and smiled at the attendant warmly. After all, he was only doing his job and it would be him that would have to keep running back and forth between the furious king and her if she kept him waiting much longer. “Very well. Tell him I’ll be there soon,” she replied coolly. King Haidar had been very irritable lately, confined within the walls of the castle and he was beginning to fray at the edges a little as a result. It was she who had subtly suggested that the King slowly begin to turn down his raids, as a precursor to opening up negotiations with the other realms in the first place and she was confident that he understood the necessity of that. Still he was a restless spirit, one who couldn’t stay in one place for too long.<br><br>Fetching a few scrolls and stuffing them into her satchel, Olivia got to her feet and opened the door, stepping out in the hallway. It was only a short walk towards the throne room, as Haidar liked to keep her close at hand when tending to matters of state. Striding confidently into the spacious chamber she stopped short of the throne and bowed politely, looking up at the visibly irritated older man. “You summoned me, my lord.”<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: For The Crown ~ Castle Oasis Nydewia</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rhaegar14</strong> on <strong>26-09-2011, 09:25:48</strong>
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				Haidar's imposing, nearly seven-foot build was not diminished in the least by his seated position. He let out a deep, exasperated sigh, running a hand through his dark, unkempt hair and trying to refocus himself. The two women were already at their wordless battle, <em>again.</em> He loathed that too. Straightening himself in his chair, he passed judgment on the last suit, then rose to his feet, raising his hands to gather the attention of the gathered courtiers. "Court is adjourned," the king announced, his deep voice carrying easily across the hall. He, for the moment, resumed his seat as his nobles, warriors, attendants, and applicants filed out the great pair of double doors that stood opposite from his platform.<br><br>Next, he turned to Isliea. "Sister, I have heard far too many grievances about bandits killing livestock and stealing property today. Gather some of our warriors. Do not return without heads," he instructed sternly. Without a word, or even a gesture, she was dismissed. When Haidar gave one of his siblings an order, he expected it to be carried out immediately if at all realistically possible. His dark eyes burned with envy. He wanted to strap on his weapons, mount his great black horse, and ride the sands to hunt down and behead a few cowardly thieves. He would have gladly taken her place.<br><br>But it could not be. His place was there. On that damnable throne, talking of politics with that so atypical Nydewian noble, Olivia. His gaze turned to her next. "Remind me why I must sit here and wait when I could be spilling good blood," he growled in frustration, well aware of the reasons but needing to hear them spoken again to temporarily quell his growing displeasure.
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				Title: <strong>Re: For The Crown ~ Castle Oasis Nydewia</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedEve</strong> on <strong>26-09-2011, 09:47:52</strong>
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				<strong>P'Tulla</strong><br><div class="floatleft">(http://i55.tinypic.com/2yn2tsx.jpg)</div>P’Tulla was beyond bored. One after the other, the peasants had thrown themselves in front of their King and told their stories of famine, sand-wolf attacks, marauding bands of bandits, poisoned wells, … The time her King had to devote to the rabble was something she did not envy him for. She stood at the far end of the podium upon which the throne was standing. Whenever the King held audience, she stood there, ready to pounce at the first idiot who would dare to harm her King. Not that anything ever happened. Ignis hung sheathed and idle on her belt. One hand was resting on her hip, the other was occupied with the apple she was eating. <br><br>She blew out air as both the King’s sister as his exotic councilwoman came into the throne room. The atmosphere instantly got a lot more chilly. It was no surprise, the relationship between the two of them was deeply frosted on the best of days. And it didn’t look like either of them was having a good day. Thankfully the King ended the audience session before the two women could get into their petty arguments. She frowned when the King sent his sister away to lead a raid on the marauding bandits. <br>How she would have loved to join the party herself, but her liege had made his decision. <br><br>In an instant, noblemen and peasants alike had streamed out of the throne room. Only the King, Olivia and herself were left. She smiled when the King inquired as to the purpose of his boring tasks. She found it hard to disagree with him. A true King should not occupy himself with the petty troubles that worried his peasant populace. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: For The Crown ~ Castle Oasis Nydewia</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MarissaSeraphOfInsanity</strong> on <strong>26-09-2011, 09:56:59</strong>
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				<div align="center"><strong>Olivia Wilde</strong></div><br>Olivia's icy blue eyes darted over towards the departing Isliea's back, as she mentally pictured invisible daggers plunging themselves into her sweaty, tanned hide. Did she seriously just <em>spit</em>? Here in court, before the presence of the King himself? There was once a time when her stomach churned at the sheer barbarity and degeneracy of the King's sister but here in Nydewia there were no civilised rules and armed, scantily clad tramps could walk into court and call themselves nobles. She was careful to only glare while her head was bowed so that the Haidar couldn't see. After all, it simply wouldn't do to reveal any sign of distaste with the proud Nydewian's family or his kingdom.<br><br>Slowly rising back up again, Olivia straightened her posture, gaining a more regal and imperious bearing. Her lips curled up into a smile as sweet as rich honey and her eyelashes battered in the charming manner she knew always caught Haidar offguard. "My lord, you are doing so well," she said, her voice soft and comforting. "A man of your station should not be bothered with such trivial matters as these." She had learned long ago that the King liked to be complimented for attending to the boring and menial tasks he was forced to attend to, and with him feeling so trapped and irritable it was always make him feel invaluable. <br><br>She flashed him a warm, sweet smile, her eyes lighting up with a look of respect and adoration as she continued to speak. "I promise you that you won't have to endure much of this," she said, her voice as rich and gentle as fine silk. "The Kingdoms of Theiri and Aserit are vastly different and I'm sure that that much has already become abundantly clear to them during these negotiations. With the prospect of peace diminishing, I assure you that it is only a matter of time before Theiri opens an invitation to us, in order to ensure that they have some leverage over Aserit."<br><br>Her glance flickered over towards the fair-skinned woman at the King's side, P'Tulla. "After all," she added with a respectful nod. "Our warriors have often left the dogs of Aserit quivering in their boots." Although she and P'Tulla hardly ever spoke and had little in common she had to admit she kind of liked the quiet, imposing woman. Being a foreigner herself, she felt a kind of connection to the woman, and most importantly she wasn't as loud and obnoxious as most of the "nobles" that made up the Nydewian court. Except for when she drank of course. <br><br>Olivia turned her gaze back to the King, her voice making that soft, gentle cooing that she found always cooled down the King's rage. "I expect an envoy from Theiri will arrive her very, very soon."
