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

[Ayumi]

Ok, the last thread became far too off track of the real story and so this is a new beginning. As we left off, the very young ( And childless) Queen Klea had been about to embark on leading her sleeping country to war after many millenia of peace. She is raising supplies and tracking down old allies of her country.
If you wish to play you have a great many choices including that of Diplomats and leaders of other kingdoms, Knights, Guards, Lords and Ladies of Medias Res, merchants and tavern keepers ect ect ect. Choose and send me a description of your character via Private message.
Here is also a new Rule. Any post shorter than 5 lines will be erased ( Check spelling, grammar and use correct punctuation too please).

Thank you for your cooperation and may the fun begin!

-Ayumi-


*In the royal chambers Klea sits clad in her silky dressing gown. The dark scarlet of the material casts her skin to a shade paler than ivory and brings out the rich stormy quality of her great grey eyes. Few would ever see her in so casual or intimate attire and those few included her Ladies in waiting who double as her personal guard and a young Page who had been at her side since they were children.
Jean Louis watches his Queen with a certain sadness and worry as he rarely sees her so fragile. She is dainty and fragile-looking to be sure, he acknowleges... But usually when she is walking, talking, ordering, scolding, laughing, smiling... really doing anything at all or simply watching in that silent way of hers she always seems so very intimidatingly strong.
Shaking his head at his thoughts he nearly misses her glance and quiet words.*

" We are at War Jean Louis... It begins today."

*Kneeling at her tiny feet and presses a kiss to her equally small hand and comforts her as best he knows how.*

"Your Majesty will lead us through this. In that I have no doubt and when we are victorious we will have peace once more."

*Smiling a ghost of a smile she touches the crown of his curls and watches him with those eyes of winter skies.*

"If you can have hope my Jean Louis, then so can I."

* The two old friends exchange a smile and resting his head on her lap they gaze out over the yet peaceful Capital city of Palatina. Klea passes a small note to one of her trusted guard and they share a thoughtful look knowing who the note is for.
The woman nods slightly but speaks not a word as she exits in search of the dark personage to whom the note and a name so feared that few dare speak it belongs to. When her servant is gone the Queen speaks as she continues to pet Jean Louis' curls without looking to her Ladies.*

"I am ready to dress and see the Diplomats. Let them throw at me what they will...I am ready for anything."

[Amazon_Goddess]

Knowing that the letter was of great importance, and that it must be delivered as soon as possible, the queen's guard, known as Amazon, did not waste a moment to gather the things required for her trip.

Sighing, she loaded her things onto the back of her horse, and tucked the letter safely in a pouch on her sash. Readying her sword in case there was trouble, she hopped onto her horse and they galloped through the town. Reaching the countryside, she slowed the horse down to a quick-paced trot, so the horse could rest for a bit. She lost herself in her thoughts about the letter.

This letter was of great importance to the queen. And it must be, considering who I must deliver it to. Ishamel, known to most as the Dark Paladin. A man of ruthlessness and torture, he sure has earned a reputation for himself. He would certainly be a challenging opponet. And if I would die for this letter, than thats just how it is. I wouldn't mind, as long as I were doing my duty, and died with my honor and pride intact. She smiled smugly to herself. Besides, I think I could take him on anyways!

And with that, she forced the horse into a quick gallop and sped off into the distance.

[lord_saikuya]

Crea walked solemly torwards the his fathers royal chambers. What does he want, I wonder? He turned and walked into the room. 'Father, you summoned?' he asked. Lance turned and had a grim look on his face. 'Yes Crea I did, We have a major problem, Ishamel has been sighted in Namadin. Crea turned white. ' But.... Here? No that can't be..'
'It is I'm afraid. We have sent word to Queen Klea, but i would prefer you visit her. The message says you are coming, but she might not expeect it so quickly.'
Crea nodded and left for his room. Without thiking, he changed to his formal robes with the great white tree incrested on the front and walked torwards the stables. He did'nt start to think until he and his gaurds had left Natalia.
Dear god this is not good. If he has indeed returned then it means trouble for everyone, including Medias Res, the most powerful country of all. I just can't belive this...
He continued on, his mind racing. For such a warm and sunny day everything seemed to have turned dark and gloomy. Hours later when they first sighted Medias Res, a light seemed to fill their hearts and it seemed as if nothing was wrong. But indeed there was, and it was only the beginning......

