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| Taken; Sequel to "Lost" | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: April 21, 2013, 10:02 pm (4,914 Views) | |
| Ice | April 21, 2013, 10:02 pm Post #1 |
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Leader
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The sat by the water, Storm sitting by it, closer than any normal fire demon would but still not touching it, while Crystal was swimming in it, of course. He sat, his eyes lazily open as the sun hit him, giving him the warmth he always loved, lulling him to sleep as he rested his head and arms on his drawn up legs. He was at ease, knowing his new mate, Crystal, was, too. It was the middle of the day and they both finally got a chance to relax. He was happy. She had accepted him as her mate and he, her. His guard was down around her. As was hers. Which was not good. An explosion sounded, throwing both Storm and Crystal away from their places of comfort. Fire erupted everywhere and Storm felt his body crash against a large boulder. He saw Crystal not far from him crashing into a tree before his head hit the rock and before they each slid to the ground, unconscious. When they woke up, they were each in chains. Storm wore an odd looking leather collar with a jewel in the front of it. The jewel was orange and glowing softly. Crystal wore an equal-looking bracelet, though her jewel was aqua. Storm, slowly gaining his wits, pushed himself up off the floor, looking around. The room was made of stone and it reminded Storm of the dungeon he had at his kingdom. The door opened just then, as if knowing when they'd awake, and in walked four guards and one woman with a flowing green dress. I know that shade of green. What tribe wears that? The lady walked up to Crystal, ignoring Storm completely. "Madam. We are the Water Tribe. Our previous ruler has recently died, leaving no heirs to his throne. We are in desperate need of a ruler and I have taken on the role of finding the most perfect one. You will be named ruler. This is your mate." She pointed at Storm. "If not, he is a companion. Either way, should you refuse to become our ruler, he will be killed. His collar will send an enormous amount of electricity through his body and turn his own fire against him, which is why his stone glows orange. It will kill him from the inside out. It is at his neck to ensure torture and death. You wear an equal on your wrist. It will not kill you nor harm you, simply restrain you should you try to harm us, your people. This is how this will become. You will choose an advisor in one hour, at the feast being prepared for you. Guards will come supplying you with a proper dress for our Queen. Be ready." She then bowed. "My name is Iceis. My Queen. I will see you at the feast." With that, everyone left the room and the chains on Crystal and Storm broke themselves. |
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| shadow | April 21, 2013, 10:17 pm Post #2 |
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Choir Boy
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Crystal took all the words in, but even after they had left and the chains were gone, she was still bewildered. She didn't know what had just happened, or who they were. Clearly not of Ve Emilin or any other Elemental world which she was native to. She looked to Storm for help and said, "What on earth is going on here?!" Before he could respond, she had already begun a sort of tyraid. "I can't rule! I'm an Arcane. We aren't meant to rule, but to balance! I've never had done this before, I don't know anything, I can't lead! This is outrageous!" Even while she was saying these things, she knew Storm was endangered, and she couldn't go against them for fear of them hurting him. Her eyes, normally a vivid blue, where dull and lacking strength. The brace may not stop her, but it took its toll. |
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| Ice | April 21, 2013, 10:33 pm Post #3 |
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Leader
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Storm had only cocked an eyebrow at the woman and her speech, feeling no sense of worry. Until Crystal began freaking out. He bit back a smirk at how overwhelmed she was. He found it cute. He got up and went to her, crouching in front of her and lifting her chin softly to face him. "Hey. You're gonna be fine. Take it as a compliment. She basically said you were the best around concerning water." He felt he should stop with his taking-light of the situation before he angered her with him. "Look, we're gonna get through this. They're gonna come in with a dress for you. You're gonna put it on and you're gonna look beautiful. Then, they're going to take you to get crowned. Now, listen. No matter what, you don't say anything unless you're spoken to, ok? If you don't, it's like an insult to the previous ruler, because you aren't crowned yet. They'll tell you what to do. Just do it. When they ask you who you want your advisor to be, you're going say "I declare my advisor to be Storm Recair", alright? Trust me, that's what you want me to be named. Name me advisor and everything will be alright, I promise. After that, we should be left alone for a bit. I'll explain more then, ok? Just calm down, take deep breaths. Eat. I'm sure they'll have some good food and you have to eat something or, again, it's an insult. So, might as well enjoy the food. And I'll find you after everything, alright?" He heard the door creak open and gave a quick soft kiss to her forehead as an arm grabbed his. He rose and let himself be led out by the guards, one of them handing Crystal a dress, it was beautifully flowing in a beautiful aqua color. It was the softest silk around, feeling like water itself. It had two thin straps and showed her back. It was