The Kingdom Of Medias Res (rpg)

[Ayumi]

*A Young Page moves towards the inner sancturary of the Princess' Audience Chambers. Passing the guards he genuflects once... twice... and thrice as he approaches within audible distance of the Princess who is a veiled figure amongst her veiled ladies and some of her favorite courtiers. Kneeling in adoring humility he waits permission to tell his news*

*The Princess, a slender figure on a richly furnished throne smiles from beneath her veil and gives a graceful motion of her gloved hand* Speak my Gentle Page... Give your message to all who gather here.

*The Page stands and straightening his shoulders speaks in a voice that is as mellow as a well aged honey wine, and as well tuned to richness as a master crafted instrument.*Your Grace, the Princess Klea of Medias Res, May it be our sorrow to offer condolences on your Royal and Faultless Parents' Passing... yet May it be our jubilation to behold you now as the Queen Klea of Medias Res and be part of the escort to Her Majesty's Coronation Ceremony.

*Rising the soon to be Queen speaks* I see that your schooling with the Toubadours of the south has not been Wasted on thee Young Jean Louis.. I am thus impressed by your winged words and look forward to seeing you as a future Knight of the Royal Order.... Come then Noble youth... and escort myself and those gathered here to the proclaimation.

*Jean Louis takes her outstretched hand marveling on how he could forget how tiny the Princess was in stature and built. He a Tall youth fairly towered over her... The Page leads the procession through the sumptious palace halls of Marble and gold to the spacious open balcony that overlooks the Kingdom. Relinquishing the hand of the Princess to the Majordomo, he bows and steps to the side.*

*The Majordomo Smiles and after helping the Princess step up onto the platform so that the Halo-projector can cast out her image throughout the kingdom he gives his Speech to the awaiting Coutiers and Masses* Hail Lords, Ladies and esteemed Gentlefolk of Medias Res...

*Klea only half listens to the speech as her hands figit with the flower shaped jewel that dangles from a silk ribbon around her delicate wrist... Her Parent's demise and now her coronation seemed sureal to her and thinking of them forced her to allow a mask of impassivity to slide over her features not allowing her to cry as the Majordomo reached to remove the veil which identified her as a Princess of Medias Res. Stopping him she removes the veil herself in a small defiance to tradition much to the shocked admiration of the witnesses of the event. And there before all she surveyed and all who survey her , she became Queen.*

[Behindthesmile]

Drion sat on the 3rd floor window sill scanning the crowd, the room that he’s staying in overlooked the plaza. The huge square was filled with people and more are still coming in. “Choosing this inn was a bit over my budget but it does have a commanding view of the surroundings” he thought. The Capital City was bustling with life more so since it’s the coronation of the new queen. Just scanning through he can already pick out several pickpockets already plying their trade “very rusty ”he thought, a shout of “Thief!” made his head turn towards the center of the plaza, the young man didn’t have a chance he was in a densely packed area and had no where to run, within minutes they had him. Drion just shook his head, “I guess they’re going for quantity over quality these days”. Being a member of the guild was through a selection process; pickpockets were trainees and are chosen through potential. The most successful and prominent thieves of Medeas Res are part of the guild. “It seems that the pocket master just recruited a bunch of riffraff just for this occasion, this would be addressed in the meeting most likely, anyways that’s for later tonight”.

He looked at the throng of merchants at the edge of the square shouting their wares and smiles; everyone is taking advantage of this event. Then the trumpets sounded and everyone looked up at the palace balcony attentively. Surrounded by halo-projectors every one stared in silence waiting for the main event. The Majordomo made his speech and was about to take the veil when the new queen did it herself. The people were silent then a tumultuous roar sounded through the crowd. “Interesting” thought Drion smiling……

[SGI]

The bottom floor of the popoular inn, being a tavern, was rather crowded due to the corenation (I hope this information is right). Kain leaned forward against the table he was sitting at, the wood creaking at the shifting of weight. His dark blue lips sighing rather heavily, he hated this assignment, looking at the gentle burning of the candles he thought to himself. "Why did I take up such a risky and unethical assignment?".

