| The Prodigal Son | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Sep 9 2011, 10:25 AM (296 Views) | |
| Jordan | Sep 9 2011, 10:25 AM Post #1 |
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No fear
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The siege of Stormgarde had gone well for what little time it had gone, the skirmishes that had started during the beginning of it all having died down to minor arrow trading. The General Beilhen had his tent setup as close to the battle as his advisers would let him, prepared to march into the gates of the castle if need be should the opportunity arise, allowing them to finish it quickly. However, if he knew what was going to become of the day, he would have asked for one far enough back that no one would hear some screaming. Lord Beilhen had found himself somewhat missing his actual troops, those under his command now those that were stationed at Stormgarde when it had fallen. Nearly three legions reduced to barely the size of one. They were a harty folk, strong and resolute in battle, but their tactics were t hings that he wasn't used to. He found it challenging but it was refreshing - he still missed his men though. Phillip especially, though it had been long enough word had gotten to him. One of his oldest friends hadn't made it through the battle his son was at the head of. They would have to give him a general's funeral, he deserved that. He frowned and felt the feeling of nostalgia, wishing to see his army again. He didn't know how much he'd regret that when he finally did. It was high noon when the trumpets began to be heard, the elation of the soldiers raising, and even skyrocketing as they saw what was coming to aide them. The entire Beilhen legion washed over the fields, in rank and file that denoted a skilled leader ready to move them into place and destroy any opponent who stepped out from the darkness of the castle to take them on. At it's head, Cole rode atop a steed of all black, red armor covering most of it's form. The grace and the way he lead seemed remarkably out of character, but then again he had a lot of confidence to feed that fire. K sat atop a horse of all white, no equipment upon his. It was a rare skill to see outside of the elves, but he moved his horse as if he wasn't giving orders at all, as if the two of them had a connection from both of their births. As far as anyone knew, that was true enough. He adjusted his tie as the legion closed in to tie the noose around the neck of Stormgarde, though he knew very well that the lord leading the siege wouldn't enjoy their plans too much. Which made him smile, thoughts of better ways the lord could spend his day dancing in his head, things involving running from rioters and avoiding being impaled. He looked to Cole, his voice quiet as he spoke, "Are you sure about this, child?" Cole turned his head, emotion gone from his eyes. The last week wasn't exactly the most brutal he had seen, by far, but something had changed him. The nightmares, and the loss of his mentor, was certainly high on his own list of suspects. He ground his teeth, speaking through them, "It isn't like we could have decided that back at the city, let alone here. If you wish to help remain silent, otherwise go away." K feigned acceptable injury as a smile grew wider behind his poker face. Good, feed that anger... They approached the camp, Cole breaking off from the army with a contingent of royal guard, the best amongst the troops. Each of them wore armor of pure silver, golden trim along their armor. They each held a spear that looked like it could pierce stone and steel without a thought, and even bring down a dragon if it had to. Each was trained in it's use to a degree that many would call obsessive; That is why they call them Dragoons. Cole approached his faster, scoffing and turning his head as he pulled a scroll from his belt. His father's brow twisted as he saw the mantle his son wore over his own set of silver armor - he was wearing the mantle of a general, red and golden silk lining across a well armored mantle, a symbol of purity on it's surface to protect the user from some strikes. Cole spoke with little emotion, "Cyphirion. By order of the King and the three high generals you are to be reassigned, and possibly demoted depending upon this meeting. The new General Beilhen is to take your place, the king having already passed his agreement upon my plan." His father stood in stunned amazement as he looked to each Dragoon, their poker faces firmly set in place. He drew the scroll from it's bindings and read through it. It had the king's seal, as well as those of the three higher generals, including Garm. He looked to his son, "To tear it down to it's foundation. We are stretched thin as it is. The king has given me leave to burn it to the ground... and anyone within it." His father was outraged, throwing the scroll into a nearby flame, "That is absurb! There are still civilians, people of Archaea, within! This is not how I raised you!" Cole's eyes flashed with rage, his face remaining calm, "Lieutenant Beilhen, there are two very important things you need to remember. First, that you did not raise me, the man who did that is dead. The second, the leader of these creatures is a vampire, and he likely had more of his ilk. The civilians are dead or dying, or worse. We do little mercy by standing out here giving those monsters more time to feast upon them. The least we can give them is an honorable death. Or was your plan to wait it out until they were fat and happy?" Cyphirion stared at his son in shocked disbelief, small sparks of realization washing over his face before he bit his lip, standing straight. He spoke through ground teeth, "My men are yours then.... General." |