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				Title: <strong>Re: For The Crown ~ Castle Oasis Nydewia</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rhaegar14</strong> on <strong>26-09-2011, 11:21:36</strong>
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				Haidar was no fool. A bit crude, perhaps, but not a fool. He recognized Olivia's games. Still, he accepted them, because regardless of whether or not they were tempered by his awareness, they did have the desired effect, and he calmed a bit. "It is these trivial matters that make me king," he replied, his deep voice softening, "I just wish they would hurry up." But it was not entirely Theiri that Haidar was concerned with. He saw a larger picture. He saw a bidding war. While the Aserits did not fear the desert horsemen, they had learned long ago not to underestimate them, either. If Theiri drew Nydewia into an alliance, Aserit's conquest, even if successful, would be long and bloody.<br><br>The king blew out another exasperated sigh. "I'm simply bored. I haven't killed anyone in <em>weeks</em>," he bemoaned in a rare moment of vulnerability, as if such a thing was worse than death. Only the two women with him now ever saw him like this; P'Tulla because he had gotten used to ignoring her in most situations. There was a saying Olivia told him: "Who hears all and hears nothing? A King's bodyguard." Olivia saw him vulnerable because she had stubbornly weaseled her way into his confidence. The desert king knew, in the back of his mind, that he might come to regret letting her do so some day, but for the most part he paid it no heed.<br><br>He stood, stretching his thick muscles. "Come," he said to the both of them as long strides carried him down the steps and to a corridor off to the side of the audience hall, leading to a staircase and, eventually, his quarters at the top floor of the castle.
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				Title: <strong>Re: For The Crown ~ Castle Oasis Nydewia</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedEve</strong> on <strong>26-09-2011, 11:39:58</strong>
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				<strong>P'Tulla</strong><br><div class="floatleft">(http://i55.tinypic.com/2yn2tsx.jpg)</div>P’Tulla followed the King through the corridors she had grown up in. It had been a shock to the young P’Tulla after she had first arrived. It had been nothing like the mud-and-wood huts she had grown up in back in Draegis. Still, she had grown accustomed to the building as well of the people, learning the language pretty quickly – even though she scarcely spoke - and had found her place amongst the king’s large entourage. She owed her current position mostly to her skill with a sword. From the age of 16, she was a better warrior than any of the boys she trained alongside. By the time she turned 18, only a handful of the King’s guard could give her a real match in the training arena. Eventually she had bested them all, and was given the honor to become the King’s bodyguard and First Sword. <br><br>With each victory, she and Ignis honored their King as well as her heritage in Draegis. Her mind lingered briefly at thoughts of her youth. Eventually they arrived at the King’s quarters, high up in the palace. As the King’s personal guard, she had been up there many times before, as had Olivia. P’Tulla lingered by the entrance, half standing guard and half following what was to be said between the King and Olivia. <br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: For The Crown ~ Castle Oasis Nydewia</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MarissaSeraphOfInsanity</strong> on <strong>26-09-2011, 11:53:27</strong>
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				<div align="center"><strong>Olivia Wilde</strong></div><br>Olivia smiled sweetly at P'Tulla as she walked past and stepped into the King's chamber. The statuesque woman was ever vigilant and would keep an eye out for any eavesdroppers, although she was well aware that P'Tulla would probably be keeping her own ears open as well. Not that it mattered since she wasn't the type to tell anyone what she heard but Olivia was always the cautious type. <br><br>Although she had been there many times before, Olivia always become quiet and uncomfortable in the King's bedchamber. It was a very quiet, intimate setting to have such frank discussions and it always felt innappropriate for someone of her standing to enter a royal bedchamber. And of course there was the fact that a small few, such as Isliea, were uncomfortable with the amount of influence she held over the King. Only the fact that everyone knew she was still pure and untouched by anyone, as well as the fact that she had no desire for any of the brawny Nydewians cretins, kept her reputation intact whenever she came to such a place.<br><br>Still, this was a private and comfortable place for the King, a sanctuary not unlike her own room, so she always understood why he brought her here. Smiling patiently she waiting for Haidar to speak. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: For The Crown ~ Castle Oasis Nydewia</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rhaegar14</strong> on <strong>26-09-2011, 12:24:31</strong>
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				The King's ancestral chambers occupied the entirety of the castle's top level. Oddly in conflict with the Nydewian culture, the vast room was a study in luxury. The floor was a polished white marble, covered in thick carpets and soft pelts of all sizes, varieties, and colors. In the center was a circular pool of black marble, fed with cool waters from the Oasis by a pump. Directly across from the staircase, at the opposite end of the chamber, was a four-poster bed large enough to sleep at least four comfortably. Off to it's side was a large fireplace for the cold desert nights, supplied with wood, so rare in the deserts. An iron-bound, oaken door closed off the interior from a balcony overlooking the water. The walls were lined with hundreds of trophies: animal heads, famed weapons and armor, items taken in battle by the kings of old. White, silken curtains hung everywhere, diminishing the sense of vast emptiness.<br><br>Haidar strode into the room and took a seat at a large, softly-cushioned chair, positioned at an ebony table with four others, and motioned for Olivia to have a seat. "Tell me of the Theirins," he instructed. The king was always asking her about the other kingdoms that he knew Nydewia needed to emulate. He sat straight in the chair, fingers dilated on the arms, giving her his full attention.