Mabye it was the combination of alcahol, and the promise of a large payout, the sort of payout one could retire on these days. He remembers the two who hired him, and what they said. "We cannot allow a petulant child to rule us." reaching beneath his cloak, he felt the cold steel of his dagger.

[Princess Mononoke]

Shadarii stood in the middle of the huge crowd being pushed and shoved every which way. She stared up at the looming castle. Why am I here she thought. Why dont I turn around, leave this place, and go back to my home? No, she thought... there was a feeling.. that forced me here.. yet she knew not what it was. All these people around her made her very insecure. Yet all she could do is stand there. She didnt know where to go or what to do. All she did know was that she was about to see the beautiful new queen. But for what reason? she asked herself. All of the sudden the crown around her stopped shoving and pushing. All was quiet. Then the princess was there... above her. How lovely she is, thought Shadarii.

[Keshadei]

She had been leaning back against the wall of the building in the back of the plaza. Not because she didn't care to get a good look at the preceedings. No, hardly that. Being against this wall kept her from being in the midst of that large crowd who were all currenty bumping and pushing into each other, the mass seemingly having a mind of its own. She glanced up, looking at all the faces in the various windows above her and around the plaza. Chuckling to herself, she turns back to the balcony where all await the new princess to be shown, "This little one is going to have much on her hands." She looks away from the balcony, pushing off the wall to stretch her limbs abit. After slapping away the pickpocket behind her, her attentions are pulled back at the sound of the screams and claps of the crowd. Keshadei once again leans against the wall, her arms crossed. Out of the corner of her eye, she again notices the young pickpocket who apparently isn't very adept at stealth. Looking the child straight in the eyes, she lifts her lip slightly in a slight snarl. As the light flashed off her fangs, she hisses at him almost inaudibly. She chuckles again at the amusement as the scoundrel runs off and she may return her attentions once again to the speech she had missed. She watches the Majordomo reach for the lady's viel, then with a satisfied smile, Keshadei watches the young woman remove it herself. Nodding with the same satisfaction, she pushes off the wall and makes her way into a tavern nearby, "Much, indeed."

[Lord Sastraka Hunnett]

He watches the Coronation with interest, soon, he would make himself known to this court in This new realm he finds himself in.
He smooths out his long Silver hair, mindful not to lower his hood. He continues to watch in silence.

[Cloud Strife]

Cloud moved into the crowd and forced himself to see the princess get crowned. He stared up looking at the castle. "How did I get here...and what am I here for?" he thought. "I thought I had a mission to do..but where am I?" he thought again. "I feel like I have another destiny but why?" He stood there questioning his destiny throughout the dozens of people watching in aw. He looked up and saw the beautiful princess. Cloud looked down and thought to himself "I will protect you...that's my mission...I finally realize this." Cloud rushed himself through the crowd of people then.

[Princess Mononoke]

I must speak to the new queen thought Shadarii.. there was a reason. and all around her there were so many people. How will I be able to find her and talk to her. Surely she would be to busy to see me anyway. Shadarii starts to push her way through the crowd, but doesnt get far. *sigh* Tonight is no good. Shadarii decides to find the closest inn and a room for the night.

