The Kingdom of Medias Res II -The Darkness of War-

[Amazon_Goddess]

Mia found Deo huddled up against the wall as she passed. "Hey you!" she said abruptly, wanting to get his attention. "Aren't you coming along? What are you pouting for?" she sighed, noticing that the mercenary was depressed. "Your name is Deo right?" he had never personally introduced himself to her, but she had heard others speak his name. "Well how about we all meet up at the entrance to the castle in about 20 minutes? That should give us enough time to get ready." she quickly bowed and began to head to her quarters.

She passed by Haldir along the way "Lord Haldir, I am going to follow you into battle for your Queen. Queen Klea has already permitted it, so I am ready to go." she said. Wondering if Haldir may be unsure of her fighting abilitys, she said "Don't worry. Just because I am a girl doesn't mean I am weak. If you don't mind, I will meet you out front of the castle in 20 minutes. Seeya then." she bowed, and, yet again, headed off to her quarters.

She reached her room and began to pack quickly, only taking the bare essentials. About to walk out of the door, she forgot she was still wearing her dress. Awww geez... she thought. She put on her Royal Guard uniform. The Queen had made sure that all of the guards uniforms had been finely decorated and elegant, yet also very comfy for fighting. She did a quick mirror-check, taking out most of her jewelry and washing her face, and then nodded, satisfied at her appearance.

She gathered her things and opened the door, then went to the stables.Then she took her beautiful white horse out of it's stable, that she had trained herself, and put on it's reigns. "Let's get going Starshower, we've got another mission." she smiled at her horse. She walked it to the front of the castle and waited for Haldir and Deo. Geez they're guys and I am a girl you'd think they wouldn't take longer than me... she thought, yawning.

[Pretty Boy of Evil]

<Ramarren>

The veteran vagabond scratches himself. His dark tongue flicks across sharp teeth.

"You know, K, I wonder that myself. Then I look at the dung beetles you call courtiers here, crawling about, infesting their little heaps of filth."

Ramarren's cadence slows, his consonants harsh.

"No wonder I prefer dismemberment and failure to this."

His fierce aspect turns decidedly impish.

"Don't knock it till you've tried it. And don't even think about touching my cloak. It might offend your delicate sensibilities. Anyway, aye, I'll be spending a bit of time in that miserable cell you have so generously bestowed upon my humble self."

Pause.

"Aren't you going to offer me a drink?"

[Ayumi]

*Klea shakes her head slightly at his comments about her court but still a smile is lured to the surface by the outrageousness of his nerve and daring.*

"How in the name of all that is holy and unholy do you get away with it Ramarren? I can never seem to get very mad at you no matter how you try to provoke me... And Yes I believe I will offer you a drink..."

*Laughing slightly she glides forward towards him and some impishness equal to Ramarren's brightens her grey eyes to the hue of storm clouds. Dimples deepening she moves closer and closer to the troublesome wretch and levitating slightly she leans in so that her mouth is but a few breaths from his and a moment before her soft ruby lips touches his a little glass of wine appears oneside touching his mouth the other side her own.

With a gleeful wink she steps back her laughter like the twinkling of crystal.*

[Zamemon]

Deo looked up at the wall.His eyes were blank as he stared at the wall.In his eyes are a sort of fire.In his thought this is what was happening.'A young Dea ran through a castle yelling out to his parents.He searched through palace chambers.The ballroom,then the dining hall.He finally ran into the studies.There is a horror stricken sight.The drapes are white lace but stained a crimson red.There is blood everywhere.The young Deo walked into the study and looked around.He saw the table inwence his father would talk with generals and other matters.There was bloody book open.He slowly stepped behind it and he dropped to his knees.His father and mother were dead behind the table.Both of them were just lying there.HIs father had a dagger in his chest while his mother had a dagger in her back.The young Deo runs from the room tears streaming down his eyes.He ran into his little brothers room.The crib was empty and the window was open as the navy drapes were blown in the air.' The vision gets blurring as Deo's muscles tence.