adorned with small shimmering jewels, probably worth a good 100 for one of them. "Here, my queen. Put this on." The other guards awaited for the last one, Storm having to stay with them. As the last guard came, Storm gave Crystal a reassuring smile and the door was shut. After Crystal was dressed, Iceis came back and led Crystal to the feast, everyone eating and enjoying the food, everyone enjoying the night and excited to have a new queen, everyone's eyes on Crystal, especially when Iceis came up to her. "The feast is over, my queen. It is time. Rise." Her voice then echoed as she led Crystal to the large throne in the center of the room. "I will pronounce you your new queen! She will reign over us and bring our lives back to the peaceful perfect ones we used to live, before the previous king broke us! She will give us our love for our power again and rule us with love and kindness! I give you an Arcane of water! Our Queen!" She raised a beautifully adorned crown. "Bow." As Crystal did, she placed the crown on her head. "Now is the time to name your advisor so you can be the best Queen we've ever had! Name your advisor!" Storm could not be seen anywhere in the room. "Don't you dare choose your mate. No one will approve and it is a bad omen on the people and kingdom. Choose me. I have been advisor of this kingdom for generations." She muttered under her breath to Crystal. "I can take care of everything and all you'd ever have to do is show up places. You'd practically be free and just for show." |
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| shadow | April 21, 2013, 10:59 pm Post #4 |
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Choir Boy
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Crystal felt something in her shift as Iceis said her title of water Elemental Arcane. Such a thing was rarely known out of the realm of the Elemental's, and even there, it was more of a fable or legend. Crystal knew, no matter what they said or did, her pure blood of the earth could never be a queen, for it would defile her very nature. It was not possible. She took on the most grand tone however, making everything more elaborate in nature. A wide smile crossed her lips and her eyes, for just a moment, defied the barrier and lit up with their grandeur. a smirk to defy Iceis only her her eyes and then, "I declare my adviser to be Storm Recair." As she said this, her arms went up and her dress flowed and cascaded around her, flattering her body, and casting a trance of a look on her, dazzling, and dangerous still. |
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| Ice | April 21, 2013, 11:08 pm Post #5 |
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Leader
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Iceis looked at her, appalled, then brought her own smile. Everyone in the room clapped, now knowing, yet, that Storm was Crystal's mate. "If this Storm Recair is present, please let him come forward to receive his place, or let his title be renamed!" She smiled widely as no one came. Then, like a strike of lightning, fire light the area and made a straight line from the cieling to right beside Crystal. It dispersed and Storm stood there, rubbing his wrists. "My, Iceis, your chains are getting tighter each time." He spoke quite sweetly to her and then turned and bowed before Crystal. "I accept my title as advisor to the Queen." Little did she know, he was already doing his job for her. He then rose, biting back his smirk at Iceis' outrage. Before Storm could speak, Iceis did. "My people, we cannot accept this! This man is the mate of the queen!" At angry gasps, Storm stepped forward. "Which means I know how to explain things for the Queen to understand, I know what she can and cannot handle, I know what she knows and what she does not, and, most importantly, I know how to keep her calm and at ease so as she can make the best decisions for her people. Tell me, is this not qualifying for an advisor to learn? Yet I have already learned it." Murmurs arose among the people and, finally, they fell silent to be dismissed. Storm nodded and stepped back to Crystal's side. "Dismiss them, my dear. Thank them for coming to the feast and welcoming you. Promise of what a great ruler you will be. Caring of them. And dismiss them with a "Goodnight"." |
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| shadow | April 21, 2013, 11:22 pm Post #6 |
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Choir Boy
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Crystal already felt more at ease with Storm by her, but knowing she would have to lie more bothered her slightly. She raised her voice to them frmo her throne and said, "Thank you for accepting me as your queen. I shall restore this kingdom to its greatness. Like that of the oceans we shall be mighty and fierce, yet calm and soothing. A great power indeed. I give you my word as the Arcane, we shall not fall under my rule." With an elegant flourish of her arm, she thanked them in her own way and said, "Goodnight." She waited until the last one had left the room to give up her elegance and revert back to the tomboyish tendencies she had. "I can't stand this dress. gorgeous, but blech," she whispered only to Storm. |
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| Ice | April 21, 2013, 11:49 pm Post #7 |
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Leader