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				Title: <strong>Re: For The Crown ~ Castle Oasis Nydewia</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MarissaSeraphOfInsanity</strong> on <strong>26-09-2011, 13:29:29</strong>
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				<div align="center"><strong>Olivia Wilde</strong></div><br>Olivia's face suddenly lit up as she was told to recount her great knowledge of the Kingdom of Theiri. Eagerly seating herself in a plush, comfortable chair, she crossed her legs and smiled. The chair was incredibly soft and she sank into it slightly, making it difficult to keep her posture straight and elegant although naturally she managed anyway. She remembered the first time she'd been invited in here. She was incredibly nervous when she first stepped in but that feeling was almost completely replaced with shock at what she saw. She had been expecting the room to be rather spartan and bare but it was actually quite luxurious, even meeting her own lofty standards about what a royal bedchamber should look like. <br><br>She didn't know where to begin and she knew some of the details might even bore him so she decided to be conscise and straight to the point. First the basic history. "The people of Theiri started off as a bunch of scattered tribes in the forest before a plague struck, decimating the population. Resources became incredibly scarce and they succumbed to infighting." She paused, knowing that the next part would contain details that he'd find enjoyable. "During this time the warrior tradition of Theiri emerged, with lightning raids over resources giving birth to a unique fighting style; fluid, graceful and above all else deadly. The warriors of Theiri have a speed that can catch even the strongest offguard and are masters of unarmed combat." She smiled warmly as she saw his eyes light up, before carrying on with a wry smile. "In the end though it was diplomacy and not the sword that united them. A young tribesman used cunning to bring the tribes together and ever since education and higher learning, particularly in diplomacy has been a requirement of all Theiri rulers. Their culture revolves around it and now the people of Theiri are famed for their science and medicine, as well as the arts although their warrior ways still remain." She made sure to add that last part, lest Haidar consider them too soft and unworthy of an alliance. <br><br>She took a slight pause before continuing, this time about more modern politics which she'd made very sure to study weeks before she started hinting to the King that an alliance would be beneficial. "In time you'll meet their king, Garawin Theiri, a wise sage king. I've read some of his works on philosophy. He's a skilled politician and master diplomat so it would pay to keep me close in all your dealings with him," she said, speaking frankly but ensuring her tone conveyed all the proper respect. "There is also his queen, Lyssa. She's a skilled diplomat although I doubt you'll have much need to contact her." She paused hesitantly before adding "Rumour has it she's a skilled behind the scenes manipulator. I'll make sure to keep an eye on her lest she decide to plot against you." <br><br>Taking a breath she looked up to see whether or not Haidar was paying interest. His gaze was contemplative and he gestured for her to go on so she continued. "The heir, Gerrard, would be more to your liking. He is a skilled martial artist and rumour has it he enjoys the more.... sensual offerings of the Theiri culture. He shouldn't be much of a threat and you and him should get along well. The other heir, a princess named Julietta, should be of little concern either." She paused for a moment before adding "The girl is illegitimate and only gained acknowledgement for her dedicated military service." Already intricate ideas were forming in her head and she mysteriously added "She may be useful to me."<br><br>Olivia pondered for a moment. "Hmm, the Duke and Duchess are children.... Ah! You'll also want to know the First Sword, a warrior by the name of Lorenso Florencia. I hear his tactics are unconventional and always had Aserit on their toes and his graceful fighting style is something to behold. I'm sure you'd enjoy his company." Smiling wryly as she recalled rumours of his love for younger woman she added "And I imagine that he may come to enjoy mine."<br><br>Gazing back up to meet the King's gaze she smiled. She loved getting the opportunity to show off her considerable knowledge, although lost in the moment she let slip hints of some of the schemes already brewing inside her head. "Is that all, my lord?" 