[Nyanko]

After her fifth serving, Akako was beginning to feel a bit full. By the time she looked around again, she noticed the Queen wasn't there. With a quick wipe of her face and paws on the tablecloth, the neko hopped off her chair and slowly crawled her way to the kitchen entrance, her normal path to and from the dining hall.

Akako wandered down a hallway until she came to the queen's room. Her ears perked up when she heard a strange voice. Quickly she bolted in and stood at her mistress' side, eyeing the stranger suspiciously.
"Who are you?"

[haldir-the-elven-warrior]

"Deo, deo are you alright," haldir asked seeing his ally acting strangly. He saw that amazon was ready to go but deo was worring him. "Deo listen do not let the past destroy you," he said noticing the way deo was looking. He wondered if deo was seeing something from his past but he needed to just let it go. Haldir knew what it was like and what he was going through. He had once lost his father, the proud king who was cowardly struck down by crossbows.

[Zamemon]

Deo blinked quickly and shook his head.He looked up at Haldir."Yes I am fine" he said standing up and brushing himself."Say Haldir do you know who that person in The Queens chambers is?" He asked quisitivly.He looked at the amazon and then back at Haldir."Well Haldir shall we depart now?" He asked.

[Tora_No_Unmei]

OOC: I humbly say I am sorry for not posting for a while to Tenchi and Ayumi. I know you two were waiting for me. But I needed to get things done and also really think through my post. So I waited until I had a good idea.

BIC: Quinn watched Jean Louis' face after his question. She'd by passed the compliment, finding she was already pink cheeked and wouldn't want to go the full blooming red in the middle of the dance floor. She thought over his words carefully.

On the turn that led them closer toward the main table where Jerii sat, Quinns gaze flickered to him with a small grin before she spoke to Jean Louis,"I would be honored to join you on the boat tomorrow. I don't think I'd have much to speak of to any ladies so it would be best to spend time with someone I know. But I must ask you Your Grace. Do you think we would be able to find someone Jerii might spend time with? He needs to learn about spending time with a lady. I believe you could teach him a thing about that dear Jean Louis."

She smiled upward at him, releasing a hand long enough to lightly tap his nose before returning her hand to the proper place to continue dancing. She wasn't showing it, but inside the dance floor was starting to make her edgy. All the court ladies giving her nasty looks. If this had been a group of squires in the quarters, Quinn would have delt with the ones making the comments. But she couldn't here. She wasn't any rank that could stand up to the court ladies dancing around them. She was a lowly squire that was lucky enough to have met the Dkue and been invited with him to the State Dinner and also lucky enough to dance with him when all other ladies would have loved to be in her shoes.

[Ayumi]

OOC: Haldir, Amazon and Zamemon... Please post any other story posts in a new thread. Start it up while others sign up for your adventure. Oh and as a side note, if you are planning to hunt monsters I wanted to mention that Orcs are generally friends and allies of Medias Res. Happy playing.

*A dimple deepens in Jean Louis' cheek as he grins at her acceptance and laughing her sweeps her upward in another lift and a florish as the dance ends and he leads her to Jerii so that he might have a turn dancing with her.*

"I would be most pleased to agree to your request as I had begun to think of the same thing. I know a few very nice young ladies who would be pleased to have such a companion to sail around the Royal lake with our friend. I will ofcourse ask the oppinion of her Majesty as well... She would likely have some recommendations to add to mine. But I strongly believe he will be happily situated.

My dear Madame, please remember to hold your head high. In my eyes a squire who acquits herself as honorably as you do stands well above any Gently born noble woman in my eyes as well as the eyes of the Queen... No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

*Pressing a tender kiss to the back of Quinn's hand he allows his so very blue eyes to linger on her face for a long moment before releasing her to Jerii and stepping back a polite distance so that he may escort her onto the floor for a dance.*

****************************

*Klea shakes her head at her cat's lack of manners, but smiles all the same.*

"Aka... Come now pet be polite. Ramarren this is my cat Akako.. She is a little tenacious."