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He smirked. "Well, let us get you into something else, then." He spun on his heel, his cold eyes he gave to Iceis not only scolding in how she'd treated Crystal but also showing his dominance, his new power over her. He had replaced her. "The keys to the Queen's chamber now belong to me, I do so believe." Iceis hissed, but when she met his gaze, her instincts kicked in and forced her into submission, cooling her anger and she pulled out the keys, giving them to him. "This is not right." "Listen. You are going to make it look right, got it? You start making these people believe this is ok. If I hear you saying otherwise and filling their heads with other thoughts, you will answer to me. Leave the Queen be." Iceis looked about to retort, but again fell into her place. She bowed to Crystal and left the room. Storm sighed and turned back to Crystal. "Come. I was led past your quarters earlier. I know where it is." He led her to her room, unlocking the door and showing the magnificant room behind those doors. The bed was huge and the large closet already held hundreds of sets of clothes for her. Storm shut and locked the door behind them. "Hey. I wanna talk to you for a second." He took her by her hand and set her on the bed beside him. "I wanna explain what my job is. My job is basically to keep you safe and to keep you doing everything right. I'm supposed to help you handle any issues that arise, anything that happens, and help you make your speeches and appeal to the people. Since I know what it's like to be king, I can do so much more than that. I can do everything except show up for you. I'm saying this to reassure you. I know what I'm doing, even if you find times you don't. I am basically now the one who handles everything for you that doesn't need the Queen's immediate attention. I'll be the one doing most of the work. So, don't be worrying about your position, alright? Don't be worrying what the people think or expect of you. Don't be worrying about Iceis. Don't be worrying about ruling. That's all my job. That's why advisors have to be very trustworthy." He smiled and gave her a light kiss. "If you don't like something I do, please tell me or at least ask why I did it that way. More than likely, I have a reason. Now, you find some comfortable clothes. It would be wise of you to go out in something not so formal, in other words, something you'd like to wear, and meet some of the people, get to know them, their lives. How it works for them. Queens should have guards with them while they do this but, from experience, that takes away a lot of the learning and the comfort people want to find in you. It scares them. I used to run away from my guard all the time to be with the people. It pissed my advisor off so badly." He gave a soft laugh. "Still, I knew my village. We know nothing of this one. So, I'm going to be out and about. I'm going to be your shadow, but you're not going to see me. You're going to be completely safe. Not that you need protection, my dear. But because it would not be good for the Queen to be attacked on her first day. I really want you to focus on getting the people to like you. After we do that, it'll be late so you'll want to go to bed. I'll go visit the army and find out the details on them, find some troops to make a Specialized Group to be mine. Not many kingdoms have those but they are the smartest thing to have. They are undoubtly loyal to their leader, which would be me, and no one else. Not even the king or queen or people. That's why I always made sure I had one myself and not my advisor. They're also trained to be more skilled than a soldier. Then after I have those chosen, I'll need to look at the papers and documents in the vaults to make sure they're properly protected and all the ones that need discarded or renewed are taken care of. Then I should check the boundaries. A tribe without a ruler is an easy target and word of your rule won't spread fast enough for us. Oh, that reminds me, I need to find out the allies we have and the enemies, who need to keep an eye on. Then I'll help you with tomorrow's expectations of you and tomorrow night I will have to look at the kind of kingdom this is, their past ideologies and rulers, what worked for them and what didn't, what resources we need and how they provide and if I need to replenish the resources and, damn, I forgot how much sleep advisors lost! There's a plant, I forgot what it's called, I'll need to find that so I can push myself more. It makes you less easy to exhaust. I can't let lack of sleep hinder my abilities. A Queen cannot have a weakened advisor, it spells danger in itself. Oh, but don't you worry! I'm going to make your life very easy. I wouldn't want to worry you, you never asked to be a Queen, I mean not that you couldn't be, it's just not-" He cut himself off, a deep blush spreading across his cheeks. "I'm sorry. I think better aloud. I need to write everything down...." Stress already began flooding his eyes. This was the exact reason he'd run from royalty to begin with. He'd wanted a life. A chance to do what he was trying to do for Crystal. Spend time with the community without guards, without scaring them. Knowing them, living his life like they lived theirs, being at ease. Not chained with responsibilities that refused to let him even leave the castle unless he was to guard Crystal. However, what he wasn't thinking of, were the other people below him that he could have do much of these things he'd wanted to look into. He also had much more time and didn't have to get them all done in one or two nights. He just wanted to try to make everything perfect for Crystal to be ok with it, considering when they went back to his kingdom she would be named his Queen and he wanted anything but for her to get scared of the role and leave him for it. |
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| shadow | April 22, 2013, 1:00 pm Post #8 |
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Choir Boy