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| Seraph | Oct 5 2011, 11:03 PM Post #2 |
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~Monochrome~
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It was around that time that Levin had arrived. It was also around that time that Cole found Levin's fist in his face in the form of an uppercut to the chin knocking the general on his ass. Levin shook his fist after the fact; Cole had a hard chin. "You father is right. There's still innocent people alive in there and until proven otherwise you will do no such thing as burning the place to the ground, understand me Cole? Are we men or monsters? Do you want to sacrifice lives solely to achieve some single minded goal? Are you no better than the Order we oppose? From up here it looks like you've traded the rigidity of your father for the stupidity of reckless child. You're relieved of your command General as the Grand Duke of Albrancht I'll be taking command of the army until you come to your senses. I doubt the king will be against it. He's sensible enough to know when he's being had" Levin spat venom and vigor with every word as he tore Cole down brick by brick then called into question the legality of the document he had brought which was now a charred pile of ashes in the nearest fire. He then shot a death glare at K which could set water ablaze. Clearly Levin did not approve of the man whom Cole had become buddy buddy with. After this display he looked at Lord Beilhen. Levin had heard stories, none of them were pleasant. However the man knew Levin's father, the previous Grand Duke of Albrancht; Siegfried Albrancht. Levin was softer in the face and leaner in the body than his father was at the age Levin appeared to be but Levin himself was no less fiery and impassioned than his father. Levin took a deep breath and spoke to Lord Beilhen, "I couldn't rally the dukedoms in time to stop the king's decision. I apologize. If the document which you burned was indeed legitimate it means Cole will eventually assume command of the army but only when I and the other dukes deem it so. Barring improvement in his attitude the north will have a hot summer day before he is ready to lead anything more than a half assed attempt to make himself look better because he apparently has... daddy issues." The last remark, aimed at Cole, probably cut deep. Levin was in prime mocking form today. Partially because he had another vision without visiting Alcedonnia and partially because Cole's actions put him in a bad mood. A very bad mood. |
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| The Undying | Oct 7 2011, 07:08 AM Post #3 |
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You just hung a vacant sign on your ass, and my foot is looking for a room.
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Politics was no place for Sethaz. Politics tended to create more messes than it fixed, and was often times useless and only a machine through which corruption of mortals bred. It was, however, a necessary evil, so Sethaz and many others who were of a like mind tolerated it and worked around it, which was mostly the only thing they could do. He was bored by the talk, despite the impassioned stance everyone else seemed to take. He could see both sides as effective, regret-less choices. To burn would be logical, the choice to sacrifice the few to save the many. It was probably the better decision. On the other hand, it was immoral to a high degree, and only a cold man could take so much innocent blood on his hands and move forward. It too was probably the better decision. To Sethaz, it came down to semantics, really. There were more important things to be done, greater battles to be fought. This seemed a waste of time. He stood several yards behind Levin, dressed in a way to cover his armor so as to not startle anyone. The sight of a creature his size in plated mail thicker than many humans could lift was daunting. Add to it the adornments on the helm to resemble a snarling demon, complete with towering horns and spiked ridges. Images of skulls had been carved into the tasset and knee joints, rendering him to be considered grotesque, or a bloodthirsty beast by many unknowing humans. The thick coat of blood, some his own, most not, did little to hide the fact that they were right. Thus he was dressed in the long travel coat of a giant, though his was the size that would typically fit one just entering puberty. It was simple, dark brown leather that fell to his shins and buttoned in the front, so as to obscure the armor he still wore. The hulking shoulder plate he bore forced his silhouette to resembled a hunchback, but the job it needed to do was done. The only thing missing was his trusted great axe, which had broken in the previous battle. For a warrior such as him to lose his weapons was as losing a spouse, though he would note admit it, and he was indeed feeling the pangs of sadness, somewhere deep and repressed. He wondered briefly how he was regarded by the humans, so close to a true center of their populace. He decided he didn't care, and thus spoke his mind. Then immediately decided against it. Calling them all dumbasses would likely slow progress. Edited by The Undying, Oct 7 2011, 07:12 AM.