*Offering him an apologetic glance she reaches down to stroke Aka's fur thinking that the creme her pet no doubt drank had made the cat bold.*

[Nyanko]

Akako's ear twitched at her mistress' words. Her head sunk a little when she realized she wouldn't have permission to attack the stranger. Instead she just flicked her tail angrily.
The effects of the creme were catching up with her and the neko began feeling a little tired. She sat down on the soft rug, the whole time keeping a cold stare on the stranger. Slowly her eyes started to close and in a few minutes she was fast asleep, sitting up straight.

[lord_saikuya]

Crea sat in the throne room going over a few things with his royal councilmen. They were deciding how best to handle the food shortage when Narcisis said, "Why not began a agricultural project in the Charico Valley? It has'nt had any settlements started there so it would also start a housing devlopment project as well. The valley is quite fertile due to the Charico river flooding twice a year..." The council nodded in agreement so crea spoke. "So we are all agreed? Good... Then this is what will be done..." The council adjourned and he waited till they left before leaving himself.

As he left he empathically asked Klea if the rumors that the elven queen had dissapeared were true. She had'nt awnsered by the time he had reached the stables so he asked a messenger to go to the barracks and order a small brigade to head for the elven country to see if Plytori Amorth could assist in any way.
He then mounted his horse and rode for Xanti Heights...

[SGI]

As Lady Shira departed the party early she quickly made her way to the second floor of the castle, her. She began quickly searching for a servant. Whom she quickly found, one of the many guest rooms of the castle. As she closed the door behind her she crouched down in a kneel.

"My Mistress, we have pledged our loyalty to your cause. When can we expect a reward?"

The servants eyes suddenly grew icily cold. "How dare you... you insolent fool. You come in hear, with the chance of blowing my cover, and then demand when your reward will come? You fool, leave my sight, and take that person following you with you."

Kira blinked in surprise before bowing and quickly leaving. As she turned the various corners she bumped directly into a tall figure in dark plate mail. Her face grew as white as a sheet as she looked up.

"I..sh..a..mel.."

Ishamel snarled as he grabbed the Lady Kira by the throat and picked her up, the many servants around gasping in surprise. Ishamel glared at them and slowly strode off. He knew the word would pass extremely quickly, that The Dark Paladin had descended upon the Lady Kira, which meant her reputation would be completely shredded the moment he emerged from his dungeon again. Good, very good. He would report to the Queen soon enough.

[Pretty Boy of Evil]

<Ramarren>

A gloved hand seizes the glass and hot breath whistles through jagged teeth.

"Don't push it."

He swishes the dark liquid around in his mouth as the queen's feline pest makes herself at home.

"Another scavenger finds a home here, eh? Never can have enough useless mouths to feed, I suppose."

He shudders and nearly spits out his second sip of wine.

"Vile. Just like this prince whom I hear is trying to stuff his head up your skirt. What's the deal with that?"

Heedless of his dirty boots, the wiry little man crosses the rug and sits down on the first available piece of furniture. A wet belch escapes him as he puts his feet up on something brightly colored and clearly expensive.

[Ayumi]

*Far away from the bright lights and serenity of Medias Res and their faerie Queen sits a lonely and proud castle atop a unbreachable sea cliff. Within the walls of this dark domain sits Prince Aerslan gazing thoughtfully at the portrait of a young lady seated on a balcony overlooking the beautiful rose gardens in Palatina, the capital of Medias res. She is half turned away from the viewer but still she glances back a delicate smile curving her rose colored lips. The smile promises everything and nothing but definately encourages pursuit.

How like the lady is her smile. So very young in this painting was Princess Klea, just turned fourteen. He had known her well before when they were but children and he was sent as a gesture of goodwill between their nations. The very first time he had seen her, the laughing eyes and that smile in a wash of color and forbidden memories. He had known his desire for her long before his father, the King, had announced that he would ask for her hand in marriage for his eldest son... Aerslan's older brother. Everyone thought it a fantastic match, one that would secure the futures of both countries for ages to come... But Aerslan knew better. His Older brothers were all generally interested in indolent perversions that could never make his Klea happy. The very thought revolted him to the core and he knew he had to act fast.