[haldir-the-elven-warrior]

Haldir walked up a flight of stairs to the Queen of the wood elves. She was waiting on a throne of white wood. As haldir entered the room he could feel the queen was worried about something. He took a knee infront of her and said "you summoned me my lady." She looked at him and responded "yes, yes i did." "I have summoned you here to go to young Queen Klea and tell her we are willing to fight along side her," the queen said while standing up and walking to him. Haldir stood up and bowed politly. The queen shoke her head and said "dear haldir you have served me for many long centuries i know you will not fail me." Haldir looked up at her and she was smiling at him. "I will not fail you" he said bowing agian then left.

[SGI]

The figure shackled to the hard stone bench looked up, his eyes were wide with pure fear, trembling visibly in his restraints. Cold sweat slowly ran down his forehead. The apearance of a heavy black cloaked figure within his vision only helped to cause him to shake even more. The figure held in his hand a long iron poker, gleaming red at it's tip. A deep, booming voice emerged from beneath the shadow of his helm.
"Now, I will ask you again. Which house was it that paid you to steal from the treasury?"

The man in the shackles trembled even more in his restraints.

"I...I don't know".

A cold, cruel chuckle, seeming to echo from all sides at once as two flashes of crimson lights flash from the shadows of the helmet. Pointing the poker towards the man in shackle, it's red tip seemed to flare into a white light.

"I am sorry, but that is the wrong answer".

The cloaked figure pushed the white hot poker into the mans chest, a horrible hissing sound burbled as the mans sweat boiled on contact. The sound was quickly muffled by a horrible blood curdling scream, echoing back to the man in shackles as if it was somebody elses scream. Slowly, the man pulled the poker from the shackled mans chest.

"It.. it was house Tebula.."

The man lowered the poker smiling cruelly. Turning around, he walked over to a long rack of implements of torture, placing the poker in it's placer. The tall, graceful strides he took showed a man rather graceful for his large, heavy bulk. Waving a hand over the stone table, the shackles opened. As the man once shackles breathed in a sigh of relief, he gasped as he was grasped by the throat, as the heavy man picked him up in a single hand.

"Your use is now over..."

The prisoner twitched and thrashed in the mans grasp, screaming muffled screams of the purest agony, before falling lifeless in the man's grip. Letting go of the man, he fell lifelessly to the ground. Turning his head, he saw a small, female servant bowing.

"Sir Ishamel, it apears that Queen Klea has set the path for war..."

The figure smirked cruely.

"Good..."

[Amazon_Goddess]

Amazon finally reached her destination. Suddenly, she felt a great evil presence. I guess that means this is the place... She thought to herself. She walked up to the first person she saw. "I have a message from her Royal Highness Queen Klea for the Dark Paladin Ishamel..."

[Ayumi]

OOC: Amazon just a quick note, can you make your posts longer than 2 lines? It is generally preferred for posts to be 5 lines or longer - Thanks-

*Tired from many a long meeting with just so many diplomatic representatives, the young Queen sits at a very peculiar device. It is a marble pillar with a marble bowl atop it and in the bowl is a swirling opal liquid. Her eyes gaze into the waters focused and filled with intent.
In those waters she sees her favored Lady-Guard manage to arrive safely at the current location of Ishamel. Her delicate pink lips curl into a relieved smile though worry still hovers in her great grey eyes. Though he is volitile to say the least, her soul trusts Ishamel more solidly than many others in her court. But still... He could very well take out a bad temper on her Mia(Amazon).
Chewing her lip she nods slightly knowing that out of of her Ladies she could always count on Mia (Amazon) to act in her interests.. She valued that very highly and so could trust no other in bringing that important message for the good of the nation. Yet if anything happened to her because of this errand the Queen knew she could never forgive herself. For deep in her heart she loved all in her service as a good mother loves her children. The mere thought of injury to any of them made her feel ill.*

"Your Majesty is endangering herself in the gazing pool... Anyone could intercept and attack you."

*Klea glances at her other guards hovering anxiously around her. They are all Noble women of Aristocratic birth, trained to be the finest fighters and bodyguards a Princess, or Queen for that matter could ask for. They are known by many names but mostly they are called "The Order of the Garter" as they see to not only her protection but also many of the Queen's daily needs including her wardrobe.
With a slight nod she gazes for a moment longer passing through the pool a warm feeling of encouragement towards Mia ( Amazon) and a soothing breeze to Ishamel her affection for him enclosed in it before Washing out the vision. Sighing she looks out the window , the skies so warm and clear.*

"My Ladies, Please pass the message around to the herald that We shall be in the rose gardens for the rest of the afternoon taking tea and entertainments... Should anyone, including 'You know who' come to call, they shall be shown immediately to where I am."

