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Post by zacharius on Aug 24, 2006 2:57:42 GMT -5
Why don't you go to Karador he said. The city will be a nice place for you to train yourself. damnit Father.
Walking slowly, head down and cowl pulled up covering his bronze tanned skin, and shielding his extreme blue eyes from view, he appraoched the gate to the keep. Everytime he looked up a blur of motion would move by him. Sometimes slow, sometimes fast. It didn't matter, all he wanted was a bed.
But, as customs dictate one must announce himself upon entering another's realm, and so on he walked. Reaching up, pulling the cowl of his cloak off his face as he made his way inside, absently tucking his hair behind his ears as he looked up, seeing the intentions of everyone else in the room. One man walked across his path and then he did it again soon after, continuing across the room following in his shadows wake. Several others went about their business around the grand hall.
Every conversation filling his ears, every single movent caught by his eyes, and then caught again. Slowly he dropped the cowl off his head careful to let it drop over the hilt of his sword strapped across his back. One deep, slow breath. And the boy could taste the air, smell every living thing in the room. And still faint scents of clinging death from the graveyard he had passed earlier.
Zach already knew the soldier was comming, from the first time he saw him turn. His hands fell at his sides and hung there for what seemed like an eternity. Why do things like this happen so slow all the time? He exhaled the breath, and watched as the soldier caught up to his shadow. Zach's right hand moving slowly and respectfully up his index and ring fingers folded down, leaving his middle and small fingers pointed. Comming to a stop in front of his chest, fingers tight palm facing left. Zach bowed his head lightly. "Perhaps you can help me?"
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Post by Diala on Aug 24, 2006 19:49:21 GMT -5
Kalista had seen the boy walk to the Keep; she was standing upon the parapet that looked out over the boards of her Kingdome when he trudged up towards the gate. A faint smile spread on her lips as she watched him, she knew those movements well, the way he seemed to know exactly what was going to happen before it even transpired, he was one of the Legacy, there were a few in her realm now, the stable master, daughter to the last was a quiet child, very grownup for her age; Kalista liked her. She took in a deep breath as he made his way still and then turned on her heal to disappeared behind a great iron door to descend into the Keep itself.
This was her home, Karador had been her place of birth, so she knew just how to make it to the gate by the time the boy had entered, taking secret passages and shortcuts to meet him there. She wondered though if he would see her hurried steps to come and greet him, and she smiled again at her own thought. “Of course he can silly.” She chided herself.
Kalista entered the hall, her attire was that of a long emerald gown, her dark locks tied back at the sides but left to flow down over her strong shoulders. She was a warrior Queen, forced into it by circumstance, she remembered a time when it was her sister’s job to be the strong one, and hers to be the pretty princess that all the boys drooled over. She laughed again as she continued to walk. “Amazing how things turned out.” She said to herself in a near sad tone. She continued to walk, by now the courtiers had learned that she wanted nothing to do with them and their formalities, she simply just didn’t have time for that outside the grand hall where she’d play their little games of gossip and allowed them to try and brown nose her for a better seat at her table. She honestly didn’t care for the pompous, brown nosing addled brained Kinglets and their wives, she much preferred the company of those less fortunate as they were the ones who were real. Her feet then came to a stop, just behind the soldier the young man was speaking to and she laid a hand on the mans shoulder. “I’ll take it from here.” She told him. The man jumped when he turned and noticed who had touched him and he simply bowed out of the way to retake his post on the watch.
“Hello, and welcome to Karador.” She said to the boy, not lifting a hand to greet him yet. “Might I help in some way, perhaps a place to rest for the night, information?” She questioned, her dark onyx gaze set on the boy showing nothing but warmth and welcome.
Kalista was not one for formalities never had been, and she preferred to greet as many of the new arrivals to her Kingdome as she could, the general military knew this though her General often argued with her that it was too dangerous. He also hated the fact that she never wore her armor in public, it was a time of war and there were too many out there who wanted her dead but Kalista would have nothing of it, she’d lived this long doing things her own way and so, though her General would argue till he was red in the face, she’d simply smile and thank him for his concern but she wasn’t going to be weighed down with all that metal. Not many knew her from sight, that crossed her path for the first time, and she liked it that way, it always saved the bowing and stutters she got when they did know. She was, after all, Kalista Karador, Overlord of all the Western countries and Queen of Karador. Her reputation as a fighter was just as well known as her compassion for her people.
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Post by zacharius on Aug 24, 2006 22:10:07 GMT -5
I wonder if she knows?? Might as well find out.