There was no thought to the consequences upon his soul or even that they were his brothers... but slowly... so carefully he managed accidents one by one that allowed him to now be Crown prince and heir apparent. With this little palace revolt in play he now could make his suit formally to the recently Crowned Queen of Medias res.

... Only to be rejected....

How could this happen? Didn't she know the good they could accomplish for their countries and the galaxy? Probably not. After all her grandmother and mother before her had rejected his grandfather and father before him, why would she be any different. Women... They never knew what they actually wanted or what was good for them.

Taking a sip of wine, Aerslan leaned back in his chair and lifted his glass in salute to the portrait, his smile dark.

Well she couldn't reject him so simply... Three women in her family had rejected three men, including himself, in his family. The Insult could not go unpunished... After all, she had belonged to him since the day she smiled that smile at him...

A Smile to live and die for... a Smile worth a thousand lives...*

****************

*Her ruby lips curving into a smile, Klea tried her best not to laugh at Ramarren's carelessness with her furniture not to mention her privacy.*

"Oh the usual nonsense. The Crown Prince of Sassania and his father did not take it so well that I refused him... and so he has declared war."

*All laughter and humor drains from her eyes though her lips still hold a smile. She moves around him to be behind him as she speaks and leaning close drapes her arms around his shoulders and rubs her cheek in a catlike fashion against his, speaking in his ear.*

"War is here Ramarren and I was helpless to stop it. If I had accepted his suit then I would be damning my people to lives of servitude and imprisonment... That I refused damned us all to war and the misery it brings.

There is some sickness in him... I can smell it as could my mother and my Grandmother on his Father and Grandfather when we all refused their offers of marriage. Yet while they gave up, Aerslan looks at me like a caged lion biding his time.

I know what he is like Ramarren and I won't let him have my people nor me. I would die first before I allowed either to happen. I need a deterent that will press the Sassanians into backing off and allowing a treaty. I had thought about... well... The Gaze of the Stars...."

*Lower lip trembling at the very mention of her family relic... the one which had been first created by her Ancestor, a terrible horrible weapon which to the mind of all outside the royal family is but a myth. But she knew the truth, she knew it was real and reading the memoirs of it's creator is teaching her how to use it.*

"Aerslan's father the King has a piece of the relic of which he stole from my mother. I doubt he knows what it actually is and simply took it as a way to remember my mother when she died. Will you retrieve it for me? Will you do this for me my old friend?"

*Pressing a soft kiss to his beaten and leathery cheek she looks up into his eyes her own warmed to the color of rain.*

*************************

"Will you Dance with me Your Grace?"

*Jean Louis looked at the young countess with a faint but embarassed smile. His dancing with Quinn had all but lit a fire under the other eligable ladies of the court and they crowded him in force all clammering for a Dance. Bright blue eyes look at Quinn pleadingly, begging rescue all the while he fakes a smile to the ladies.*

"My Lady I would be honored but I fear I would have a score of your jealous suitors rushing at me on the morrow for simply dancing with you such is the effect of your beauty on the hearts of men. Perhaps some other time?"

*The Ladies sigh and flutter fans delicately and flirtatiously. Jean Louis offers a graceful bow and tries to move closer to his friends still slightly panic filled by the fowardness of the women. HELP! His eyes beg.*

[lord_saikuya]

Crea rode into Xanti Heights and straight up to the small but proud castle. He was greeted by Tamra who wore a silvan dress that rippled in the warm breeze. Small bells were strung through her hair and they chimmed as he embraced her with his arms. "I've missed you, Tamra." she smiled and replied with her soft and sweet voice saying, "And I you Crea... How are things in Plantiri?" He shook his head slightly and said, "Do not worry about such matters at the moment. How is your father?" Her smile suddenly faded and her cheerful blue eyes dimmed and filled with tears. He immediatly realized what had happened and hugged her tighter. "Oh! Tamra I am truly sorry, he was quite the man and I always thought well of him. Is there anything I can do?" She pulled away from him and wiped the tears from her cheeks. Shaking her head and looking torward the rolling plains she said, "No... My brother is taking care of the important matters and for the moment I just need to leave Xanti." The wind became caught up in her hair as it flowwed like the waves on a lake around her face. The little bells chimmed merrily, but they did not have the effect on the two as they usually would have. He could feel her pain, the sort of pain that you bottled up inside until it exploded and caused everyone around to feel the effects.
"Well if it's what you wish, then we may leave at once..." A carriage approached the castle and several armed horsemen moved into position around it. Crea walked her to the carriage and helped her in before getting in himself. the horsemen began to move and the carriage travelled along with them torwards the capital.