[Ayumi]

*Beyond the Palace gates and it's civilized corridors, Queen Klea sits comfortably in her private chambers glad for a little quiet personal time after the pomp and ceremony of her coronation. The Private Chambers of the young Queen reflects personal taste that is as delicate and feminine as the woman who resides there, plush velvet seats and silk brocade furbished rosewood chairs, a four poster bed fit for... no pun intended... a faerie queen, wide doors elaborate and elegant leading to her private libraries, crystal enclosed gardens and bathing area.
In Her hands is a heavy leather bound album, every page filled with halo-projected images of her family. Gazing at the smiling faces of her mother and father as well as herself, Klea feels again a heartwrenching grief inexpressable by words alone. She closes her eyes and ponders quietly on what fills her veins and in her ears she can hear her mother's voice.*

"........An uncountable amount of years ago, in the time known as out of mind, there lived a beautiful Faerie Queen who ruled Medias Res. In her possessed a powerful and mysterious ability to control the Stream of power, something no one before her and no one after could possibly do. She was a Good Queen and desired what was best for her people. Thus she set out to explore the unknown universe and met many realms and dimentions previously undiscovered and having done so worked tirelessly to create a way in which these worlds could come together for the Good of all. The Queen created the system of portals which ran along the Stream of power that not only allowed passage through the universe but also allowed tapping into the limitless source of Magic the Stream of power could provide. This was extremely useful as the Magic drawn from the Stream powered the conversion plants which furnished cities with lights and heating as well as powered ships and crafts of transportation other than the portals.
Not all were happy however that the portals from each world all led to Medias Res first, where you had to transfer to the portal which would take you to your final destination, and many grew envious of the prosperity which flourished there. From that jealously rose a war which ripped apart the countryside of Medias res and many of it's cities. Many lives were lost and it was only with the aid of the Great Hero and warrior-poet Vergilius that the enemy was defeated.
In the aftermath of war, the Queen heeded the advice of her close friend the Oracle and the Hero Vergilius and cast out a great enchantment. The Great enchantment was a calling of blood and power... Her Blood and her power... From there after the female decendents of this one Queen would be what kept the Portal system alive. When one Queen stepped down or died the blood would call to an offspring of that Queen and she who is chosen by the Blood would rule and the Portal system would continue...... If anyone killed a chosen Queen who had no children the portal system would collapse and the light from the stream of power would slip forever from everyone's grasp.
As everyone including magic wielders such as Sorcerors and wizards depends so greatly on the Stream of power, every time a girl child is born to a reigning Queen there is a sigh of relief throughout the Galaxy. A Queen without children is a dangerous thing.... dangerous thing....."

*Queen Klea looked up from her book as her chamber door opened, surprised as she had partially dozed off... Startled she sees someone enter....*

[Cloud Strife]

As the newly crowned queen went inside her castle for some privacy, Cloud decided to head to the bar to get a drink. As he entered the bar, two thieves wanted to fight him because he looked like an enemy. As Cloud explained himself,
they noticed that he was a paladin knight, knighted by the queen herself. He entered the bar and got his drink then headed to the inn for the night.

[SGI]

Looking up seeing the fight that didn't happen, Kain narrowed his eyes. Looking towards the Paladin he felt a sickening feeling in his stomach, a Paladin, the one thing he hated more than dishonourable warriors were the conceited arrogance that was Paladins. Being a Drow, he was always harrased by the self centered actions of Paladins who alway fed their ego's by causing trouble for his self.

Closing his eyes he remembered the worst encounter in which a group of Paladins nearly had him burnt on a stake. Opening his eyes, back in the tavern, he tightly clenched his fist, resisting the anger that was overcomming him. It would mess up his assignment to be executed for murdering a Paladin, no matter how tempting it was.

[Jimbo]

OOC: Oh it looks like I'm coming in pretty late, you guys are so fast! BTW Ayumi I changed my bio, my PM's aren't working properly for some reason, probably my crappy computer.

BIC: Jerii stood at the front of the masses as the new Queen was being corinated. He was stuck on guard duty, and only official knights of the Royal Order could stand by the Queen.

"Hey look some pickpockets," Masa replied.

"I know, but I have worse problems to attend to," Jerii muttered trying to gently slide people back.

"The Queen looks as if something is on her mind," Mune suggested "Maybe she ate a bad apple or something."

"I think an upset stomach is the least of her worries," Jerii replied.