"I would venture so far as to say you could lady." His eyesin stark contrast to hers he knew took her in as she approached the guard behind. He heard her making her way behind the walls, graceful even to the ears Zach mused as he took in her beauty, and the raw aura of determination and power that clung to her skin. She smelled of battle and fragrance, all mixed together.
"My name, is Uichi Zach. I assume from how quickly you hurried to greet me you must know my nature. I am here looking for simply for a small job and place to live. My father wishes me to become a man here."
Sometimes one does not need to see the intentions of others, to understand what they may do next. Although it is nice to see. His head bowed again more sharply this time, in deference to the queen. So fast and so sharp was this simple movement it brought his hair out from inside his hood and bdheind his ears to surround his face, as his hood fell down off his hilt to rest on his back exposing what he hoped to remain his own for now.
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Post by Diala on Aug 24, 2006 22:27:29 GMT -5
Kalista watched him, the Legacy always seemed to bring a smile to her lips and she didn’t hold it back either. He obviously had guessed who she was though not ever really making much of a big deal of it, and to this, her smile broadened all the more.
“I am Kalista Karador.” She responded, inclining her head to him in a friendly manner, her chin moving only slightly downward then back up again, though the smile never once left those lips. “It is a pleasure to meet you Zach.” She continued. “And like I said, welcome to Karador.” She finished that line of introductions happy it was over.
She hoped he wouldn’t take his bowing his head any further and though she simply could have told him to stop it, she wouldn’t, she’d let him realize himself that she wasn’t going to ‘command’ him of anything, less she need to of course. She noticed the sword at his back but made no comment or any other emotion towards it, simply gave it a passing glance, people in this realm always did good to own a weapon, her own Sword was at all times sitting on her hip, though when attired in her gowns, it simply seemed to vanish from sight, no one but her knew where to find it.
“If it is a job you are seeking then I might suggest you ask around at all the local shops and other various businesses that abound here, but that can wait until morning, you look as though you might use a bit of rest first.” She told him, never loosing a step in her voice. “I can allow you to stay in one of the rooms in the Keep for the night if you wish, or if you would rather, the Inn is in town, not too far from here. I will show you the way.” She told him.
Kalista didn’t want anyone to wander the streets at this point and time, no matter who they were or what they were capable of, there were reports of an Unchained in the hands of the Master necromancer and it wouldn’t matter what strengths one had, if that creature wanted you dead, you would be. Kalista’s personal guard was always but a few paces behind her so protection was always there.
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Post by zacharius on Aug 24, 2006 22:48:29 GMT -5
Not very eager to have anyone really accompany him anywhere, his only desire was to announce his presence he would have loved to be able to walk away on his own now. Time seemed to slow down again as he took in his surroundings scanning her face deeply for each movement twice over, slow breath one beat of the heart. His eyes slowly took in his surroundings once more, another beat. Now he looked back upon and smiled as everything caught up to speed again, he exhaled wondering why a queen would want to walk with him. But she did seem sincere.
"Might I ask what it is that has you on edge? Lady, it seems you are trying to protect me from something, or something from me. I assure you I mean no harm."
She's taller than me....
It cannot hurt to offer an arm although her touch will throw him off slightly, but things should be ok. Father never prepared him to be escorted, or to escort a queen anywhere. He tilted his head to one side exposing his neck in a facade of letting it crack. He enjoyed the feeling although his purpose was greater as he let the wasp dart by his head, the small ones alway seem more apparent to him.
He held out his arm to her, as awkward as it would look. This one is different, I wonder if she will accept.
"I would it very much if to learn of your city, however to be honest I need employ in a place where I can do what I do best. You know what I am so I am sure you must understand what I mean. But for now, please let's walk to your inn, and talk." He actually smiled, how odd he liked this woman. "Please?"
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Post by Diala on Aug 24, 2006 23:33:27 GMT -5
Kalista let her smile fade from her face at his question, had he truly come here not knowing what was amiss? In that case she would have to educate this one as to the dangers of Karador, and a great many there were as well.
“I see that you truly have no clue as to the state of thing.” She answered him and was about ready to continue when he offered her his arm. “A walk and a chat it is then.” She told him in acceptance of his offer. She hooked her arm in his, she did not smile again however, the news she was about to tell him was not pleasant and there was no room for smiles and warm thoughts when delivering it.