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| Jordan | Oct 13 2011, 06:19 PM Post #4 |
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No fear
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Shock was something that Cole would have felt were this only a few years before, but the many lessons with his teacher had beaten such things out of him. Enemies on the battlefield won't wait for the pampered child of a general to be ready to get back up and fight. He would be left to die in the field of battle. He took the blow, wiping some blood off of his lip as he landed on the ground and began to rise to his feet. When he got to his knee he couldn't help but break out into laughter, "Venting out your anger at me isn't going to change anything. It's casualties of war, I'm being pragmatic. If you have an issue with it maybe you should have hopped off your throne and marched for the warfront before all this began? It wasn't like this was a secret to the royalty." He laughed and shook his head, getting to his feet and looking at his father. Cyphirian simply turned his head away, keeping his hands cupped behind his back. He wasn't giving his son the satisfaction of an emotional victory here. Cole gave up the fight on that, knowing better then to attempt a stubborn stand-off between himself and his father. That was one battle where he knew he couldn't win. K sighed deeply and looked amongst the group, rolling his eyes and speaking offhandedly, "You guys are practically filling the air with testosterone until it's about to combust. Any more of this and I fear we all may be lit aflame..." He seemed to ignore the glares he was now getting from Cole and Cyphirian both, his eyes set upon the castle. His face twisted into a grimace as he pulled himself from his mouth, running his tongue along his canines as he examined the castle walls. He spoke offhandedly, almost as if he was simply speaking to himself, "Not a very good foundation. How the hell did it hold as long as it did? You're using some sort of adhesive on it aren't you? Don't answer that, I don't want to know... You could knock it down with ballistae for Caelum's sake. Why don't we wait for a harsh breeze? Perhaps the collective weight of all of your egos to crash down upon it." He shook his head and waved a few wordless orders to soldiers, looking back and Cole and nodding for the man to get back behind him. He listened, though there was obvious protest on his face. K wagged his finger in the air and let his voice regain it's usual neutral composure, "Whether you fight the order or not you can't stop it in time to do anything relevant. If the lives matter so much to you rush in now with what soldiers will follow and watch while their slaughtered like dogs because you provoked their captors. Whether they're alive or not they aren't negotiating and you aren't getting in unseen, not with vampires. Live with reality, it's coming down." He turned his head back to the castle and his face changed to a curious look, one could even misconstrue fear in his eyes. He turned back to Cole and shook his head lightly, "Regardless, enjoy your night Duke Albrancht, Lieutenant." He stopped when he was close to Levin, turning to look him in the eye, "And before you respond with a snarky remark, do know that we are merely respective dogs representing the master who holds the leash. Eh, Godhost?" His smile perked up as he walked on out of earshot, not offering a wave, but instead adjusting the bow-tie he wore around his neck. Cole waited a moment before following after him. ((OOC: Subpar but I.. got nothin atm)) |
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| Seraph | Oct 13 2011, 06:54 PM Post #5 |
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~Monochrome~
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A lance of light exploded into Cole's shoulder rending armor and chainmail from their place and blasting open the flesh about an inch in. Had he not been wearing armor the light lance would have probably taken off Cole's arm. Levin did not care that he had probably just lost Cyphirian's favvor just now. He did not care what K had said. Levin only cared about one thing, Cole had insulted him. He was about to learn why Levin, despite being so youthful, held such a high place in his country and was the king of Archaea's confidant. Another light lance shot through the air and exploded near Cole's ear. It was far enough that no damage was done beyond some ringing but the heat from it was intense. It was like hot anger licking at the face of Levin's target. "You miserable, worthless, useless, spineless pile of shit. I was told nothing of this siege until my benefactor informed me and I had to drag my army here to stop this foolishness. Understand me Cole? Do you? Or are your ears clogged with K's semen since his dick is so far up your ass I'm surprised you can even walk straight. You are nothing but a puppy. A weak, stupid, puppy who can only travel with a larger, stronger dog and hope they can protect you. You've done nothing but demonstrate how unfit to lead you are. You will not command me or my army. If you think to cite laws and rules remember this, and remember it well Cole; I don't, and never have, followed the laws of Arcahea. I follow my rules and my laws of my people. The Dukedom of Albrancht is my land. Archaea came to me for help. I didn't have to answer. Think twice before attempting to dick someone over again you piece of shit" Levin spat on the ground and stuck his hands in his longcoat's pockets while he walked off to put his armor on. Bastard, I should kill him where he stands for acting so smug. |
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| The Undying | Oct 14 2011, 07:43 PM Post #6 |
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You just hung a vacant sign on your ass, and my foot is looking for a room.