The crowd stopped for a moment, which surprised Jerii. He turned around and saw that the new Queen removed her veil instead of the Majordomo. He raised his eyebrow in disbelief, this was the first time he's seen someone break tradition like that.

"Heh maybe I'll be able to break tradition one day," Jerii thought.

"You don't look like the type who would," Masa joked "You look more like a stable boy than royalty."

"Aren't you guys suppose to be supportive of me?" Jerii thought "I mean, I am your wielder after all."

"Doesn't make you all powerful," Mune said "True strength comes from within."

"Right.....you know I never understand these little sayings you always tell me," Jerii rambled in his head "Can you please explain to me what the heck you're saying!"

"But there's no fun in that," Masa replied.

"Yeah, its better when you do something that makes you understand the lesson," Mune laughed "Then you'll go "OOOOOOO I GET IT NOW!""

Jerii chuckled a bit, understanding what the two spirits were explaining to him. He sighed and watched as the Queen left, and the ceremony was done. Now Jerii was able to have some free time, before he would have to spar with the other squires and knights. He decided to take it easy and hang by the fountain outside the tavern. Jerii sat on a bench in front of the fountain just comtemplating his life.

"A lot has happened these past two years," Jerii thought "I mean, I found Masamune and then the King and Queen of Media Res pass away, not to mention that I'm still a knight in training."

"Don't worry about it," Masa said "You'll get you chance to be knighted someday."

"When is someday...." Jerii sighed.

"Cheer up kid, you just have to wait for the right moment," Mune replied "Great things take time."

"I guess you're right." Jerii laughed.

He stood up from the bench and began to stretch out his arms and then legs. It was about time he headed back to the barracks. Jerii had a test on jousting today and he didn't want to be late. He began to walk towards the palace, but not directly inside of it. The Knight Barracks were located to the west of the castle, and a seperate building altogether. He headed out to the training field where most of the potential knights were already sparring with each other. From where Jerii was standing he could get a good view of the palace and all it's windows.

"Heh wonder what the new Queen's doing," Jerii chuckled.

"She's not preparing for a jousting test that's for sure," Masa replied.

"Hurry up and get your horse!" Mune exclaimed "The test is going to start soon."

Jerii's eyes widened and dashed towards the stabled, hitting himself in the head for forgetting the most important tool for jousting, your steed. Jerii ran back and forth through the stables until he found a black horse, with a white stripe on his forehead. Jerii smiled at his horse, he raised it since it was a pony. The horse's parents were that of Jerii's Father's horse, so he felt a strong connection towards the animal.

"Come on Knight Rider!" Jerii replied opening the stable doors.

He mounted Knight Rider and they galloped towards the training grounds. Jerii's mentor, Sir Gar Makumi was alrady waiting for him. He had an impatient look on his face, which frightened Jerii.

"You're late again?" Gar replied.

"I'm so sorry, I got caught up thinking about different things." Jerii said.

"The only thing you have to think about now is how you're going to defeat you're opponent in the joust," Gar smiled "Here wear your helmet."

Jerii took the knight helm and placed it on his head. Gar then handed him his jousting stick and Jerii galloped towards the starting line for the first competitor. Another squire made his way to the opposite side of the field getting ready to charge.

"Stay calm," Masa said.

"Aim, and don't hesistate!" Mune shouted.

"Okay okay, just let me concentrate." Jerii whispered.

The judge looked to make sure both trainees were ready. Then he dropped a piece of cloth signaling the two to go.

[Princess Mononoke]

ooc: ah i suppose i made it on time ayumi^^

bic:
Shadarii walked into the magnificent chamber. As she was escorted to the queen she looked from side to side and looked at all of the beautiful artwork and the velvet walkway. As Shadarii approached the new queen of medias res, they both seemed to catch each others eyes and the queen gave a slight smile. Shadarii bowed in front of her.

"Your majesty I have come for a single reason though I am not quite sure you can offer your help for me..."

