Rufus
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Those who fear the darkness have yet to see what the light can do.
Posts: 183
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Post by Rufus on Apr 11, 2007 23:16:34 GMT -5
Darian Woodlands, South of Midland. Darian surveyed the forest around him as he casualy rode along the path to Midland castle. His men, while wholly devoted to him had grudgingly respected his decision to move on ahead and offer his services to King Osgood. Now his only problem would be to convince the good King what use a Warmaster PAaldin and his small contingent of men could do for him. Perhaps increase his standing's with the people with their abilities to heal? He smirked slightly, he'd offer his services, and keep his own plans for later. URging the horse gently their pace quickened as he approached one of the many villages on the route to the Castle, perhaps he'd work on building his reputaition first...
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Rufus
Avid Gamer
Those who fear the darkness have yet to see what the light can do.
Posts: 183
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Post by Rufus on Apr 14, 2007 2:29:11 GMT -5
CrimsonHeart, Village in Midland Darian smirked, reconsidering his idea's as he rode into the sleepy little village. As he smirked slightly he admired the people of the village he smiled and waved at the kids as they oo'd and aww'd at him. Darian dismounted his horse and looked about the town square. Perhaps he'd start with something simple, tracking down a bandit gang or something, or then again something more humble such as helping to expand the church, perhaps using knoweledge of variouse herbs and rare spices to treat any ill and wounded? He smirked, then led his horse to the stable around the back fthe local inn. As he looked about the village he meandered through the local shops, ignoring the looks he was drawing he quickly found himself knelt in prayer before the Temple of Sol. Dispite the image of high borne noble, He smiled softly at the children before taking the time to play a few games with them before returning and entering the temple. Knealing at the alter Darian cleared his mind and relaxed, "Heavenly father, I respectfully wish to humbly know the path you have laid out for me in life..."
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Post by kitearadarkblade on Apr 19, 2007 9:21:07 GMT -5
Sol The temple priests and villagers were suitably awed and impressed by the strange knight and his entourage. The village was small enough that the forces of Midland or the nearest keep rarely had reason to ride through. When the leader of the small force went to small temple, the priests lingered near the entrance, curiously. As the knight sought his deity's attentions, a soothing warmth passed over him. Gentle affection flooded the man's mind, flowing smoothly through the nooks and crannies. Imagery flashed in his mind's eye. His forces drove back a group of bandits. He donated funds to a struggling temple. His men aided villagers, building and repairing ruined fences where needed. A final image lingered in the paladin's mind. The knight himself traversed the path laid by the deeds in the other images, leading him to stand before a tall, broad-shouldered man in flowing white robes, much like the priests of his order. Golden blond hair flowed over his shoulders, falling into his dark blue eyes. A smile tugged at his lips as he looked upon the knight, his expression full of parental pride and affection. Gently, the sun god would move to gather Darian in an embrace before turning to lead him away from Odamar.
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Rufus
Avid Gamer
Those who fear the darkness have yet to see what the light can do.
Posts: 183
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Post by Rufus on Apr 19, 2007 10:15:37 GMT -5
Darian CrimsonHeart, Sol's Temple. Darian slowly blinked, his prayers, which had been quiet but far carrying immediatly ceased upon his reception of the mental images. He slowly looked upto the Sun gods symbol in awe. He slowly losed his eyes and looked back down, "...Your humble servant is your to command as always Heavenly Lord, Amen... Veritas Vinct*." Standing up Darian pondered the images and slowly turned them, While admittedly he'd done a few horrible things to a very few select evil individuals he now saw a very clear and very narrow path ahead. He turned to his men who'd edged closer upon hearing his prayers cease then the tremble in his voice as he abruptly cut his prayers dramaticaly short. "My lord, Are thee okay?" Darian looked up from his thoughts, having stood and begun regarding Sol's Symbol within the temple with a smile. He turnes slowly, a smile adorning his face, "Make preperations - We'll be staying here for a time - See if the local inn has room to spare for the three of us. The humblest Quarters - and pay generously for them, We start here." As Darian flowed past his men He approached the coffers of the temple and tithed what would likely have been three years tithe for three temples like this in a larger city. He bowed respectfully to the preists, "I am Warmaster Paladin Darian CrimsonHeart, I am humbled and awed at the piety of your temple, It is truly blessed by the worshippers of Sol." He continued along and eyed the village, it did indeed need some help and could benefit from some gentle guidance. It was early morning, perfect almost. He looked about with a new view and slowly strode towards the town center to look about and regard the social gatherings of the morning, he slowly approached a gathering of man, the elders of the village he assumed by the way they chattered about the growing season and the near perfect weather, "Excuse me, sirs. My men and myself have come a long way and would like to know how we may assist with the village? We ask for nothing in return for helping to do Sol's work amongst the people."