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				Title: <strong>Re: For The Crown ~ Castle Oasis Nydewia</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rhaegar14</strong> on <strong>27-09-2011, 09:07:22</strong>
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				Haidar put his fingertips together before his bearded face, lost in thought. He let her perfectly respectful arrogance slide; frankly, with the differences between himself and Garawin, she was probably right. He pulled the dagger from his belt; it had been a gift from P'Tulla years ago, the hilt carved from a fang taken from one of the dragon skulls her tribe held so sacred. The handle was wrapped in soft, braided leather, and the blade was finely edged, finely balanced, castle-forged steel. He began to toss it up and down, catching it by the point between two fingers each time it came to him. Then the king held the weapon still for a moment, looking at his reflection in the finely polished metal.<br><br>Did he really want this? To deal with fucking <em>philosophers</em>? Would he really get anything for his kingdom other than a few bloodless weeks of borderline rioting? The eyes staring back at him out of the gleaming steel judged. This wasn't who he was. He was a warrior. He should have been claiming Aserit heads, using their escalating war with Theiri to force their soldiers to spread thin and, for the first time in decades, gain a solid foothold in their territory. But then, if the negotiations with Theiri went well, he would still be able to do just that. AND extract a reward from Theiri. The price he hoped for? A bride. Preferably one with a legitimate claim to lands that could then be annexed into Nydewia.<br><br>But none of it mattered right now. What mattered right now was that he was sitting bored in his chambers, and none of his weapons had tasted blood for a fortnight. He needed something to entertain himself. He would have to tell P'Tulla to send for one of the serving girls later. Being the king did have some benefits, though he admitted them begrudgingly.<br><br>Haidar rose wordlessly, unbuckling his belt and tossing it to the floor. He slung his sword over his shoulder, dropping it momentarily as well. His cuirass and bracers came off next before he retrieved his falchion, taking a few more strides then sitting down in front of the crystal clear waters of the pool. His boots and breeches were the last to go, leaving him stark naked with his blade off to the side of the pool, in easy reach. He slipped into the water with a satisfied sigh. Olivia was used to his silences, particularly when he was thinking. Outside battle, Haidar was a man of few words.
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				Title: <strong>Re: For The Crown ~ Castle Oasis Nydewia</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MarissaSeraphOfInsanity</strong> on <strong>27-09-2011, 10:50:55</strong>
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				<div align="center"><strong>Olivia Wilde</strong></div><br>Olivia respectfully averted her gaze as the King got undressed and lowered himself into the water. She was used to his silences and could always hear what was left unsaid. She had tried to emphasise some of the warrior-like aspects of Theirian culture, such as their unique and deadly fighting style as well as their skills in the martial arts. However there was simply no escaping the fact that the people of Theiri were far more like her than him; a fact which excited her more than she would ever dare admit. She wanted to travel out of this swelteringly hot nightmare of a kingdom, filled with warriors and cretins, and go to the cool, temperate land with its love of more worthwhile pursuits. With the King’s gaze away from her, she allowed herself to break her composure for just the slightest second. She slowly sank a single, pearly white tooth into her full, gentle lips; a tiny quirk that showed itself when she was upset, and her eyes began to soften. Then all of a sudden it was gone, buried beneath the cold, emotionless mask she always wore. <br><br>She was deeply lonely here in Nydewia. And she could tell by the King’s mood that he was too. The excitement, the adventure on the open desert plains, was all his way of coping just as opening up a book and throwing herself into a non-existent world of polite gentleman, chivalry and civility was hers. She didn’t know what she wanted to do with her life. With a shining bright mind and a keen intellect she could and did manipulate the court to suit her own ends, although she didn’t really have any goals or aspirations beyond ensuring her own comforts. So much potential, wasted amongst such a wasteland.<br><br>She had high hopes for the peace talks with Theiri, although she knew that she wouldn’t be able to stay there. An alliance would most likely have to be cemented by a marriage, and that meant a portion of Theirian territory might potentially be annexed in the future. Haidar would wish to remain here in Nydewia so if she played her cards right, as she always did, she might be declared a Duchess of the Theirian holdings and be sent their in the King’s stead to administer the area in his stead. Yes, she decided with some finality. She would do everything in her power to ensure that an alliance was made with Theiri even if she had to go as far as faking an Aserit assassination attempt on the King’s life. She’d make sure of that.<br><br>Standing up gracefully she bowed. “I humbly take my leave, my King.” Turning and striding briskly out the door, she turned to look at P’Tulla. “His Majesty requires servant girls to attend to his hygiene,” she said officiously, her tone betraying no hint of what they were obviously required for. “Kindly send for them at once.” Returning to her room, she locked the door and pulled out several pieces of parchment and dipped her quill in some ink. She had much work to attend to before negotiations began, if she was going to ensure their success.
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				Title: <strong>Re: For The Crown ~ Castle Oasis Nydewia</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedEve</strong> on <strong>27-09-2011, 11:04:45</strong>