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Crystal hide a smile at Storm and put her index finger just on his forehead. "You need to calm down yourself. I am the queen here, and we can take the burden on together. It'll take time to get this place into perfect running condition, and we will have time for now. I know H and his kingdom will be on our side when they get word. The documents should be the first thing checked, then the army I think. Knowledge will be our greatest asset right now. I'm a rookie, but I ruled over five realms. I think we can pull this off," Crystal said. She went about changing, rummaging through the clothes in the closet. She found a simple set, shorts just past her knees, and a white T-shirt, over it a comfortable aqua jacket. As she threw the dress of as quickly, but carefully as possible and changed into the others she continued. "Ya know, just because they are water, doesn't mean everything has to be themed that way. That aside, I think I can go out about the people for a while. that doesn't seem that bad considering I am not an enemy this time. I remember all the times we weren't welcome while invading. Will I be able to remove this brace on my wrist?" she said looking it over with disgust. A man wandered through the crowds of people in the large court yards, enjoying the peace that held them together despite the wreckage they were in. He turned his head this way and that as he looked at stalls that sold various objects to commemorate the selection of a new queen. His dark hair flowed with it, the merriment not extending to his features or posture in the least. |
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| Ice | April 22, 2013, 1:08 pm Post #9 |
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Leader
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Storm smiled and gave her quick peck on the lips. "I'm sure we can." He watched her get dressed and shook his head at her question. "I wouldn't try it. I tried taking off mine and that was a mistake. Didn't end well. But, by the placement of yours on your wrist, it'd be good to protect your arm when shooting a bow. To be on the bright side, of course." Burn marks showed around his neck, mostly hidden by the collar. He rose from the bed. "I'm not going to lie, I'm really itching to get to know the layout and people of this village. And, without a Specialized Guard for you, it's my responsibility to follow and protect you on this outing. How unfortunate." He smiled, his body flowing with energy. He really did seem excited. Slightly hidden behind this adrenaline, though, showed a slight uneasiness. This was a village of water. He was fire. And probably the only fire that this village has ever accepted or even met, besides through battles and wars. His eyes glowed mostly with his excitement, though. "Come on! And then I'll check on the documents and the rulings in the army." |
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| shadow | April 22, 2013, 1:32 pm Post #10 |
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Choir Boy
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She grieved at having her power restrained so much, but knew there was nothing for it. "Fine, we'll go then. And you know I don't use bows. I am faithful to aruarose, my staff of the Arcane." She rolled her eyes playfully at him as she opened her chambers door and said, "Your like a little kid sometimes you know." She left the room and had to go down two flights of stairs before they found anyone other than guards. She half greeted them as she passed, but once she was going to be among the common people, one guard hailed her. "My Queen," he said with a smart salute. "It is not safe for you to be alone, especially during the celebrations going on. Please allow me to escort you around at least." Crystal would not be having this, but didn't want to cause any trouble or seem like a rebel already. She waited for Storm to arrive right behind her before she spoke. "That won't be necessary. I will have an able bodied guard with me the whole time. It has already been arranged for me to tour the grounds," she explained. the man was hesitant to allow her to pass, but knew that if what she said was true, there would be repercussions as well. He stepped aside from the heavy metal door in set at the end of a wide hall after unlocking it. His armor was silver with traces of blue glinting among it, and it was quite dazzling in the torch light. As Crystal passed, she noted that there was great funding for the arm as a lower ranked guard had such classed armor. She walked out among who were now her people, and was amazed to see the merriment and joy, as well as color among them. The great front gates in the court yard were open inviting in everyone to join the festivities, which Crystal noted as a hazard, but also a good thing. The people were open to everyone it seemed. the door locked behind her and Storm and she smiled to herself before setting to mingle among them, none truly recognizing her after only one appearance, and in much more formal clothes. "Well, I can say I certainly like the atmosphere. They are welcoming people. They can enjoy themselves. Far more open and free than I have seen others in the past," She said analyzing everyone." |
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| Ice | April 22, 2013, 1:51 pm Post #11 |