*Some of the Lady-guard look at each other nervously at even the vague mention of Ishamel but do not hesitate in curtsying and complying. The Royal Chamber doors are flung wide and Klea, escorted by the Order of the Garter, make their way through the Marble and gold halls towards the Favored Rose Gardens.
The Queen marches forward, her face composed and pleasent as she is only faintly aware of the Herald's shout:

"The Queen Approaches!! All Hail Queen Klea !!"

[haldir-the-elven-warrior]

Haldir walked down to the armory to pick up his armor and weapons. He quickly readied himself then went straight to the stables. As he walked down the stables he was thinking about the worry he felt coming from the queen. Haldir finally stopped infront of a large black stallion who was inpatiently waitting for him. "How are you Dark sky," he asked petting the stallion then went to the saddle rack. Examing the saddles then grabbing a fine black leather saddle. Dark sky finally had it and opened his stable then walked to haldir.

[lord_saikuya]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue]Crea and his gaurds finally entered the city and rode up to the castle steps. Goosebumps passed over him as he looked torward it and an uneasy feeling settled apon him. He dismounted his horse and walked up the steps and looked at the two female gaurds. "I am hear to speak with the Queen, tell her that Prince Crea from Plytori Amorth is here and it is urgent. One of the gaurds then dissapeared into the castle as the other led him torwards the Rose Gardens. He walked quietly, with a solemn look on his face. Ever since he entered the city a feeling has appeared in his gut and he isn't to fond of what it's inqiuring to him. The walked into the center of the entire courtyard and the gaurd turned and went back to her post.
A beautiful woman sat apon a rather large and plump pillow watching a play that was being performed. He cleared his throat and dropped to one knee.
"Your majesty, I am here bringing a message from my father, Emperor Lance of Plytori Amorth..." He looked up at her and waited for her to reply...[COLOR=DeepSkyBlue]

[haldir-the-elven-warrior]

Haldir saddled dark sky and examined him for any injuries he might have over looked then jumped on him. He rode for 5 hours before reaching Queen Klea's castle. Walking to the door he remebered the last time he saw the queen she would not remeber him for she was only a child. "I need to see the queen," he said to the guards who were guarding the entrance. One of them exscorted haldir to the rose garden where the queen was being entertained. Haldir saw he was the not the only one there. He had served the queens of Medias res ever since he was young(which was a about 1000 years before).

[Ayumi]

*Turning from the Masque currently in play she offers the young prince a smile which is both lovely and warm to behold and with that smile she allows her soul to touch and encourage him.
When she was but a very young girl she was given the Title of "Psyche-Calisto" or "The Soul most beautiful" for her ability to touch others with the power of her spirit... a Very Kind Soul which caresses and warms... Brings hope and fills heros with the strength to go on. Using this ability she gazes down upon Prince Crea wishing away the nervousness and bad feelings in his gut and replacing them with courage.*

"Good afternoon Prince Crea and welcome to my court...."

*She laughs sending a thrill down the spines of all listeners her stormy grey eyes filled with merriment at a thought she apparently likes. The Silver in her eyes is brought out by the silver lacings in her flowing gown made up of many layers of violet silk so fine it is called "Butterfly skin"... Her hands wear only two rings both set with diamonds with one of them possessing an impossibly rare brilliant blue violet color to them.
Though her skirts hide her jeweled slippers in an attempt to make her seem taller it is easy enough to know how very tiny the young Queen is... Hardly larger than a child... Still, her aura sparkles with potential power as she uses a little of it to try and put her new guest at ease.*

"Crea and Klea... Our Parents named us to rhyme and so perhaps we are destined to be friends?"

*She laughs again and tilts her head to one side, red curls spilling over her very small shoulder and she taps Crea's shoulder with her delicate Ivory fan*

"But come my dear Prince, May I offer you refreshment and perhaps a seat?"

*Now smiling again she looks at him patient and expectant."

[SGI]

Turning around, he gave himself a moment to study the woman Mia. His eyes narrowed for a moment as his gaze slowly took in every detail of her body in a glance, analysing her estimated level of pain tolerance and general endurance. His mind quickly summarising that she would be a tough one to crack had she ever have to be put to the question. Very well then, all the more pain to be delivered to his dark mistress. He quickly strides over towards her, casting a shadow over her smaller body. He reaches down and cracks a small smile.

"I assume this is in regards to the growing of war, and that my... area of expertise are needed? Oh, I am not psychic if you believe that is what it is. I get much news from the world from my own servants and apprentices. If you are willing to belive there are those who willingly follow the dark arts in this kingdom."