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				<strong>P'Tulla</strong><br><div class="floatleft">(http://i55.tinypic.com/2yn2tsx.jpg)</div>P’Tulla recognized the King’s current mood well. It was a mood he had carried often in recent weeks. The strain of being stuck within his castle walls obviously got to him. So she wasn’t in the least bit surprised when he got up from the table and started undoing his armor and then the rest of his garments, only to descended his naked form into the pool of water. She knew what he would require next long before Olivia suggested her fetching a couple of servant girls. She nodded in compliance as Olivia left the room. <strong>“I will see to it at once, my Lady.” </strong><br><br>She quietly slipped out of the royal chambers and descended the large staircase until she reached the main building. After year’s in her King’s servitude, there was little she did not know about him, including his tastes in maidens. He loathed sharing his bed with the same servants too often, which was why there was always a supply of new young peasant girls – all of them attractive – working in the palace. She had noticed that her King’s eyes had lingered on a fair blonde-haired girl who had joined the ranks of the food servers recently. She was fairly sure she had not yet shared the royal bedstead, so she went to fetch her in the royal kitchens. She addressed Valeria, the plump and ageless old cook, who ruled her kitchen like the King ruled his realm. She described the girl she was looking for and then the old woman snapped at a nearby boy. <strong>“<em>Hadron</em>. Go and fetch Daena, the King requires her assistance.” <br></strong><br><br>A few moments later, the blonde appeared, wide-eyed and confused. P'Tulla grabbed the girl by the wrist and lead her up the stairs. On her way over there, she ordered a raven-haired servant girl who was scrubbing the floor to follow them as well, the King might enjoy an extra maiden considering his mood. She stopped at the King’s chambers and addressed the girls. <strong>“Now, on the off chance things aren’t clear, you are to go in there and serve the King in any way he desires. Leave him unsatisfied and there will be a prize to pay… and not just to me.” </strong>She let the threat hang in the air and then opened the door again, leading the girls into the palatial bedroom.<strong> “My lord, I have brought servants to help with your cleansing…” </strong>She bowed her head in respect and then nudged the servant girls towards the pool. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: For The Crown ~ Castle Oasis Nydewia</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rhaegar14</strong> on <strong>29-09-2011, 03:18:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Two hours later, the serving girls came walking out of the king's chamber. Judging by the torn clothing, hickies, and bite-marks, Haidar had not been gentle in his lovemaking. Afterwards, he reclined in the pool, quaffing fermented goat's milk from a horn. He was not drunk, but he was certainly riding a pleasant buzz. Still, it was getting late. The big man hungered. He downed the rest of the alcohol, then climbed out of the pool, drying himself with one of the many soft towels piled next to it and putting his clothes back on. His hair and beard were still damp as he slipped out into the hallway.<br><br>"P'Tulla," he said, speaking as a master to his servant, "see to it that I am brought some food, then come and speak with me. I will be bored again soon." He did not feel like continuing his conversation with Olivia; he wished to talk of battle, warfare, and good killing. Maybe he could talk his First Sword into a sparring match in the courtyard.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: For The Crown ~ Castle Oasis Nydewia</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedEve</strong> on <strong>29-09-2011, 08:51:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>P'Tulla</strong><br><div class="floatleft">(http://i55.tinypic.com/2yn2tsx.jpg)</div><div class="floatright">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/9/9e/P%27Tulla_Dragon_banner.jpg)</div>P’Tulla hadn’t been surprised when he saw the state the two servantgirls were in when they left the King’s chambers. If anything, they looked better than many of their peers he had seen leave that door. The dark-haired one kept a straight face, but the blonde started sobbing the moment she was out of P’Tulla’s sight. A moment later, her King opened the door and ordered her to fetch him some food. She nodded and answered with a bellowed.<strong> “Yes my Grace.”</strong> She made her way back to the large royal kitchens and ordered the fat head cook to prepare her king a meal. <br><br>She returned with several silver plates filled with meats, fruit, rice as well as carafs of sweet wine and fermented milk. The feast was set down on the tables inside the King’s quarters. The servants left again, leaving P’Tulla alone with her king. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: For The Crown ~ Castle Oasis Nydewia</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rhaegar14</strong> on <strong>29-09-2011, 11:45:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"How do you fare?" Haidar asked, sitting down at the table. He pulled a leg off a chicken, bringing it to his mouth and tearing the meat off in almost a single bite. The poultry was moist and savory, the skin crisp and tasting of salt as he chewed. He grabbed up a peeled horned melon, taking a bite out of the tangy, sour melon. Still, the ravenous king paused for a moment. "Help yourself if you wish," he said calmly after a titanic swallow.<br><br>He looked her up and down, evaluating his First Sword as he so often evaluated all of his subordinates. The woman was lithe, toned, and graceful; she was a warrior first. He had always admired that about her. But there was also a beauty about her fiery hair and emerald eyes that, like so many other Nydewians, he found exotic. Still, he harbored no thoughts of bedding her. The king did not want to so complicate with the woman he entrusted his life to.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: For The Crown ~ Castle Oasis Nydewia</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedEve</strong> on <strong>29-09-2011, 13:19:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>P'Tulla</strong><br><div class="floatleft">(http://i55.tinypic.com/2yn2tsx.jpg)</div><div class="floatright">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/9/9e/P%27Tulla_Dragon_banner.jpg)</div>P’Tulla hesitated briefly and then joined the king at his table, helping herself to some turkey vulture meat. She was chewing on the flesh as she considered his earlier question. How was she? She had nothing to want, other than the fact that lately life at the castle had been most boring in her mind.<br><strong>“I have no complaints my lord. Other than the feeling that I’m getting fat and lazy stuck inside this palace. There is little to do for your First Sword within the confines of these walls. A man would have to be foolhardy to attempt to threaten your life here.” </strong>She shrugged. <strong>“I guess I am just craving some action, my grace.”</strong> She finished the first turkey vulture leg and grabbed another from the plate. <br><br>She had not missed his gaze wandering over her frame. Her King was a man with a healthy sexual appetite, but thankfully he had not yet made any advances towards her. She had no desire for that to change either. She poured herself a cup of the sweet wine and down it in one big gulp, and then poured herself another. There were perks to being in the King’s entourage of course. The endless supply of good food and fine drinks was not a minor one of those perks. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: For The Crown ~ Castle Oasis Nydewia</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MarissaSeraphOfInsanity</strong> on <strong>29-09-2011, 18:51:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center"><strong>Olivia Wilde</strong></div><br>When Olivia finally departed her chambers she was in a foul mood. Although she was never as obvious as the King and his warriors, or even mentioned it, being cooped up here at Castle Oasis was beginning to get on her nerves. Normally she preferred to be here but then again normally it was a choice between here or out under the desert heat, brushing sand from her hair. For months now she was being teased and tantalised with the prospect that soon she could leave this wasteland behind and go to Theiri, the land of intellectuals and artists. She was rarely ever in such a bad mood that it showed but on the rare occassion that it showed the servants could always tell. The second she walked into the main hall a massive swarm of courtiers made an instant bee-line towards her before suddenly a sudden and dark flash of her eyes sent them all scurrying off back into the crowd, as though repelled by some invisible force. <br><br>Her footsteps echoing over the black marble floor, Olivia passed through the great hall and beyond a throng of guards into the treasury chamber. Inside a handful of scribes were busy recording expenditures and income, as well as making projections for future spending and revenue. The second she entered the room the Secretary of the Treasury rushed over to her side, a small retinue of scribes following him about in anticipation of her orders. Although the King was the de jure master of the Treasury, she was its de facto controller and had even been given the title of Treasurer by the King, along with several others. Haidar hated the constant balancing and rebalancing of the budget, the continual stream of numbers and data, and the almost incessent whinings of the Treasury officials. He chose to leave that role to Olivia, content so long as the Treasury remained plentiful and the military budget remained high. It had taken her a long time to gain such a powerful position, even with her charms, although it had paid off quite well. With the King constantly on the roam she often oversaw the development of projects that were truly vital to the prosperity of Nydewia including the development of roads, trading outposts and other important works. She had also learned how to effectively embezzle funds for use in bribing both foreign and domestic officials in order to maintain an effective spy network and ensure her the success of her plans. It was all simple work really. She only chipped a few pieces of gold away here and there, never taking too much from one place. It was then a simple matter of recording slightly more money going into various departments or, in some cases, departments that didn't exist such as the Department of Defensive Upgrades or the Department of Military Research and Development. Just as long as the name sounded like it was for the Nydewian military and the King's army was well supplied she never had to fear an audit and the Treasurers were all loyal to her since she had much more patience and understanding than Haidar to listen to their concerns.<br><br>"What will her Ladyship be requiring today?" asked the Secretary, his tone brisk and professional. Perhaps he could tell she was in a mood and knew to get straight to the point. It was hard to tell really since he was always a professional with little time for small talk. "I have need of gold for the upcoming peace negotiations," she said. "And I need this gold to be untraceable back to Nydewia. "Get me several thousand coins from our raids on both Theiri and Aserit convoys, freshly minted if possible." The Secretary seemed shocked at such a large request but he said nothing as he nodded at an equally shocked attendent to go carry out her orders. Clearly he did see she was in a mood. "And how will we mark down such a large withdrawal?" he asked, a slight hint of nervousness in his tone. Olivia pondered for a moment. "Mark 25% of it down as a loan to the Blacksmith's Guild that will be repaid. I won't be using all of it and I'll return anything I don't use. Since it's all foreign gold put down an additional 10% under foreign expenditures and 15% on foreign trade. Funnel the rest through our subsidiary departments." She paused for a moment before adding "Isliea is currently on a mission to defeat some bandits. I imagine she'll return with foreign gold. Understate the value she brings in and funnel it into the Treasury to partially repay the withdrawal. That and the leftovers I bring back should hide or work here." The Secretary nodded and headed off to coordinate the efforts.<br><br>Turning and leaving, Olivia decided to make a detour through the kitchen. She wanted to visit the young servant girls that brute had had his way with. With all the marks on them, they weren't hard to spot. Smiling sweetly she approached the girls and pulled them aside, looking them up and down. When she finally spoke her eyes were filled with sorry and pity. "I'm truly sorry about what you girls have gone through tonight. It is the duty of a King to protect his people. Not use them as he sees fit." She wanted to yell and scream and rage as she said it. She wanted to vent all her frustrations at this pitiful kingdom and its barbarism and what true nobility is meant to be but she still managed to restrain herself. Not, because the King's loyal dogs might hear her but because these poor, simple girls would never understand. No one here ever understood. She admitted that she found the girls pretty and part of her wanted to break her usually detached veneer to softly kiss each and every mark on them better but in the end they were all just decorations; pretty little ornaments for the castle and its king. This place made her sick. "Take the rest of the day off," she managed to say with a sweet smile. "You'll still be paid for the day. You deserve it."<br><br>The girls seemed to brighten slightly as she departed, a tiny smile touching at her lips. She was always kind to the servants. Partly because it paid to be. After all servants hear a lot and many made sure to always keep her in the loop. But she mostly did it because that was the duty of those with power. "Noblisse oblige" she whispered to herself softly, remembering some of the works of Theiri's King. A true king. One whom she would get the chance to meet very soon.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: For The Crown ~ Castle Oasis Nydewia</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rhaegar14</strong> on <strong>30-09-2011, 09:43:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Haidar averted his eyes for a moment. He knew she was right; he was with her every step of the way. This waiting was not their way. But he was determined that it would pay off. He would have failed so many if it didn't; Isliea, P'Tulla, Olivia, and not least of all his warriors that he had kept from their birthright for weeks.<br><br>"What is and what should be,<br>but which is which?<br>The waiting festers,<br>while the warring wounds."