There was a small silence and as Shadarii began to lift her head and look up, the queen spoke...

[Ayumi]

*Getting over her beif surprise she offers the young woman and the page who escorts her, a gracious smile with her grey eyes kindly and warm as she listens to her speak....

"Your majesty I have come for a single reason though I am not quite sure you can offer your help for me..."

*

"Sweet Madame, if there is any way I might assist you then my assistence is yours... Jean-Louis, bring the young lady some refreshments... I think she has come a long way and could use it... Perhaps some Rose or lavender water?And please help her into a seat"

*At his grin she laughs merrily*

"Yes yes I know but we are quite informal today and now that I am Queen I shall decide what traditions are worth honoring. Pray bring that nice soft chair over for the lady and after you've brought the refreshments do go play some net ball in the coutyard.. You are becoming too serious by half ... Seriousness should be left for when you are at least in the last training level of near Knighthood.Off you trot then!"

*Shooing her page away she smiles after him before returning her attention to Shadarii... Though her expression is merry her grey eyes hold a striking intelligence and sobriety."

"Now then Madame... What may I do for you?"

[Belisarius]

...

Nyle awoke. The last thing he remembered was walking down the road from the field where Cormal would have stood, had it not been destroyed millenia ago with his friends. Now, he felt sand and surf underneath him, and the warmth of the sunlight on his face. He heard the wash of a seacoast. Cormal Field was hundreds of miles inland.

"Another trap of Drakart's?" he wondered. It surely couldn't have been worse than the last one. He remembered the townsfolk in Cormal whispering that who saw the ghost would be her next victim, and therefore being chosen by his party as the one to guard over Mirabel, the woman who had been last to see the ghost. After all, how could a blind man see the ghost? But then, in that moment when Mirabel had died, the image of the ghost's face had flashed in his mind...Nyle felt a momentary chill. It had been close. Jeff had finally saved them.

His companions...where were they?

"Jeff?" he shouted

"Mederu?"

"Bob?"

Silence.

Reluctantly, he tried one more name: "Justarius?"

"I guess I'm...alone."

A growl at his side brought him back to reality.

"I didn't mean it like that, Wolf."

Nyle felt a wash of resentment coming from his animal companion. He sighed. Well, at least his weapons and belt pouches were intact.

"Come on, Wolf, let's find a city. I need to find out where on Aiyon I am..."

#

It didn't take Wolf long to find a city--it was fairly close. Nyle was almost reluctant to find it, as he was enjoying walking through the woods. He'd always felt at home in the woods, even before he lost his sight. Now, it was even more comfortable, as his sixth sense always seemed sharper in the woods, and the echoes clearer. The city...it was loud, obnoxious, and often violent. It did, however, offer...comforts. Nyle wondered if they'd let Wolf into a tavern.

There seemed to be a tension around the gates, although the guards weren't turning anybody away. Nyle hoped that he wouldn't be asked to state his business, since he had no idea where he was. When he approached, however, the guard merely said "Pass," so Nyle picked up the pace and stepped forward.

THUD!

"Who put a wall there?" complained Nyle.

"The gate is over here, friend," said the guard in a tired voice.

[Cloud Strife]

Originally posted by SGI@Oct 27 2003, 04:49 PM
Looking up seeing the fight that didn't happen, Kain narrowed his eyes. Looking towards the Paladin he felt a sickening feeling in his stomach, a Paladin, the one thing he hated more than dishonourable warriors were the conceited arrogance that was Paladins. Being a Drow, he was always harrased by the self centered actions of Paladins who alway fed their ego's by causing trouble for his self.

Closing his eyes he remembered the worst encounter in which a group of Paladins nearly had him burnt on a stake. Opening his eyes, back in the tavern, he tightly clenched his fist, resisting the anger that was overcomming him. It would mess up his assignment to be executed for murdering a Paladin, no matter how tempting it was.