Taking the note in his dark gauntlets decorated with images of the mistress of pain and of men being physically tortured. He opens up the letter gazing at it quickly, and nodding to himself.

"Most excellent indeed..."

[haldir-the-elven-warrior]

Haldir saw that he would have to wait before he could talk to her. He turned to the guard and said "When the queen is done tell her Haldir of the wood elves came by." Walking back to his horse he thought to himself 'i need a drink,' then rode off to his favorite pub. The Dwarven pub was famous for its strong ales and sweet wine. As haldir entered the pub a dwarf yelled out "HALDIR, it has been a long time since i last saw you!" "Still alive master Blanden," he said walking to the dwarf and giving him a freindly pat on the shoulder. The dwarf replied "Yes i am very alive," while punching him in the arm.

[lord_saikuya]

[FONT=Book Antiqua] He smiled a brilliant smile for he felt much better since seeing Klea. " I would very much like to join you, thank you ever so much milady." He sat down next to her and said. " My father told me of you, but never of how beautiful and well my words can't really explain it so... How are things here in Medias Res?" He turned away and looked at the roses next to them he embraced Saidin, the mystical power that allows you to control the 5 spirits of the unviverse and he wove a spell of earth and water. The roses grew immense and arched over the two casting shade down apon them and emmersed them in a faint and pleasant smell of roses. butterflies flickered around the bushes as he turned to her and smiled faintly. He felt it already, she was hiding something for she knew the main reason his father would send him here. But as far as he could tell she didn't realize the gift he had of being able to read a persons spirit....
He sat there watching her as the world around them seem to fade away...

[Ayumi]

*Klea watched in that silent way of hers, her expression still playful and at ease as her soul dances around all in her presence. She seems not the least bit concerned and her eyes dance in amused merriment as she speaks in a quiet tone for his ears alone.*

"You know things... I know things... I won't play foolish games with you if you do not play them with me. Tell me young Prince, what truely brings you to my doorstep and I will tell you that all is well in this the land of magical might. We are at war and very well prepared are we for battle."

*Her smile never quite leaves her face though her great gray eyes seem to have deepened in color to resemble thundering skies. Those serious eyes let Crea know that she is a monarch who will do whatever is needed to protect her people for though they serve her she serves them as well. She will sacrifice her blood, her body, her very soul... embrace the Night and shun the morning though all within her loves to dance along the light of day ...To her no cost is too high for the safety of her people.

Lifting her chin slightly she plays with her fan her movements very like a butterfly awaiting his words*

[SGI]

His eyes flared as he notices the unfolding drama before him. His eyes narrowed as he analysed the Prince talking to Klea. He whispers in his mind tell of the prince's embrace of Sadin, the male half of the one power. His body froze as he snarled at him quite vocally. He had read stories of the use of Sadin and it's female half, Sadir and had heard of the taint of the male half of the source and it's.... side effects. Hearing the whispers in his mind coming from a bracelet hidden beneath his gauntlets, he heard the mistress of pain laugh at the chance of a possible Asha'man actually being among them. Hearing the whispers demands he unconciously placed a fist to his chest while watching the drama unfold.

He narrowed his eyes to Crea, he had to tell his monarch the dangers, although it will be but another dagger dangling over her head, at least she should have the right to see it before it impales her on it.

"Sadin..." he whispers deeply, yet softly.

[Ayumi]

*Though she continues to smile in a split moment as though something or someone had caught her interest ....she sits back slightly against her pillows to gaze around her beautiful garden... a Peculiar expression touches her countanence and furtively she sniffs the air and her lips move as though tasting a familiar presence.
Her delicate hands continue to play with her fan, opening and shutting it, her face a polite mask of pleasentness. But even as she masks her expression there is the faint hint of a joyful deepening in her smile and a sparkle to her eyes. Those who know her very well would see it as the "Little Girl smile". A cheerful openly happy and innocent smile that the Queen no longer indulges and so they have not seen it in so long.... Whose presence she tastes in the air is a mystery to all but the Queen herself .*

[Amazon_Goddess]

"Hmph." said Amazon, crossing her arms she stood there, looking the Dark Paladin straight in the eyes. She would not allow herself to be intimidated by him or his reputation. "Are you going to reply to the letter...or not?" Her voice carried no more or less respect than he deserved. She was a warrior of esteem as well. If she had to fight, she would be ready. And if she had to die, she would with pride. No amount of torture could change her mind. It was the way she was born, the way she lived, and the way she would die.