<br><br>After reciting a bit of his so out-of-place poetry, the enormous warrior-king fell silent and went back to his meal again. His muscles flexed almost against his will. She was aching for battle, even mock battle, as well. The temptation to order her down to the training grounds was unreal, but would it be appropriate? He had made a point never to duel P'Tulla; if he defeated her, then he would undermine her reputation as first sword. But if she defeated him, then he would look weak as king. The way things were, both were acknowledged as mighty warriors, but rarely directly compared and with no hard evidence for one or the other.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: For The Crown ~ Castle Oasis Nydewia</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MarissaSeraphOfInsanity</strong> on <strong>28-10-2011, 04:50:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center"><strong>Olivia Wilde</strong></div><br>Olivia was working away furiously at her desk when the door suddenly burst open and a servant rushed up to her side, bowing deeply but hurriedly. “Your Eminence,” he said in a rush, holding out a small, folded piece of parchment, causing Olivia to jump to her feet with excitement. “We’ve had word?” she asked, snatching the letter from the messenger’s hands. A long, long time ago while the King was away she had established the position of Postmaster General, a move that on the surface was aimed at ensuring that all messages coming to and from the palace were handled more efficiently and swiftly. What almost everyone failed to realise was that it was a political appointment, allowing her to place her own loyal servant into the office. Not a single message came to or from Castle Oasis without Olivia knowing about it, and having a copy made when necessary. “Go, get the servants!” she ordered as she tore the seal on the copied letter, opening it up to see what message Haidar himself would probably be in the process of reading right now. Her deep blue eyes slowly went wide as she scanned the document, her skin growing pale as she started to take everything in.<br><br><div align="center"><em>The King is Dead.<br><br>Aserits are in Theiri for peace talks.<br>Leave for our capital immediately.<br>Lose no time in arriving.<br>You will be welcomed upon your arrival.<br><br>Lyssa.</em></div><br>“Black widow!” she hissed as she clenched her fist tightly, crumpling up the note into a little ball before hurling it to the floor. She stood there for a few moments, running her hands through her hair as she slowly felt her world beginning to spiral out of control. This was supposed to be her big break; the day that she would finally escape these Nydewian cretins and get to meet a <em>real </em> king. Casting a furtive glance over to one of her mahogany bookshelves she saw an entire row of texts published by the late King Garawin, given a prominent place on her shelf and arranged neatly like a small shrine. Although she had never met the man she had always found him inspirational, the very embodiment of everything it meant to be wise and noble. Now he was gone and a whore sat in his place on the royal throne. The very thought made her stomach churn. <br><br>Her bitter reverie was interrupted by the arrival of a flock of servants, who promptly started grabbing the set of chests she’d prepared for her journey, while another group flocked off and started helping her undress. “Quickly!” she hissed, lashing out in anger at those around her. “We don’t have any time to waste. The King will be summoning me any minute now!” She knew that the Theirians would have prepared a banquet in their honour for when they arrived and she did not wish to present herself in the robes of the desert people of Nydewia. As the last of her clothing came off, a group of servants started helping her with her undergarments, although Olivia herself was instead focused on the dress that a pair of servants were very carefully bringing over to her. She had ordered the designer from Theiri itself and he had designed the evening gown to her exact specifications. Lightweight and elegant, the dress was on the very cutting edge of Theirian fashion, accentuating all of her slender curves and pushing up her average sized bust slightly, creating a rather appealing illusion that her chest was slightly larger. Olivia was rather conservative in her dress sense and as such the gown revealed very little of her small, lithe body, although the way the fabric fell around her was incredibly seductive, not to mention tasteful. However the most appealing feature of the dress was the colour. While the style was exquisitely Theirian, the shimmering blue pigment of the dress came from a dye made from very rare, crushed lapiz gemstomes found almost exclusively in Nydewia, giving the dress a rather exotic appearance that would clearly denote both her Nydewian origin and the fact that she was <em>very </em> wealthy and powerful. <br><br>“You look beautiful, milady,” one of the servants said to her with a smile and she soon recognised the girl as one of the two girls Haidar had had his way with; she had made sure to reassign the two of them to her personal staff to protect them in future. She flashed a tiny smile, although she didn’t really feel any happiness behind it, nor did she feel any as she stepped in front of the mirror and examined how the dress fit. She looked exquisite, like the kind of perfect beauty you only ever see in artwork but never in real life, although she no longer cared. The bitter news had completely dissolved her excitement. “Yes,” she replied absentmindedly as another servant suddenly rushed through the door. “You’ve been summoned to the Gate Room, milady!” he called, and she turned to him with a nod.<br><br>Beckoning for her servants to follow, she soon started walking towards the Gate Room, her attendants carrying chests of clothes, books, gold and other assorted necessities behind her. The Gate Room was locked away in an obscure, seldom used part of the castle and it took her a few minutes to arrive. By the time she did, King Haidar and P’Tulla were already present. She took a moment to curtsy politely, before looking up as though ignorant to the contents of the letter save that they were summoned to Theiri. “We have finally received word then?” she asked, with as much of a smile as she could manage.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: For The Crown ~ Castle Oasis Nydewia</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rhaegar14</strong> on <strong>28-10-2011, 12:38:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Haidar had been sitting in the throne room when the letter came, holding another painfully long session of court. The messenger had forced his way to the front of the room, kneeling at the king's foot and holding out the letter to him. Haidar had almost entered a horrendous rage at the interruption, until he saw the seal. The royal seal of Theiri. He stood, wearing his typical leather breastplate and shoulder pads, with white breeches, leather boots, and leather bracers. His trademark falchion, crafted from a single piece of jet-black metal, rested at his side. He picked it up and slid it into the sheath over his shoulder.<br><br>"Court is adjourned!" he roared with a tone that could not be denied. He wasted no time in snatching up the letter and opening it. His eyes ran over it at least four times, though the message was simple enough.<br><br><div align="center"><em>The King is Dead.