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Storm smiled, standing loyally at her side. "They're so lively. I've never met a water tribe outside of battle. It's so different!" Curiosity, a very dominant feature of his bloodline, flowed through him and he seemed to be itching to go to each end of the village, just sprinting. But, he restrained himself, enjoying having the people around him simply for studying purposes. The unease was still hidden within him but he did well to hide it. He spoke to many people, only the ones brave enough to come up to him, however. Everyone could sense he was not of the water at all and could sense the demonic and fire than came off of him in his warm sweet scent. Most of these were simply men and most only able to stay a few moments before being uncomfortable with it all. Finally, however, the first woman stepped up to him. He bowed kindly to her, kissing her hand as a reward for her coming up to him from her courage. She smiled, reassured, but also embarassed and Storm remembered that his traditions in his home village were not the same here. Being of fire, close relations such as a kiss on the hand showed favor and friendship. Here, he took it meant otherwise. He released her hand gently and rose. "Good evening, my dear. Your name is?" "Cleo. And you?" She murmured, still feeling insecure by his kind. "My name is Storm. This lovely Queen's advisor. You must meet her." He took Crystal's hand and pulled her gently to his side. The woman bowed to her. "My Queen." She rose. "Might I ask how you're adapting?" Storm smirked, noting the dramatic change in the woman's speaking abilities and comfort as soon as he brought Crystal over, another wielder of water like her. He knew he would be better off being farther from the young girl, whom he seemed to like. At least she tried. He backed off from them a little, not able to hear their conversation, but not leaving Crystal in the large crowd. He kept his eyes on her, his curiosity of the people subsiding and his protective duty taking control. However, he sensed all was fine in this crowd. It's those who are not attending that worry me. Judging by the amount of people here compared to the amount of homes, it's less than half, but still a noteable amount. Who would refuse coming to see the new Queen? This village is having troubles, indeed. I will look into that with one of the guards. |
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| shadow | April 23, 2013, 1:21 pm Post #12 |
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Choir Boy
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"It's coming along. I'm just here getting to know my people now, so thank you for welcoming me in," Crystal said with a bright smile. She began going around greeting everyone and enjoying the air, the love that they show to her great. They were all very accepting especially considering she was forced into the position against her will. The man that had been wandering the court was now moving to the castle and taking in more festivities when he found Crystal venturing from person to person and speaking with them. She seemed to be of a higher spot for some reason, and he was immediately aware. He followed her patterns and moved to a spot where she would end up while crossing through the threshold. "Hello. How're you," Crystal said to him as she passed. He took this chance to engage her attention. "I am doing quite well my dear. May I inquire as to how you are," he said in a strange monotone that never wavered, his face not changing either. she was slightly puzzled, but took the chance to know another member of her people. "I'm doing fine myself, though the festivities are quite tiring if I do say so." "I quite enjoy them, though I'm not here for the celebration as much as just to meet the queen. Might you know where she is?" Crystal was now slightly suspicious. Though it would be natural for them to want to meet her, his manner was somewhat odd compared to what she had seen in the others. Unsure whether to answer him, she let her dulled eyes meet his, and saw that they were different. One was a faded crimson, and the other a dim azure. She knew the moment their gaze met that he wasn't human nor elven like most of the people in the kingdom. He was a demon, and most likely quite powerful. She'd only seen a hand full of people and wasn't sure how many demons there were, but he was the first she met. She made a quick signal for Storm behind her back wherever he was. "What is it you want to know," Crystal said, not lying to him, but not giving it away either while stalling. |
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| Ice | April 23, 2013, 1:39 pm Post #13 |
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Storm let his eyes roam the crowd of people, studying them while enjoying their sweet emotions coming to him in a form of warmth. He always let Crystal remain within his gaze, however, and her signal caught is eyes. He disappeared, causing some of the crowd who were looking at him to gasp, for they did not possess his speed. It was a fire trait. A single leaf fluttered down from the trees and landed in Crystal's signaling hand behind her back, unseen, showing her that Storm had seen it and was with her. The village held many areas of dense trees. Behind the stranger, up high in one of these trees, could be seen only the crimson glow of Storm's eyes, nothing else. He stood, crouched on a branch, his eyes focused and remaining on the stranger. He seemed so different from before and now, now that he was on a hunt. He was perfectly positioned, though it was not like him to make many mistakes, and he drew his knife from his hip, as silently as ever. Should the stranger make a move for Crystal, before he even closed the distance between himself and the Queen he did not know, Storm would have a knife through his back and would be on him. And, in case the stranger decided not to go straight for an attack but to slowly close the gap, Storm had marked in his mind an imaginary line between them and if it was crossed, Storm would take action. Which action he had not yet decided. He did not speak to Crystal using telepathy, in case the stranger had learned the talent. But, instead, he simply nodded, showing Crystal to carry on the conversation. That he was there, he was listening, and he was ready. |
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| shadow | April 24, 2013, 7:34 pm Post #14 |
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Choir Boy