Kalista began to walk forward with her arms safely in place in his and she took a deep breath. “Where to begin.” She started and then gave a sort of darkened half laugh “Well, it would seem that we have news of the Unchained gathering again, and our local Master necromancer has begun to take control over at least one of them, that is just a small part of it though and there is great darkness surrounding my peoples lives, the dead walking again, the vampires becoming restless and it seems that there are other creatures out there too that have not chosen a side in our little war to stay alive. They are dark seeming; yet they don’t agree with Kaldryn or this elusive Necromancer. But I fear they are up to no good on their own either.. “ She went on to explain to him.
She could have gone on and on about things and she more than likely will, as she didn’t think it is a good idea for anyone to walk the streets without knowing what they can run into out there. However, she wanted to get his input on what he thought of the situation, every little idea, no matter how small, was worth everything right at this moment.
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Post by zacharius on Aug 24, 2006 23:50:13 GMT -5
The perfect place to train. I can destroy these walking dead and evil creatures alike without remorse for what I must do.
"Well I must say you will have my sword in this battle. It is after all what I came here to do."
As they walked on out into the street a small smile spread to his lips. The thrill of a comming battle exhilirating him. Absently listening to the milling crowd of people, not stopping in his musings to see the stares on peoples faces. Only doing what came naturally to him. Moving out of the way of those without his abilitites.
A small breath in then, and two shadows darted past them one dangling a cut purse and a small dagger would come right between them."STOP THERE THIEF!! STOP THIEF.."The voice dying out and the panting of two runners now the focus of his attention. The other in hot pursuit but not going to catch up rounded the corner as the man with the purse really came around this time a the real man being kept pace by the intent of the other a bit to his left.
The crowd parted, and in a scant beat of his heart, Zach spun a blur of speed whirling this beautiful woman around him as he went left and put his back to the thief with an extended arm. He would never see it coming.
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Post by Diala on Aug 25, 2006 3:51:49 GMT -5
Kalista raised a brow and inclined her head once more. “I would thank you for your sword and welcome it too.’ She answered him. She was beginning to really like the fact that she hadn’t had to deal with courtiers all this night and had in fact ended her usual session of listening to complaints and problems so that she could stand out in the open air to take a breath. Had she not, she wouldn’t have met this man and she would have not known his intent for coming here, this was one of the reasons she often liked to greet and meet every new arrival to her home.
Suddenly, she found herself whisked around by his hand and she took a second to recover, when she did she saw what had transpired and in an instant, her sword was in her hand, as if from nowhere, though she figured he’d have it under control by the way he had reacted, it was instinct for her to react in this manner. Her guise of a helpless Queen was dropped and her face turned quite business like, something of a sight with her dressed so nicely and carrying such a big sword that seemed to buzz to life in her hand.
“You got it?” She asked with a bit of a quirk in her tone, almost playful in nature, it was obvious that she liked a good fight but was not so rude as to interrupt one already beginning if she was not invited or needed.
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Post by zacharius on Aug 25, 2006 7:57:12 GMT -5
As the man nearly did rolled off of his outstretched arm with a sick gag of a full speed collision, Zach continued his spin and caught the thief by the front of his shirt holding him over his head in the air.
After releasing the queen he hardly heard her speak nor saw her move, as she was no threat to him, he held out his left hand, thief dangling from his right.
"You got it?" She asked, he almost didn't hear, although her voice was resounding in her ears, the shrieks and screams of thief, and worse coming back to his ears from down the street in all directions. "Yessm," he said simply "I have him."
"Give the purse you stole, if you would be so kind." "I stole it fair and square its mine by rights." "Very well, we shall play by your rules, as we speak your life is mine by rights as I hold it in my hands, quite literally."
His face showing his anger all to clearly at the debauchery of this man he held, his solid bright blue eyes now lined through from cornea to pupil with red streaks.
"I demand a ransom for your life, and that ransom is the gold you took from that man." Nodding towards the man who had just stopped chasing him. "Forfeit your gold or your life."
Please give me the gold. He thought as held the man at arms length, his small frame showing no signs of struggle with the dead weight of this thief. *Plunk jingle...* The bag of gold was heavier than he thought, but he now had it.
"Thank you kindly." Zach uttered as he set the man lightly on the ground as if he were a feather, and watched as first his shadow turn halfway and kind of half walked half stumbled away. Zach retied the bag, and handed it back to the man waiting. "Here you are friend," he smiled and spoke eyes bright burning blue as usual, just like nothing had ever happened.
The speed the strength, he knew no matter how hard he worked or what he did, not a soul could feel his presence, he wondered how Kalista must feel in her mind seeing that and not feeling any kind of heat or out burst of power, other being would have unleashed. He clapped his hands together, throwing a small cloud of dust off of them as he turned back to this woman.