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For being a mountain of flesh, Sethaz moved a nimbly as the fastest of humans, a speed that simply seemed wrong on a man his size. Add to it a lightness of feet and the man could move very quickly, very surprisingly anywhere he felt in a short burst. Currently, he felt like blotting out the sky above Levin as he towered over him, despite the fact his knees we're still bent from the quick movement to block the man's exit. The long, hanging coat he wore was blown open, revealing the bloodstained armor and inhumanly musclebound flesh beneath. His deep set green eyes bore a hole through Levin that was equal parts disappointment and annoyance. Embers of fiery red flecked the green in his pupils, ignited more of themselves with each passing minute. His body was tense, and gave off a faint aura of combativeness, despite his intentions. Sethaz had likely contributed less to group conversation than the mounts some of them came here upon, and he liked it that way. But now? Now people we're acting like true fools, and only giving aid to their enemy, intentionally or not. He couldn't stay silent any longer. His voice bubbled up from deep within, rumbling with the depth and and rare glimmer of emotion he held, as well as an unintended subtle wave of power the flowed just beneath the surface that would itch at the less reasonable centers of all their minds. He first addressed Levin, still trying to stare a hole through him. "Cease acting like an insolent child, striking out at your ally as if you are some brat who did not get his way. We are all equally deep in the shit here, dukedoms and titles are now only something to decorate your headstone with. Wake up, this is war. War is blood, war is dirty, people die. You cannot save them all. Right and wrong are no longer black and white, and like it or not innocents will die because of your actions. It is better to live and seek vengeance than to die next to them. You do the memory of the dead and lost dishonor." He only paused briefly to look at Cole, giving him the same piercing stare. "And you, so willing to base decisions only upon logic and pragmatism. You forget yourself, and your place. There is still yet more to combat than that. Your mentor was skilled and experienced enough to know that, to teach you that. Forgetting his teachings and yourself does him dishonor. Be who you should be, who he wanted you to be. Think on it again, then make the decision." Finally, he turned to K, and stared at him less intensely, more with interest. "And you! You speak reason, yet... why the fuck are you here?" |
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| Seraph | Oct 14 2011, 08:21 PM Post #7 |
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~Monochrome~
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A vein popped on Levin's forehead and with all the grace and tact of a brick he spat at the man, "If you don't get out of my damn way half-breed I'll make you get out of my way." the glare that Levin shot back at Sethaz burned with an intensity that showed he was willing to kill the half-giant where he stood if he continued to block his path. It became as brilliantly clear as a polished glass goblet just how mentally stressed Levin was at the moment for reasons he wasn't about to disclose. It helped that his crack at Sethaz's parentage was dripping with hypocrisy. Levin didn't want to be at this seige. Not now. Not with the visions he was having becoming more intense by the night and being unable to contact Alcedonia for the entirety of the week. Had he truly sunk so low as to need to have the goddess hold his hand so he wasn't frightened or worried? He rubbed his temples in frustration, "Forget what I said Seth, it's not your fault" that was probably the closest that the imposing figure that was Sethaz would get to an apology. Levin walked over another yard or so to sit on a rather flat boulder and rub his temples some more. This was irritating. The campaign against the barbarians was much easier than this. Then again he wasn't having visions and dealing with deities and their affairs at the time. Nor with whatever K was... nor with Cole and his petulance. He shot them a glare before he went back to messaging the sides of his head attempting to make sense of it all. This would be so much easier if he known from the get go of this siege. He could have done something. Now though it was too late. It weighed heavy on him that he was going to condemn innocent lives. That wasn't is way. His head throbbed again. Then what was his way? How could he turn a blind eye to this madness now? Cole had taken the army and even if Levin could replace him the deed would be done. This city would fall and innocent lives would be lost. He could kill Cole here and now but taking a life to save many more was against his code of honor as well. Cole wasn't evil, stupid, but not evil. Inner conflict tore at him like a blade. What could he do? What should he do? He needed more power than he had. He needed Alcedonia's power. All of it. He wanted this over and done with. He wanted to make sense of this madness. The world started spinning before his eyes and before he knew it he was face first on the ground. His body felt hot and the sounds around him distorted. |
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| Jordan | Oct 14 2011, 11:06 PM Post #8 |
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No fear