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"I simply want to speak with her. She may be new, but she has access to something that I need to know," he said choosing his words carefully. Crystal recognized that Storm was with her and moved her hands from behind her after dropping the leaf. She couldn't be sure, but if he were to try anything, Storm would end him and everything would be fine again. "Well, I am queen Crystal. Pleased to make your acquaintance Mr..." She said, mentally noting that she should learn the name of her kingdom to produce a better title for herself. Snapping her back was his monotone voice again. "My name is quite irrelevant at this point. Please, let's chat," he said making a flourished arm motion toward the court yard that bustled with people. As he did so, his right iris, azure, began to shift and swirl. He followed everything she did with unreal detail as they moved. Crystal nodded and walked with him into the yard, unable to stay still to keep Storm hidden perfectly. "Well, if you don't have a name, what, may I ask, is your business with me?" He kept a certain distance from her and answered, "You have scrolls and such, and I merely wish to look at one that was obtained through my ancestors by this place." He never spoke beyond what was necessary, and Crystal understood slightly he wanted to stay hidden from someone or somewhere. "Well, I have no knowledge of the records as of this current moment..." "But you have access, and that is all I need to find it." Crystal was not ready to grant access to something that she knew nothing about. "Well, tell me what document you are looking for and I'll have someone look into it for you." The man wasn't fond of the idea, but his blank face didn't betray this, nor did his eyes. He moved in front of Crystal and made a small bow, a wicked, curved blade of his weapon reflecting light from beneath his cloak as it stirred with his bow. Crystal's eyes narrowed on him as he spoke, then turned and walked into the crowd. "I shall return then once you have had time to settle in. Please consider me, a Mr. Z." Crystal stood in the crowds to people alone now, confused and wary of everything suddenly. |
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| Ice | April 24, 2013, 9:38 pm Post #15 |
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Leader
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Storm moved fluently among the branches and trees, staying silent and hidden, as was one of his skills. His eyes never left the stranger and his hand came close to his knife at his waist when he saw the stranger armed, but fell as Crystal left him. He listened to each word intently and his eyes narrowed as he learned of the stranger's wants. Enemy. Storm marked the stranger that easily, as he had learned to do throughout his life. You were either enemy or friend. There were no exceptions except Crystal: mate. As Crystal got away from the stranger and the man left, Storm instantly appeared at her side, his eyes going off in the stranger's direction of departure but he noted Crystal's new-found anxieties. He broke his gaze from the stranger and let it land on her, offering her a kind smile and taking her hand in his. "No need to worry. To be factual, a stranger comes in this village, not of this village, armed, asking the very newly named queen, wanting to see documents forbidden from anyone but the elites. To be serious, he is marked as an enemy. And, to be reassuring, a Queen gets those sometimes. A little spy or assassin. Nothing that can't be handled, my love." He bowed and gave her hand a kiss. Looking up at her, he gave a sweet smile, much different from his famous smirk, this he rarely offered to anyone. "Come. You have had enough mingling for one day. Let's go explore the palace, hm? I'm sure we could find someone to give us a tour. And, as well guarded as it is, there will be no more surprises in there. Does that sound good?" He rose and spoke with a serious voice, his eyes meeting hers. "Crystal, don't feel upset by what's happened. I would have had him dead before he could've gotten to touch even a whisp of your hair." |
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| shadow | April 24, 2013, 9:57 pm Post #16 |
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Choir Boy
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Crystal smiled to return Storm's smiled and said, "I know you have me protected." To add in, she put on an indignant air and said, "And just because I am a woman and may not have my powers in total, doesn't mean I can't handle myself. Remember, I've fought with you and along side you before many times." She taunted Storm playfully, sticking her tongue out, but then said something on her mind. "Manura. That's what he said his name was. I don't know why, but I feel I've heard it." She walked with Storm from the fading light in the court yard and into the castle again, the torches in sconces lighting up the large main cavern and casting the flickering shadows about that fire does. Crystal looked around and more thoroughly examined the room. The walls were well kept, very fine cut stone, and the floors were clean and swept, though dirty after the celebrations were going on. "Well, they keep everything in good health at least. You want to find someone to give the tour?" The man, Zakuro Manura, had not given up so easily. Once he had left the sight of Crystal and Storm, he circled his way toward the gates, slipping in before they had a chance to catch him. Once in, he blended well with the common folk, his water element no different from their own. His grim appearance was the only thing that set him apart. He wandered to the permanent shops that were selling well during the holiday, and examined what he saw, all the while keeping his eyes on the lay out of the build he intended on infiltrating should he be denied his request a second time. Edited by shadow, April 24, 2013, 9:57 pm.