"Tell me....how DID things turn out?" Obviously alluding to hearing her earlier in the castle. As he held out his arm and began walking jovially towards Kalista awaiting her sword to be put away.
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Post by Diala on Aug 25, 2006 14:49:14 GMT -5
Kalista relaxed as she watched him, her first reaction to any form of threat was always to call on her sword and now, as she stood there, the sword in her hand still buzzing with readiness the symbol of the twisted tree of Karador illuminating in hues of gold, and silver, her hand twitched. She quite enjoyed watching him work, her mind was not one to be surprised by much anymore as in her extraordinarily long life she’d seem many things happen and his display of power was not all too surprising at all. She lowered her sword hand as he held the thief up in the air and ‘bargained’ with the man. Kalista’s lips did not however turn up to form a smile until the thief dropped the stolen purse. She was perhaps as thankful for his reluctant payment as Zach was, she hated to kill thieves, it was their way of life, to steal things for profit, and she seldom minded their work, especially when they were steeling from those pompous Kinglets or their wives. . Kalista did however burn the image of that thief in her mind, for further reference, she would send guards out to find him and have him brought to her, perhaps she could make him an offer he wouldn’t be able to refuse in exchange of his current lifestyle.
Zach turned then and holding his arm out to her once more began to walk towards her, she had forgotten she even held her sword in her hand still, its weight a welcome and familiar thing almost and extension to herself. She grinned at him and looked down at her hand, and then the sword simply vanished again. “Oh, sorry about that.” She said to him, her tone still a bit jovial in the light of what had just transpired.
“Good work.” She told him, her grin still apparent. “I just might have use for you yet,” She continued, taking a step forward and once more placing her arm in his. “You seem to have a talent there.” She continued, looking over and regarding him for a moment before returning her eyes to the path ahead. “You say you seek employment, I might have an offer for you.” She then finished her line of thoughts for the moment, and then her began to think about his question concerning her story of Karador’s uprisings.
They walked a bit further when she tugged lightly on his arm to turn left down a long narrow street. “I am assuming you know exactly who I am and what it is I protect.” She stated, once more looking to him and regarding his expression. “ There is a Dark Mage, perhaps more than a Mage really as I would have assumed him dead long ago if he were something un-extraordinary, his name is Kaldryn. He arrived in Karador not more than a few months back, when he did, he blocked the sun and destroyed half the wildlife in the forest with not more than a single thought.” She went on, her voice carrying some venom to it as she spoke of her worst enemy. “This Mage seeks to destroy me and reopen the gate to the underworld, he was the one who succeeded the first time and now he means to do it again.” She continued, her voice growing an edge, her onyx orbs beginning to glow a crimson color beneath the black, just barely noticeable but there all the same. “I am beginning to believe that the Master necromancer that is causing such an uproar about here is in league with him as well, and combined the two are going to almost undefeatable by any means. Certainly I have my own surprises but things are not looking so well at this moment. The Unchained I mentioned, once gain assuming you know the history of Karador, seems to be a fledgling though growing in strength at enormous leaps and bounds. My Executioner is perhaps the most powerful Unchained there is, and I don’t fear her loosing to the child but she tells me that even she can be overcome by this Necromancer she he learn her secrets and so, I can’t risk her confronting the two at this moment, to have her turn against us, all would certainly be lost.” She went on some more, telling more about Kaldryn and the Necromancer that they did not know the name of, nor had anyone seen the man’s face as of yet. He was a mystery to be certain. “What I ask of you is not asked lightly, and I wouldn’t want you to take up the offer without knowing what you are up against, but I am asking you for your aid in protecting Karador’s people.” She finally said, her feet coming to a stop just outside a gigantic building with the words INN burnt into a wooden sign over the door.
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Post by zacharius on Aug 25, 2006 21:55:31 GMT -5
"Kalista," he said quietly not using her title because it didn't seem right to do so, as if she did not like it, "I know almost nothing of you say for now, and of course knowing your position I know what you rule."
Of course as they walked he couldn't help but understand her sword, and her stance. She is the queen of this realm, and this realm is under much duress. Thinking back on it as she spoke of all the things that were going on all around this place, he considered what it is he must do and how it was that he would do it. He did already feel quite attatched to this queen. And he knew he would most likely never go back his father to his stay.
He barely felt the ghostly pull on his arm the first time, and the second brought him out of his reverie as he turned down the street with the queen. "This city seems to be in quite a bit of trouble, but fear not for enemies undefeated soon grow cocky and get defeated." He repeated his father's words almost without thought. "YOu have my sword Mistress of Karador. I will be around, and I am sure you will will be able to find me," knowing full well she couldn't, at least not by feeling for him, "most likely exploring your realm. I hear there are things that I should stay away from, but I doubt I will."