Cloud saw that Kain clenched his fist, so Cloud grabbed his sword in defense.
"Here to fight me or kill me? In the name of the queen...I wont let you win."
Cloud stood his his fighting stance but the bartender stopped them both from slaughtering one another.
Cloud looked at Kain and saw the anger and torment in his eyes. "I know what you have been through...I don't want to be your enemy." Cloud said to Kain. "I want to be your ally...I won't harm you...I'm not even from this dimension...I'm merely from a different one." "I was asked by the new queen to be a holy knight...I'm sure you would fit well...if you want I'll put in a good word for you." "But before you try to fight me, if you do, explain to me why you would want to fight me."

[Tora_No_Unmei]

OOC: Didn't think it would harm anything since I did change a little bit on the bio. Now Quinn just isn't a knight yet. Shes still in training. Thats all it is. *shrugs* Its what I came up with to change.

BIC: The squire facing Jerii grinned behind the helm since she had already slapped down the front, lowering her jousting stick, pushing her stormy grey stallion into a run toward her opponent. She relaxed her breathing slightly as she settled into the feel of the run, her body jerking only slightly to stay steady but she didn't worry about being shoved off balance, shifting her grip on the jousting stick the closer they got to hitting, her green eyes peering through the opening of the helmet watching his jousting stick half and partly his body itself.

[Behindthesmile]

Drion walked out of his room, down through the bustling tavern underneath. The tavern was full of life. 2 merchants by the looks of it was sitting by the windows edge, the bald man sitting by the bar a mason. He scanned through the room checking each person in it. He learned through training and experience to determine some ones occupation and condition which helps him pick out potential ventures in the future as well as potential dangers. Looking at the far right corner of the room where the dimmest lights are located he spotted the Drow. “A fighter from the looks of it”, Drion thought. “Hey I’m talking to you!” someone shouted to his left, distracted from his scrutiny on the Drow he turned his attention to the oncoming raucous that’s to follow, 2 bandits from the look of them drunk and ready for a fight. Now interested he looks at the shout’s recipient the man has a scar on his left cheek and from his bearing, Drion can tell that he’s a warrior. But the crest he wears tells everyone that he’s one of the queen’s Paladins. It seems that the rogues recognize the crest too because they started to run. Everyone laughed at the silly way they tried to escape the tavern but was hushed again when the Paladin spoke

Originally posted by Cloud Strife Posted on Oct 27 2003@ 08:33 PM
"Here to fight me or kill me? In the name of the queen...I wont let you win."
Cloud stood his his fighting stance but the bartender stopped them both from slaughtering one another.
Cloud looked at Kain and saw the anger and torment in his eyes. "I know what you have been through...I don't want to be your enemy." Cloud said to Kain. "I want to be your ally...I won't harm you...I'm not even from this dimension...I'm merely from a different one." "I was asked by the new queen to be a holy knight...I'm sure you would fit well...if you want I'll put in a good word for you." "But before you try to fight me, if you do, explain to me why you would want to fight me."*

The Paladin stared at the Drow waiting for a reply and so did everyone else for that matter. As things were getting interesting Drion felt a tug at his shirt, a boy, one of the more successful pickpockets he’s seen earlier spoke to him in thieves tongue “its time.” And ran off, most likely tell the other thieves that the meeting has to start. Drion regrettably glances back at the two warriors and walks towards the door.

OOC:
Theives tongue is kinda like sign language. And being errand boys for the thieves guild is part of the training regiment for pickpockets.

[SGI]

Standing up rather angrily he walked past the Paladin. "Unfortunately, killing you at the momment would be of no benefit, in fact it would be quite the hinderance. I have my own buisness to get to..."

Walking out of the tavern he shudders as he enters the crowded city, he can already feel the resentful gazes on his own self.