***

Vincent finally reached the Valin river, whiched marked the end of his small prefactures' northern border. He would cross it and head straight for Palantina in Medias Res. It would take about another few minutes, but once he was there he could finally begin to fufill his dreams of become a knight of Medias Res. He rode across the clear shallow river on his black and white horse and straight up to the gates of Plantina. Before long he found himself standing on the palace steps in front of a gaurd. "Excuse me miss, but I was wondering if it would be possible to speak with the queen?" He stood there waiting for her reply...

[Tora_No_Unmei]

Quinn saw the trouble Jean Louis was in and since Jerii had yet to speak, she turned slightly, stepping closer toward the group after the Duke. She flashed him a gentle smile before turning her attention to the Ladies around him,"I'm very sorry. You'll have to excuse Duke Jean Louis. He promised to sit with my friend and I for a drink and small talk."

She turned her gaze on Jean Louis, meeting his blue gaze with her green one, laughter hidden deep in her dark gaze. She was having so much trouble not laughing. Finally she held her hand lightly toward the Duke,"Didn't you Your Grace? You agreed to it out on the dance floor. You would come sit with my friend and I and chat with us."

[Ayumi]

*The female guard looked Vincent over carefully and up at the Clock tower indicating how very late at night it is, before speaking.*

"Young sir are you well aware of the lateness in the hour? Her Majesty has retired and is no doubt fast asleep. May I help you with anything however? Perhaps a message to give her ?"


**********************************

*Jean Louis did his best to mask his relief though he was pretty sure it was very obvious in the depths of his cerulean eyes.*

"I am afraid she is correct ladies, otherwise I would be at your disposal."

* Bowing to the women who all sighed their disappointment he as quickly as politeness allowed, moved to Quinn and Jerii's side. Pressing a heartfelt kiss to her hand he murmmers quietly.*

"For your swift and timely rescue I would agree to procure almost anything for your delight... A pearl the size of an egg would not be too much to ask me for at this time Madame."

*Jean Louis truely doesn't always understand his effect on women. Trained in court manners and naturally talented in all things gentlemanly and poetic he often had a very hard time convincing the ladies that he was just trying to be nice and wasn't actually trying to seduce anyone.

The Young Duke's cheeks turn red whenever he remembers the more than one occasion he entered his bedchambers and found one court lady or other thinking that he desired her and had intended to share a bed with her. Mortified it had taken alot of fast talking to get out of those very sticky situations.

Smiling at Quinn and Jerii he motions to a servant to bring a fresh bottle of wine and three glasses. Taking a seat he motions them to do the same and with a nod grins at Quinn.*

"Well Madame? You have me at your mercy, pray do not tarry in telling me of your wants. I promise not to be slow in retrieving them."

[Tora_No_Unmei]

Quinn giggled softly as she took the seat at the Dukes side, reaching up to tap the tip of his nose lightly. It was amusing to see him in this position of embarressment. She'd heard about things that had happened to him. Such as when she was wandering through the palace as a page, running an errand for a court member, she heard a woman histerically talking about something. Without much thought, Quinn had crept closer to the room she heard the conversation coming from. Once she listened for a time, she found it had to do with some Duke leading the lady on and turning her down when she waited for him in his rooms.

Since that time, she'd heard a few different conversations as much, some upset, some angry, and some just confused. She now lifted her gaze to Jean Louis after pouring wine for herself and the gentlemen. She thought, holding his gaze even as she lightly tilted the glass against her lips to take a small sip, eyebrow raised.