<br><br>Aserits are in Theiri for peace talks.<br>Leave for our capital immediately.<br>Lose no time in arriving.<br>You will be welcomed upon your arrival.<br><br>Lyssa.</em></div><br>He knew the name of the Theirin queen. He turned to P'Tulla, at his side as always. "Word has come from Theiri. I want you to gather the Kraken Guard, along with all of your horses, and then you are to proceed to the Gate Room," he ordered. He started to walk down the pedestal of his throne without waiting for an answer. That thick carpet leading to his seat could not fully muffle the sound of his steps as he walked towards the double doors leading out of the audience chamber, speaking to a servant. "Inform Steward Abdul-Jalil that he will have to resume his duties. I will be leaving shortly. Also, inform Olivia that she has been summoned to the gate room." The servant scurried off at a hectic pace.<br><br>Haidar took broad strides through the yellow stone of the fortress, stepping out into the hot desert sun. The sand kicked up in little clouds with his determined steps as he came upon the stables. The stables of the Castle Oasis were palatial, made primarily of the same yellow stone as the castle itself. The high ceilings were specially engineered to pull a draft in to flow through the stables, both to deal with the stink of so many animals and to keep the horses from overheating during the hot desert afternoons.<br><br>He approached the stablemaster, moving about bags of oats. He was an old, slim man, once a proud warrior but beyond his fighting years. His dark, tanned skin was marked by deep wrinkles. The man wore no shirt and brown, burlap pants. His head was bald but for a black topknot. "Gather your things. We are leaving," Haidar informed him, "Saddle Hellfire. And bring along the finest horse you have as well, as a gift to the queen of Theiri. Then go to the Gate Room. You will accompany me as my groom."<br><br>"Yes, Your Highness," he said with a bow, before setting about to comply with his monarch's commands. Haidar left as abruptly as he had arrived, almost running now as he climbed the spiral stairs to the top of the palace. He stepped into his chamber, and wasted no time. He slung a quiver full of arrows and his recurve bow over his shoulder, opposite his falchioon. His dragonfang dagger was already on his left hip. He threw open the huge, maple wardrobe that held what little variety of clothing he had, throwing some clean garments into a drawstring sack. The last item he retrieved from his chamber was the long-handled trident he used when fighting from horseback. The Nydewian king did not go anywhere far without all of his weapons, or his horse. Without delay, he went back down the stairs, down to the basement levels of the castle.<br><br>The Gate Room was heavily fortified, at the back of the basement level of the castle. A straight, strong hallway with three ironbound, oaken doors, large enough for two riders to pass through abreast, led to the magical blue crystal. Each could be barred, locking off the Gate. This was used to ensure that enemies could not use it to strike by surprise; two guards watched the Gate through arrow slits at all times. The glowing gem sat on a pedestal in the middle of a room made entirely of stone. A flask of the... unpleasant mixture required to make it function sat at the foot of the cylindrical podium. It was always replaced when it spoiled, in case the Gate needed to be used in an emergency.<br><br>Haidar, the first to arrive, set down his things, standing tall and staring into the depths of the beautiful artifact as he waited for those who would join him to arrive.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: For The Crown ~ Castle Oasis Nydewia</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedEve</strong> on <strong>28-10-2011, 13:06:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				P’Tulla just gave her king a curt nod and then she was off. She went into the large training yard on the inner court of the castle and found her cousin Rzalla training with some men of the King’s guard. Though training was a polite term, seeing how she was battering the three armored men she was facing. P’Tulla used a high-pitched whistle to attract her kin’s attention. <strong>“Enough play for today Rzalla. Gather up the men and horses, we are leaving for Theiri right now. The King wants us in the Gate Room five minutes ago.”</strong> Rzalla just nodded and slid her sword back in its scabbard. Then she was off, towards the barracks. The entire top floor of the building was reserved for the Kraken Guard, who kept to themselves for the most part. P’Tulla knew she could trust Rzalla to make sure the rest of the Guard would haul ass. So she just headed to the Gate Room herself, after packing a small bundle of her possessions and attaching it to her mount. <br><br>By the time she arrived at the Gate Room, she already spotted the eight members of the Kraken Guard joining them. As was customary when they rode at the King’s side, each was wearing a cloak made out of Lion’s pelt. P’Tulla had fastened her own on the way down from her chambers. The Kraken Guard made for an eclectic bunch, but they were the best fighting unit in Nydewia and no harm would come to the Royal party as long as they were near.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: For The Crown ~ Castle Oasis Nydewia</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rhaegar14</strong> on <strong>29-10-2011, 14:06:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Haidar took the bridle to his own mount from the stablemaster, rubbing the soft, black coat on the side of the huge stallion's neck. Hellfire was his name, both for his fiery mane and black coat, and for the indomitable spirit that only Haidar had been able to master. He was a courser, built for speed, but as large compared to his brethren as Haidar was to your average man. Whispering words of comfort, the King swung his leg up into the saddle, sitting tall on his mount while he addressed his entourage.<br><br>He looked each of them in the eye, one by one, before he spoke. "The Aserits are in Theiri," he announced, pausing for a moment to let the statement sink in, "Though they are loathsome sons-of-whores, you all know too well that they are warriors to be feared. <em>But we are greater!</em>" The King drew his sword. "We will ride through the castle in full battle formation. We will show them that even in small numbers, we are a force to be feared. And no harm will come to the Theirins while we are present... they are under our protection." He swept his blade across the gathering. "And we will show the Theirins why they need us. Mind your manners, though I despise saying it. We need to make a good impression."<br><br>He motioned to a servant, who poured the flask over the crystal, which almost seemed to drink it in. Haidar reached out with his will; <em>Take me to Theiri!</em> At his demand, a blue light coalesced into a roughly spherical shape around the gem, obscuring all vision of the pedestal.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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