[Cloud Strife]

Looking back at Kain with sorrow in his eyes Cloud said "I have no intention of fighting a warrior like you. All I want to know is why you would want to kill me in the first place? I don't want to be your enemy."
Cloud stood still holding that sword that has been sheathed on his back in protection of himself.

[Belisarius]

Wolf led Nyle to the nearest tavern. There seemed to be some sort of conflict going on, but when wasn't there, in a tavern? In a way, it was helpful, since nobody said anything about Wolf.

Nyle sat down at the barstool and ordered himself a beer.

"Actually," he said to the bartender, "Make it two; Put one in a bowl."

"A bowl, m'lord?"

"Aye, for Wolf." Nyle gestured. The bartender issued a puzzled grunt.

"Wolf loves beer," explained Nyle. "I suppose I just got used to it."

The bartender passed Nyle his beer (and Wolf's), and Nyle reached into his pouch. He selected a gold mark. (One of the first things Nyle had learned, after losing his eyesight, was to distinguish denominations of money by weight and feel. EVERYBODY was willing to cheat a blind man)

The bartender examined the coin again. His puzzlement was so strong that Nyle could almost sense it in the same way as he sensed impressions from wild animals ((Thinking of the NWN Animal Empathy skill, although Nyle's specialties would be Hide and Move Silently)).

"Son, what the devil kind of money is this?"

"Pendari gold crown," said Nyle confidantly. "I'm from Pendaran, originally. Actually, I haven't the faintest notion where I am right now."

"So you're not here to see the new Queen?"

Nyle pulled his hood back and fixed the bartender with his sightless, white-eyed stare. "Friend," he said, "I'm not here to see anything. I just want to find my friends again." In a few words, Nyle described Mederu, and Bob. He was unable to describe Justarius or Jeff, as they had met up after Drakart's mages had taken Nyle's sight from him.

OOC: By the game's logic, it would be necessary for Drakart's banishment spell to deposit Nyle's friends somewhere in Medias Res, but I don't want to find them--I'd probably mess up RP'ing characters written by others.

[Jimbo]

Jerii watched as the opposing trainee held her ground and charged without hesitation. He steadied his jousting stick preparing to strike down his opponent when he felt a sharp jolt in his chest. The opponent's stick impaled Jerii's chest knocking him straight to the ground. Luckily, the jousting sticks were made out of a weak tree and didn't cause serious injury. The crowd of potential knights cheered for the victor, then applauded for the effort of the defeated, Jerii.

"Wow, you lost to a girl!" Masa laughed.

"She just mowed you down!" Mune chuckled.

"Hey, women are strong too!" Jerii thought "Plus I suck at jousting!"

"Maybe she should have found us instead of you." Masa suggested.

"Hey!" Jerii shouted in his mind.

"We're only kidding, cheer up, we told you that you still have much to learn." Mune replied.

"Yeah, you're right," Jerii muttered softly.

He dusted himself and got to his feet. Knight Rider trotted towards Jerii giving a short snort. The horse rubbed his head against Jerii's cheek trying to cheer him up. Jerii smiled and patted Knight Rider's head, while using his other hand to rub his chest. The pain was faint, but still resided inside Jerii. He walked up to the squire that defeated him and gave a bow of respect.

"Good job, I didn't see that coming," Jerii smiled.

He then turned around and walked towards Gar.

"I'm sorry Master Gar," Jerii said bowing down.

"Don't worry about it," Gar smiled bringing Jerii back up to his feet "You did a fine job, now go and spar over at the battle grounds and wait for the rest of the squires to finish their test."

Jerii bowed down and began to walk towards the rugged battle grounds where all the knights and squires practice their swordsmanship and fighting techniques.

[Tora_No_Unmei]

Quinn grinned slightly to herself, green eyes watching Jeriis back even as she lifted the helmet off, having already gently led her stallion to the side and turning him to watch the fight for a little longer, looking up when her own Master spoke to her,"Go on Quinn. You don't need to watch this. You already won one fight. I'll call you if your needed again."