She finally lowered her glass back to the table, gently folding her hands and lowered her tone, knowing anyone who eaves dropped would wonder about why she, who looked like a court lady, would speak of such things,"Well.....My armor is in need of repair after one joust with Roman where he actually hit me chest on. Cracked the armor and sent me off my horse. And I should get some new equiptment for my horse, especially the saddle, its starting to tear in a few places from over use."

She figured, what would be the harm in asking for things she needed? She had no use for fancy things. And since she used her saddle often when she practiced and just rode, she'd need a new one soon. And her armor was damaged badly enough that the one inexpensive armorer she'd gone to, had tried to fix it but it was already rusting in a few places and getting a bit small and even he said her best chance was getting new armor. And she'd used her gold on that since she ate with the squires and had money set aside for staying at the bunk house as a squire but she knew she couldn't use that money to get new armor or a new saddle.

She shruged lightly, gaze flickered away to take another sip of wine, gaze circling the room and taking in any women who'd been in the group around the Duke to see some were watching them carefully.

[SGI]

Ishamel emerged from the dungeons, he looked to his left and right, towards the two Queen's Guards. They both apeared visibly shaken, he understood how they felt, it was perfectly normal human reaction to imagine the pain that caused such inhumans screams. He silently walked through the halls his mind looking back on what had just occured.

"So... The handmaid Kylinia Demarndred is who you work for? Very well..."

He strode through the palace until he came to the barracks of the Castle Guards. His eyes quickly scanned the area until he came to who he was looking for. As the more experienced of the guards quickly moved out of the way as he came through, quickly pulling the raw recruits out of his way as well he came towards one of the various captains. He was not one of his agents, but Capain Khalil had proven himself many times before in assasination attempts.

"Capain, by the 178th Charter I hereby order the arrest of Handmaiden Kylinia Demandred, and for all titles, honours and attained ranks to be stripped from her. She is now officially an outcast, take whatever means necasary to restrain her. So long as she is breathing. She is to be placed in the dungeons, you should know where I want her. By the way, do not mind the lady curled in the corner, she will be of no threat. I suggest only taken those who have seen the battlfield in. I don't want any squeamish recruits to empty their well earned lunch."

Turning around before hearing the aknowledgement of the orders he quickly strode up the large staircase. Climbing the long halls he smirked to himself. The old, and nearly unknown charter proved to be very useful, although he still knew he should report his results to the Queen. Although not required in the charter, his powers to string out traitors was virtually unlimited, it was a good curtousey.

Stopping outside the Queen's study he paused before going in. No, he would wait until her meeting was completed.

[Pretty Boy of Evil]

<Ramarren>

He takes another sip of the swill. Dark furrows line his leathery brow. His speech is measured; each word is sharply punctuated.

"Surely you have legions of faithful to do your bidding in this way. This is a task for some brash tool, some dutiful elf in arms, some white knight. A hero to write a song about. Bah!"

The clash of his booted feet on the stone floor resounds. He leans forward in the upholstered seat, resting his elbows on his knees and his chin on his folded fingers. His voice is a salamander traversing the burning noon sands.

"What need have I of wars, kingdoms, and other cretinous affairs? I found the Armor of Enod, crushed the Biswas, mastered the Undercity of Darolan, and stopped the legions of Thaebis in their tracks on the borders of Versavia."

These names are meaningless.

"Such doings of the great flowed through my veins, as swift as blood. Am I even but a footnote in a song in my homeland? Nay, can I not even dwell there in obscurity? Shall my reward be to spend my dotage hunting down more of other peoples' 'terrible weapons', unable to return whence I blundered here?"

He rises like a dark cloud of bees abandoning a struck hive.

"You ask me much, Klea."

[Ayumi]

*Something akin to sadness touches Klea's expressive eyes and Ramarren can see that they hold sorrow as effectively as they can hold joy. Straightening with him she tentatively places her tiny hands on his chest and staring deeply into his eyes speaks so softly her voice is bearly audible.*

"I indeed ask you so very much. I could send some young and valiant knight to do my bidding and receive him or her back slain on their shield for their trouble or worse. To me you are invincible and unkillable and if it is what you wished I would have your name sung from every mountain peek and valley for all your epic deeds in so far away a land as from where you came is.