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| Ice | April 24, 2013, 10:06 pm Post #17 |
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Leader
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Storm gave her his famous smirk people begged for and bowed, this time mockingly, in front of her. "How could I forget that my Highness has fought against me... and lost." He smiled widely and lept out of range before he could get the smack he knew he deserved. Once they were in the castle, he nodded to her question. "Of course. Gimme a minute and I'll get one." He disappeared, leaving her side and sight. He paused by a window, however, looking outside where the sun was beginning to set. His eyes were narrowed, experience in them. I know you're not gone. But I have no valid reason for hunting you. Yet. After scanning the crowd, he went on, finding the guard he'd wanted and bringing him back to Crystal who had waited in the lobby. Storm wore a smile, not hinting at all that his mind and senses were elsewhere and that his guard was completely raised. I cannot sleep until he tries. Finding excuses for that will be hard. But I don't want to worry her. "Here we are! The good ol' chap who decided it was ok to let the Queen go without a properly entitled body guard into a large sea of people!" His tone was as if praising, sarcasm and disapproval radiating in it. The guard flushed. He bowed to Crystal. "I do apologize, ma'am. I should have looked into it more, much more, before I had let you go out. Especially since I had never seen your advsior until this day. I will never let my guard down again. I assure you, madam, for my life depends on it." He rose and Storm nodded. "A tour, dear boy?" The guard nodded. "What would you like to see first, madam?" |
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| shadow | April 25, 2013, 1:20 pm Post #18 |
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Choir Boy
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Crystal shot Storm a glance, not wanting to be monitored at all times, but quickly dismissed it all. "It's quite alright." she hated speaking so regally. "Lets see. Where do we keep all the important documents and information?" she asked, wishing to at least look a little further into the request. He wasn't going to give up if he'd come armed and asked the queen directly, and she knew that. They were led back out of the main cavern through a different, but equally armored door. There were several doors along the halls, and they took one, leading down a short flight of stairs and into a room about half the size of central cavern. The walls were lined with shelves, drawers, cubbies, and all manner of storage units filled to the brim with scrolls, parchments, books, and random papers. As the room moved further back, it was apparent the more important ones were there, for it was better kept than toward the front. Crystal stared in wonder at the room. she had never seen this amount of collective knowledge before, not even when she had found a collective in Triton castle of the Paranon kingdom, though she had heard rumors of the Ve Emilin library being twice the size of the Fireion, which was supposedly about twice the size of the one in Triton. "This is astounding. So much all in one place. The only important thing I have ever possessed is the Arcane Scriptures, and that's just one book," She said with amazement. Zakuro caught only a glimpse of Crystal's aqua jacket slip through the door, and he noted that as well. Things were starting to die down with the setting sun, and he knew that soon he would have to leave the castle and the grounds to retreat to the outer city and wait out his time. |
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| Ice | April 25, 2013, 2:56 pm Post #19 |
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Leader
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Storm smirked, leaving the small group to travel on his own, his eyes skimming the titles of documents as he passed by them. "It's really not that big, dear. Don't get so overwhelmed." He gave her a joking grin and picked out a few parchments, placing them together in his arms. The guard looked about to leave Crystal's side, then stayed with her. "What are you doing?" "What am I doing? I am taking a few things off the shelves. I think that is quite obvious." The guard clenched his fist. "Do you have permission from the Queen to do so? Or the Royal Readers?" Storm smirked, his eyes glowing with mischief, as he looked at the guard. "You only assume I'm the advisor. Without proper analysis, you have not only led me to the documents holding this village and kingdom together, holding secrets no one is allowed to know, and you have even let me touch them. I could have even read a few by now. If you reported this, you would be hanged. Now, if you don't have anything of importance to say-" He pulled another parchment. "These are coming with me." The guard lost it and charged at the demon, drawing his sword. "I do not care what happens to me! You will not endanger this kingdom!" A gleam of approval glinted in Storm's