He made a gentle 'go on' motion. He was an older man but still had his black hair, tied in a short pony tail and a bit of a beard. Quinn raised an eyebrow at him,"Wouldn't it be better for me to see the rest of the fights? Know what I could be up against?"

Her voice, instead of being soft like any normal womans, instead had a crisp accent to it, giving her still a gentle voice but still a commanding note to it.

The older man couldn't help but chuckle, turning bright blue eyes back toward the fight and waved a dismissing hand,"Squire Quinn. Go on. I give you an order now to go stretch and train with others. Work on your sword skills. Thats where you still need help. Jousting seems to be a strong point for you but sword needs more work."

Quinn rolled her eyes with a murmered,"Hai...."

She stripped off her helmet. She had been wearing only a thin armor instead of the more heavy metal type and left that, gently nudging Arashi {Storm) into a trot, turning her back on the jousting, her Master holding onto her jousting staff and helmet until she needed them.

Reddish brown hair twitching and brushing against her cheeks she searched for a moment before whistling sharply in the direction on Jeriis back before pushing Arashi into a faster pace to catch up with him, tilting her head when she was beside him,"Hi. Didn't get the chance to reply since you walked off before I could. But good fight. Work on getting into the run at once and lengthen your grip on the jousting stick. You don't need to hug it so close to your body. Its better to go for reach since that helps for you to place more distance on your partner and you can follow through with a shove from behind. Haven't snapped a jousting stick yet over it."

She raised an eyebrow and shifted her grip on the reins to hold out a hand,"Quinn Seirei(Spirit). And you?"

[Jimbo]

Jerii began to get flustered noticing the person he had just fought introduce herself so suddenly. He began to repeat her name over and over in his head so he wouldn't forget it, Jerii was never good with names.

"Keep it down, we'll remember the name for you," Masa replied.

"Sorry I forgot you can read you my mind too," Jerii laughed in his head.

Jerii smiled and bowed down lowering his sword.

"Don't just stand there," Mune shouted "Introduce yourself!"

Jerii hit himself in the head for forgetting such a simple thing.

"I'm Jerii Romen," Jerii replied "Pleased to meet you."

He then tried to remember the pointers that Quinn explained to him. Jerii hoped that next time he would be able to at least win one jousting match.

"Thanks for the tips," Jerii smiled "I'm not too good at jousting, but I'm pretty good at swordsmanship."

He then raised his sword up to his shoulders, and patted it on its blade.

"That feels goooooood," purred Masa and Mune in unison.

Jerii chuckled and then restrained his laughter, knowing that Quinn probably had no idea why he was laughing. He then motioned for Quinn to join him near the dummies, used for marksmanship.

"Might as well make use of our free time, and practice striking areas." Jerii said swingining his sword against the dummy.

"So why did you decide to become a knight?" Jerii asked.

[Tora_No_Unmei]

Only after Quinn had slid off her own horses back and settled infront of a dummie beside Jeriis and had taken a few sharp strikes did she finally speak up, glancing in his direction before turning her attention to the dummie,"I did it for a few reasons. One was for myself and to show the boys where I come from that I'm not weak as they might have thought. And for my older brother, Terin. His dream was to become one of the royal guards for the Queen."

She fell silent for a moment as she twisted on one foot as though someone had come up behind her and slashed, nearly tripping over her own swing even as she practiced the move as though someone was there and snarled low, resting the point of her blade against the ground,"Look at me Romen. I'm a squire and I can't even handle a sword correctly."

She shook her head gently, redish brown hair sweeping against her cheeks as she looked up,"I only reached this level through jousting skills, not sword skills. I need to work on them. I can still beat opponents through mere strength if their smaller then me but not always."

She shruged and lifted the blade, steadying her grip, bring the blade until the blade and her hands were level with her right hip before suddenly shoved forward with the blade, sword shoving deeply into the dummy. She draged her sword back, shifting her grip.