[haldir-the-elven-warrior]

Haldir was already on his fourteenth drink but was behind by three drinks. They both went at it drinking the pints down fastly. "You aren't going to win master elf," blanden laughed while drinking another pint. Haldir only smiled and continued to drink. The contest continued for hours until they both fell at the same time. Blanden woke up first and laughed for he beat haldir by one drink. When haldir got up all he did was smile and took another two pints drinking them down.

[lord_saikuya]

He sat there looking at her for a moment. He was glad she decided to be truthful. " As you wish. You know all to well that our country has been in plight of a drought and that we are recovering from a war. To make matters worse we have found that you-know-who is appeared in Plytori Amorth. I am hear to ask what is to be done about all of this? We will aid you in any way we can but it must be said that we know of your history with him. And although I feel I can trust you I feel that i should remain in close contact with you. He looked at the young man that was glaring at him. He turned and faced her speaking without words. You know that the Aes Sedai and the white tower will not hold out against him forever. He turned to the man again. So.... You know of the Aes Sedai and Asha'man, be warned!!! DO NOT stand in my way!!!!! He smiled and took a sip of his tea....

[Ayumi]

*Taking a moment to consider his words Klea speaks carefully her smile now something rather of a warning. She can pass so many messages with her smiles. Her hand however never looses the pretty rhythm of her fan play... Open and close... open and close again... light and delicate movements like a Tiger's tail swishing.*

"My....'History' with him? Dear Prince Crea I hope you do not mean to imply anything truely scandelous? After all, your Noble father would have told you well that I am as chaste and untouched as any maiden who can be found."

*She flutters the fan playfully just below her eyes in a manner of experienced coyness before flipping it closed.*

"As for your country let your mind be at peace... after all I can assure you that Medias res well appreciates Her neighbors. I am sure we can find a solution to your problems."

*Settling her tiny hands on her lap she watches him again her eyes warning Crea that she will tolerate no fighting in her presence or in her home nor anyone violating the privacy boundries of her mind.*

[lord_saikuya]

" Oh dear, no I never would imply such a thing." He smiled. " I only meant to imply that I noticed that you have some for of feelings for him. Or at least did at one time." He smiled again and stood up. " Milady..." He bowed and turned to exit. As he walked by he glanced at the young man and then continued on his way. He decided to walk through the city for awhile and went to change clothes. He put on a silver kimono-style robe over a pair of baggy pants and a black shirt. He then headed out into the town. Looking at the many items the vendors were yelling out and trying to sell.

[SGI]

Ishamel bowed to Amazon, gracefully taking her hand and kneeling in a respectful bow.

"Her majesty will soon hear my response in person. There is no need for concern over my response to her. I do doubt she expected one."

Standing up he looked down to her, his eyes instantly analysing her again. Her strong will and mind would be a useful asset to have. His lips turned upwards in what was either a smirk or a smile, on his face it was near impossible to discern one from the other.

"I do belive my lady is in the service of our Queen, judging by your eagerness of reply. She is indeed lucky to have quite a willful young maiden in her service."

His eyes suddenly turned to Crea, hearing his message loud and clear, by obviously some turning in the power. Due to the sensation caused by his bracelet, and the whispers in his head. He smiled slightly, a single, long nod aknowledging his message. Although matters of his realm were of no consequence to him, the use of Sadin was a... useful tool.

[haldir-the-elven-warrior]

Haldir finished the two pints then said "I must be on my way master dwarf." Blanden understood and showed his freind to the door. They both hit each others arms then haldir left for the castle. As he made his way there he started to wonder if the queen even knew of him. He first saw her when her mother gave birth to her that was a great day indeed. Haldir finally made it to the castle and was escorted to the young queen. 'She has grown much since i saw her,' he thought to himself as he entered the garden.

[Nyanko]

Akako's tail swished with suspicion as she sat in a high window sill, staring at the goings on in the garden below. She was always apprehensive of strangers in the castle. Another stranger caught her eye as he entered the garden. The neko looked back at her mistress, still talking with the other man. With a twitch of one large ear, she looked back at the new stranger. Akako didn't like so many strangers near her mistress.

She pounced off the sill and sprinted on all fours down the hall to the stairs and finally out to the garden. The neko found the newcomer and hid behind a hedge, inspecting him.
Elf she thought, noticing his ears. Slowly she crawled over to him, sniffing his heel. He reeked of ale. Akako circled in front of him and stood on her hind legs to her full height.
"What is your business here, elf?" she hissed, her green eyes glaring at the stranger.