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Cole was going to turn to respond when Levin stormed off, rage passing over his face as the first lance of magic slamming into his shoulder, causing blood to start running down his arm. Before the second could even get near him, K's hand shot through the air and grabbed onto it as if it were a snake, the mana that had created it being completely devoured and destroying the spell itself. Cole wasn't skilled at magic, far from it even, but he wasn't fond of the idea of those coming for him. He let out a sigh and shook his head, looking at the stunned officers and soldiers standing around them, his nose crunching up slightly, "What are you all looking at? Get to billets and prepare for battle! You aren't here to watch the leadership argue!" They likely agreed, but they all turned to leave with some reluctance in their step. K rolled his eyes and sighed, looking at the leaving duke with a gaze that had some disrespect painted in it before he looked towards Sethaz, somewhat pleased with the giant, "I must thank you for that. You may not have resolved the issue, but at least the arguing over. As if we were saying we were slaughtering all of the town of Archaea and he had to hold the axe... -" he shook his head "-anyway, I am here because I was recently named Lord Cole's second, a Knight to serve as he sees fit to use me. " He looked back at Cole and rose his brow, shaking his head to tell him to drop the subject of what Sethaz had said. He could see small streaks of black beginning to grow up the young lord's neck. K simply smiled, speaking as calmly as he could, "It is the teachings of Bellum that your teacher Phillip were attempting to teach you, actually, Lord Cole. While the how, the when, and the where of the battle is important, the why is the most important piece that will fall into place. A man is nothing without a cause and passion to drive him. While your reasoning is sound, before the battle it may be interesting to know why you fight." Cole clenched his fist, pulling a necklace from around his neck and tossing it onto the ground nearby, shaking his head and walking for the generals tent. K looked towards it, raising his brow and seeing it to be a necklace of a golden sword. A gift from Phillip, likely something to celebrate his charge's learning process. The knight sighed before turning to Sethaz, "I would actually like to speak to you. Your strength is considerable, would you be willing to assist the ballistae and catapults to prepare their barrage? Once two or three waves hits the wall we'll march in behind the rubble and cut down whatever enemies we may find." Levin found himself feeling the presence of something else, something that made the mark upon his soul feel cold. A voice seemed to be whispered into his ear, "Now sitting there and sulking over everything isn't going to fix it, is it? Hm hm, no it won't. At the southeast side of the castle there is a sewer drain, you can enter into the dungeon from the aqueducts there. I will guide you through the twists and turns. Perhaps we could be of help to one another, eh?" The voice laughed, seeming to tug Levin to the southeast. Suddenly he could feel something heavy and powerful from within the castle, something that could either be much better or much worse then a rabble of vampire. Edited by Jordan, Oct 14 2011, 11:15 PM.
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| Seraph | Oct 14 2011, 11:30 PM Post #9 |
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~Monochrome~
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I really hate being jerked around by the gods. Really, truly. Levin rose from his fainting spell and whipped the dirt and grim from his face. Then his hand went to his chest where his soul mark grew cold. That did little to assuage his fears. Like it or not he had come to grow comfortable of Alcedonia's presence. Her smile made him feel at ease and he felt like he could share things with her. She had become his confidant since the last battle. It made him worried that he couldn't contact her. He suspect though that the man, K, had something to do with that business. So Levin did the next best thing. He walked over to his horse and unstrapped his armor. His new armor. It was light and backed with a soft leather that allowed parts of it to be worn under his clothing allowing him to main a stylish air... and a manner of deceit to those whom thought him much more lightly protected than he was. Of course as he changed his valkyries whistled. He'd do the same for them if the decided to strip in the middle of battle. It brought him a small measure of peace. He finished armoring up and then sought out Chreyr. His words to her were simple and to the point, "Lets go make history liebe. A grand adventure awaits." With that he began to walk towards the spot the voice in his head was guiding him towards. You seem knowledgeable from your tone. Tell me the answers to the questions I seek. |
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| The Undying | Oct 17 2011, 04:54 AM Post #10 |
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You just hung a vacant sign on your ass, and my foot is looking for a room.
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Sethaz didn't do much, he felt almost exhausted from his brief outburst. It was as much vocal action as he would normally perform in an entire day, let alone one moment. But it was settled, and that was all that mattered. He nodded curtly to K in acknowledgment of the compliment and thanks, before taking a few steps closer to meet what would be perceived as an actual exchange of words. It didn't really matter, his reply was beyond brief. "I will be the front line after" With that, he turned, and walked over to a man who was working to sharpen some weapons for a contingent of knights. Their exchange was brief, and he answered Sethaz with a point to a carriage that held weaponry and supplies a few dozen yards to his left. Moving there in a b-line, the half-giant removed to large, long cavalry lances and several chains. After working with the chains for a moment, he made a makeshift sling, and placed it upon his back and the lances inside of it. They were by no means his axe, but they would do. Edited by The Undying, Oct 17 2011, 04:57 AM.
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8:51 AM Jul 11