Looking around he realized they had stopped, as he took in the large building with the burned sign. Nice place here...wasn't expecting this. "I guess this is where we part for the time being. I shall come again to the keep on the morrow if you wish and maybe find myself in the employ of the realm?" He quirked up and eybrow in wonder.
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Post by Diala on Aug 26, 2006 20:33:08 GMT -5
Kalista inclined her head once more; his use of her name was welcome at the least. She hated to be addressed as anything else, as it just seemed so incredible silly unless it was in her throne room, there, even Cassius called her by her royal address. “I will look forward to your arrival at the Keep, if you have any problem finding me, just look for the least populated place, or in the garden.” S her told him with a sort of half laugh as she explained. “And yes indeed, this is where we do part, I hope you find the rooms comfortable, perhaps if you decide to stay long enough, an actual home will do better, but for now, I think you will be content in the Inn, the place is owned by a wonderful man and his maids are friendly.” She told him. She’d been to many places where the maids were nasty creatures with a tendency to spit on the ground just to spite you and so, she figured he’d more than likely stayed at the same places as well and was why she assured him of the good hospitality.
“Well Zach, it was a nice walk, and I will see you on the morrow indeed, I think we still have quite a lot to talk about.” She then said in preparation for farewell.
Kalista liked this boy, he was quiet, well spoken and seemed to know a thing or two about fighting, she seemed kind, as well, she could think of a number of others who would have simply killed that thief instead of allowing him the chance to ‘do good’ what he had done bad. Kalista liked that, and he seemed, as well, to take a liking to Karador, or, perhaps it was he simply thought she could use the help, in any case, she did need it and was quite thankful for his enthusiastic agreement to aid her in her little war, but then of course, winning this ‘little’ war, was beneficial to the entire world, so he might just be in it for his own good, and not because of any nobility in his bones.
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Post by zacharius on Aug 26, 2006 22:54:02 GMT -5
It was a nice evening starting. A walk with a very wondrous woman, an invitation to be what he is meaant to be. What could be better??
Yes...what could be better?
"Aye, good eve fair...and fare thee well I pray. Not that I need to with the sowrd you carry. "
I think I shall look around this eve, and find a nice quiet place to meditate and relax, I am sure this inn will be a bustilg place. These were his thoughts as drew his arm away from hers and gracefully bowed lightly to kiss her hand. "Sorry, but you had that coming," he whispered to her.
And with that he drew up the hood of his cloak and resumed his walk into the inn. He wouldn't be there for long at all tonight.....tonight he would go exploring. A few steps away he turned back.
"What time do the gates close?" He asked, as he spuns back, his bright anxious blue eyes trying to find an answer before she spoke, not that he expected to, of course.
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Post by Diala on Aug 26, 2006 23:52:52 GMT -5
Kalista looked down at him as he bent and kissed her hand, she raised a fine brow at his words and smiled yet again. She didn’t comment on his little remark but that smile was enough to let him know she didn’t mind in the least.
She watched him then turn and walk into the Inn and was about ready to take her own leave when she heard his voice once more. She turned halfway around, twisting her body slightly at the center and regarded his question a moment before answering. “The gates will close at dusk.” She answered him and was about to twist back around but didn’t. “Why?” She asked curiously.
She wanted to know his reason, not out of curiosity, but if it was good enough, she could get him a pass to return to the city if his reason was good enough
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Post by zacharius on Aug 27, 2006 0:18:13 GMT -5
He smiled as she asked him why, knowing full well he may have to tell her what she should already know.
"I wish to explore, that and wild places are always kinder to my mind. They say that seeing what a Legacy sees is like living a dream. However, I fear, this is not true. Save for one place. Where things roam untouched by man and the rythm of nature is undisturbed."
These were his true words, heartfelt and pure, he blinked once and lowered his head. His hands crossed one over the other in front of him. "Out of honesty I must say simply that I can come and go as I please, and you would probably be the only one wiser. I just don't wish to do that because you have been alot nicer to me in the minutes we have known each other. When most people see me coming, they treat me like an abomination. Of course my getting in and out would be a nice test of my skill, but I don't think I am willing to be on your bad side." A small left sided grin grew on his face out of pure innocence after he spoke his peace to her.
He knelt then as he was waiting for her reply, and picked up a small insect off the ground and let it crawl around on the fingers on both hands, before setting it back down and looking up at her his face blank of expression to await her answer.
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