eyes and he let the documents he held hit the floor, freeing his hands. One hand darted out and grabbed the guard's wrist while the other snatched the sword from his grasp. He then swung the guard into a book case, though only hard enough to make it teeter slightly, not even fall over or lose any of its contents. Storm looked down at the guard, his famous smirk in place. He bowed. "I am Storm Recair, renounced advisor to Queen Crystal of Watierndo. I was announced and entitled only yesterday of this duty, only moments after she was crowned. An odd demon was spotted near my Queen and demanding rights of some documents held within these walls. I have taken it unto myself to go through some of the more historical parchments on these shelves, to study them and see if I can find what is worthy of stealing so I might make it more hidden and more guarded until said demon is either captured or no longer seen." He rose and flipped the sword he held in his hand, holding the blade and handing the grip to the fallen guard. "You are the only guard, so far, that I trust and I have means of promoting you to a much higher rank in a short time. I was doubtful, at first, when you just let me walk out of this castle with Queen Crystal. But, now, I am much more assured." He spoke with a royal air about him, showing his heritage and experience with his word play and knowing how to compliment lightly so the complimentee is not over-congatulated so much that they would take it as the compliment it is. The guard nodded, nervously, rising and taking his sword, sheathing it once more and taking his place by Crystal. Storm went on and picked up the parchments he'd been holding, putting each one back. "These are of the least important ones. Holding rules that have been renewed and revised long ago. I didn't want to be holding anything important in case you really caught me off guard and they got damaged." He explained, giving the guard reasons and explanations for what he was doing; explaining himself which he'd earlier neglected to do as a form of a test. As he went out and began picking new parchments out, he continued speaking. "You take critiquing well. When I butchered you over something you shouldn't have been punished for at all, allowing Crystal to leave with her advisor at her side, you did not argue against me but instead took it and apologized humbly to both of us. What is your name, lad?" Now the guard seemed taken aback, shocked at this unexpected praise. "M-my name is Charlie, sir." Storm smirked and nodded. "Charlie. Please, call me Storm. I won't have someone I've been purposefully battering call me "sir"." The guard nodded, unable to hide his smile and eagerness at all Storm has told him. Praise. A promotion. A show of equality between himself and an advisor to the queen. He bowed. "Yes, si-I mean, Storm." Storm laughed softly and appeared at Crystal's side, kissing her cheek. "I saw the look you gave me when I had him apologize to you. I wish you'd quit assuming I'd think so lowly of you, my dear." He organized the documents he held in his arms better and, in so doing, he asked Crystal, "Is there anything in particular you'd like to see in here?" |
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| shadow | April 26, 2013, 1:32 pm Post #20 |
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Choir Boy
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Crystal had no problem with what Storm thought of her, but of being possibly watched under the guard eyes more closely than she would like. She would save this comment for later though, when ears were not around. Instead she dismissed what he had said and glanced about. "I would like to find anything that is relative to that name, Manura," She said, somewhat of an obsession about trying to figure out who this was and why she knew him coming to life. "Other than that, maybe something about the lay out of the castle, including all the secrets, and things about organization presently and in the past. We should know as much as possible about our new empire." She also added in a whisper that the guard couldn't hear, "I see how you work your special guard force already." She walked along the rows of things, looking for anything as Charlie set about procuring the items she had requested. Wandering further, she found a large book in a drawer. She gingerly pulled it out and rifled through the pages gently with her thumb, until her eye caught on page. On it were several symbols, one that she was all too familiar with. "I'll also borrow this one. It has something interesting," she called out, reading that title of the book, The Web of Power Zakuro fled from the gates as the party goers who were still wanting to stay were forced out by glittering guards. He stayed his emotionless presences, and they tried to steer him out without going near him, somewhat repelled despite sharing the water. Once on the outside, he began mentally mapping things and planning. He would approach the queen once more, and that would tell the end. Edited by shadow, April 26, 2013, 9:20 pm.
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