I meant no disrespect nor you any harm... I should hope by now you know how very dear you are to me, I would sooner sacrifice my own soul to eternal damnation than I would you. Do you not know that Dear Ramarren?"

*Painful sincerity fills the depths of her grey eyes and suddenly she seems to very young and fragile. Taking his rough hand in her own she presses her mouth to his knuckles in a gesture shared only by the most intimate and affectionate of companions... it is something sacred, reverent and adoring... something never lightly done. Touching the back of his hand to her cheek she never takes her eyes from his and allows him a very rare glimpse into her soul.*

[red storm]

As evening came to the grand city, the streets started to quiet down. Except for the party goers and tavern masters (who were making a killing because of the party goers) people were getting ready to catch some shut eye. Therefore, a seemingly seventeen year old girl with dark blue hair and red eyes could quite catch the attention of the remaining crowd. The male members, wich made up for the larger part of people still on the streets, were drooling as the girl walked by, their eyes captivated by the quite formfitting suit that she wore. As she walked by, the same drooling men sudenly threatened to flood the streets as they got a good glimpse of her back, wich was surprisingly not covered by the fabric. The few non-perverted men on the streets wondered why there was such a hole in the fabric? It was obviously deliberate, the work of a great taylor. So why?

The girl payed no heed to the army of drooling fanboys in the street, she was headed for the castle and had no time to play with boys who had obviously never had a girlfriend. She pressed on past the staring eyes and towards the front gate, were she was stopped by two guards.

"Excuse me my lady, but may I know your busines inside the castle?" the leftmost guard asked.

"I am a mercenary, I heard a rumour that this land is about to set up for war. I am here to offer my services to the queen. For a price."

The two guards exchanged a look, the left one shrugged as the right rolled his eyes.

"What would a girl as young as you know of battle?" the left guard asked.

"What does a 19 year old guard know of girls?" The girl shot back.

As the right guard burst out laughing, the left one sighed and shook his head.

"Touché." he said. "Can I have your name? I will need to note it."

The girl nodded. "Firra Sekato."

The guard nodded and scribled her name down on a piece of paper, wich was lying next to the guardpost. He noted her name, bussines and time of arival. This was to keep track of who had come trough lately. Although this method was only used with people of either unknown origin or who didn't have a propper apointment.

"Well then if there are no more problems, I will go inside and meet the queen." the girl noted and walked past the guard.

The left guard reached out to snag the girl belt.

"Just one moment, I still need to....."

The mans words were cut short as the belt he grabbed unraveled from the girls waist to become a tail. A long tail. The tail looked almost slippery, yet was very firm to the touch. It sent shivers down the guards spine, more out of revulsion then anything else

"Hey!" the girl snapped. "Hands of!"

With a short flick, the tail was free from the guards grip, who was too stunned to say another word. His partner, however, was slightly faster of mind. He grabbed his weapon and positioned himself between her and the way in, then pointing the weapon at the girl.

"You're a demon!" He shouted

"Half-demon." The girl corrected. "And you might want to close you mouth, it's atracting flies."

The left guard recovered and grabbed his own weapon, pointing it at her chest.

"You're not going anywhere except the dungeon. We might be able to extract some valuable information from you there. As to who was trying to send a demon assasin and why."

"Half-demon, and I told you I'm a mercenarry."

"Yeah right, tell that to the queen. Hey, you there! Escort this demon to the queen, I think she might be able to tell a few very interesting stories."

As a squad of guards came rushing down the hall and escorted her away, Firra sighed.

"This just isn't my day."

[Ayumi]

Quinn giggled softly as she took the seat at the Dukes side, reaching up to tap the tip of his nose lightly. It was amusing to see him in this position of embarressment. She'd heard about things that had happened to him. Such as when she was wandering through the palace as a page, running an errand for a court member, she heard a woman histerically talking about something. Without much thought, Quinn had crept closer to the room she heard the conversation coming from. Once she listened for a time, she found it had to do with some Duke leading the lady on and turning her down when she waited for him in his rooms.

Since that time, she'd heard a few different conversations as much, some upset, some angry, and some just confused. She now lifted her gaze to Jean Louis after pouring wine for herself and the gentlemen. She thought, holding his gaze even as she lightly tilted the glass against her lips to take a small sip, eyebrow raised.

She finally lowered her glass back to the table, gently folding her hands and lowered her tone, knowing anyone who eaves dropped would wonder about why she, who looked like a court lady, would speak of such things,"Well.....My armor is in need of repair after one joust with Roman where he actually hit me chest on. Cracked the armor and sent me off my horse. And I should get some new equiptment for my horse, especially the saddle, its starting to tear in a few places from over use."

She figured, what would be the harm in asking for things she needed? She had no use for fancy things. And since she used her saddle often when she practiced and just rode, she'd need a new one soon. And her armor was damaged badly enough that the one inexpensive armorer she'd gone to, had tried to fix it but it was already rusting in a few places and getting a bit small and even he said her best chance was getting new armor. And she'd used her gold on that since she ate with the squires and had money set aside for staying at the bunk house as a squire but she knew she couldn't use that money to get new armor or a new saddle.

She shruged lightly, gaze flickered away to take another sip of wine, gaze circling the room and taking in any women who'd been in the group around the Duke to see some were watching them carefully.

*Jean Louis' smile brightens and taking her hand presses a kiss to the back of it.*

"Ah Madame I would be honored to fill your requests... Perceive me your most humble and obedient servant."

*Smiling with her hand pressed to his cheek he knows exactly who to speak to. He shall have only the best of saddles and Armor to present to Quinn and cares little about what it will cost. What good was money if he didn't have friends to share it with?

Realizing the night had gotten quite late, the young Duke rises and offers his arm to Quinn and a grin at Jerii.*

"It is very late my friends... We should retire if we have plans to joust tommorow. Shall I be your escort to your chambers?"

[SGI]

Ishamel's eyes glided across the corridoor as he noted the strange tailed young girl being escorted by the guards. His deep set frown hidden behind his helm seemed to increase. With proper caution he approached the guards who stopped to salute him. Looking down at them he slowly looked towards the girl.

"This girl apears to be in your custody... under what charges."

"Lord Ishamel, it apears this half demon woman is an assasin who was sent to asassinate the Queen."

Ishamel slowly looked over the girl. His eyes took in her form, her figure. Although his red eyes flared with light for a moment his expression did not change.

"She definately has a strong and agile body, and she has callouses from wielding a weapon. What proof do you have that her intent was assasination?"

"Well, my lord, she has demon blood in her?"

"And your point?"

"Demons, are...ev.."

The guard looked up to Ishamel, and suddenly hesitated. Ishamel knew what he was going to say next and smirked slightly. The smirk was cold, and somewhat sardonic.

"You fool. If they wished to send an assasin, would it be a blue haired, red eyed young girl with a tail garunteed to attract every eye in the castle. No, a smart enemy would send somebody who would not attract a single eye until the last moment. Now surrender her into my custody, we shall see the Queen. I am headed that way myself, I have vital news to report. Waste not a moment of my time..."

The Guard Captain bowed his head as he moved away with his unit, leaving the girl in Ishamels custody.

"Yes, I know you wish to see the Queen, a mercenary I believe, judging by yoru humble yet flamboyant apearance. An interesting contradiction. Now follow me."

The tall Dark Paladin began walking at a quick pace.

[red storm]

Firra blinked as she was intercepted by what looked like a high ranking person. Maybe her luck was changing. She raised an eyebrow as his red eyes while glowed for a second while he was looking her up and down when her he was looking her up and down. She couldn't help but smirk as the guard was drilled into the ground by his superior. As he told her to follow him and walked at a fast pace, she followed.

"What do you mean by 'an interesting contradiction'?" She asked.

There was something about this guy... She could feel it, but she couldn't quite place her finger on it. she would follow this guy for now, at least he was taking her to were she wanted to go.