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Rufus
Avid Gamer
Those who fear the darkness have yet to see what the light can do.
Posts: 183
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Post by Rufus on Apr 22, 2007 9:14:05 GMT -5
Darian, Village in MidLand As Darian and his men whiped the sweat from their brow they could only smirk in amusment as the group of bandit milling about their own camp. Darian had decided to one up them before they could reap the rewards of their trade. Darian looked to his two followers with a slight frown, "Either of you wish to back down and leave may do so now. The odds are in our favour." The man cracked slight grins, They knew their jobs as Paladin's. PRotecting the weak and innocent. Preaching Sol's word and helping where they could. This qualified under protecting. The three men descended upon the small camp like unleashed angels of wrath. Striking with swiftness of a plain hunter the three men were soon hauling the unconciouse members of the bandit camp. "Place them in the jail...We'll let the kings men come and collect them."
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Rufus
Avid Gamer
Those who fear the darkness have yet to see what the light can do.
Posts: 183
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Post by Rufus on Apr 26, 2007 23:26:22 GMT -5
LionHeart & Lyn, Southern MidLand Chris whiped the sweat from his forehead as he and a trio of villagers finished erecting a cattle pen's fences. The mans broad suntanned shoulder belied his age as he toiled next to men who looked older than he. Once the posts had been pounded and the fencing finished LionHeart paused and grinned, their work complete by noon. As he waved his goobyes he hefted his greatsword and shouldered it for the trek back into the village with the men to see what the women of the village had prepared for their midday meal. The Wild Boar Inn/Tavern was lively as the people geared up for the feastivites to come in the enxt day, The harvest had been plentiful and the stores were fat. Though LionHearts mind was on the reports of a bandit group that had begun snooping around the edges of his lands. A friend of his was currently out tracking them with the skills and grace only a plainsmen had when it came to it. He smiled and waved the small lass over as she arrived, sweat beading along her forehead, evidently she'd run a long ways to find him here, "Yes Lady Lyn?" She shot him a glance, while she was only temporarily in his employ she chafed at his teasing use of the honorific 'Lady'. Waving off the comment Lyn huffed, "I found them early this morning, while you were playing the good lord I overheard their plans to attack the stores on the outskirts this evening. They're about twenty strong. Yourself an I may, MAY be able to handle them. LionHearts smile caught her offguard as he waved the nearest barmaid over to refill his mug of ale, "I've four others here with me in the inn in full kit. And I've already pllaned a defence off what you just informed me of - relaxe, enjoy a few moments of rest." Bandits were increasing in numbers in the surrounding lands, the king didn't have the amount of sway this far down as he thought he did. And thankfully to LionHearts efforts their numbers were kept low in this particularly small plot of land. Lyn had to admit, the man was good, almost to the point of precognition sometimes. She owed his men a debt for comeing to the aid of herself and her fellow clansmen as they traveled through his domain. Her clanmates had grudgingly gone ahead back towards the plains, minus their beloved leader. She settled down to a small mug of ale and downed it quickly.
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Rufus
Avid Gamer
Those who fear the darkness have yet to see what the light can do.
Posts: 183
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Post by Rufus on May 2, 2007 11:03:52 GMT -5
LionHeart & Lyn, Bandit camp, a few hours later. LionHeart's men surrounded the camp as the bandits cleaned their gear and weapons, the sentries lay dead at their posts, Lyn had not even bothered to ask for their surrender. She nocked a bow and snarled softly, her hand itched to let it go, if these men hadn't been with them then she'd have changed on the spot and tore through them all. But LionHeart stilled her hand shaking his head. He stepped into the open and adresses the camp at large once he'd made it within range to be heard loudly, "Surrender and you'll be jailed and trialed. But treated with dignity and respect." He was cut short by a the call to arms and a surge of bandits in variouse stages of undress. An arrow dropped the first man before he even made it a step. The knights emerged from the tree and came to their leaders help. The sounds of battle carried to the village nearby as they prayed for the best, LionHeart had forgone the plan to defend and instead attacked. Lyn grinned feraly, her bow on her back and her sword bathed in blood as she was too. She fought exatly as most people though - mercilessly and savagly. At the end of it all she sad cleaning her sword of blood atop a pile of bodies. she snorted slightly as the ones who'd surrendered were led off. Unknowing to them both a figure limped through the woods, bearing near horrific wounds. A twisted plan forming in the mans mind as he mad his way to Midland castle in stolen pesants garb.
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Rufus
Avid Gamer
Those who fear the darkness have yet to see what the light can do.
Posts: 183
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Post by Rufus on May 3, 2007 22:59:53 GMT -5
The summons... The bandit held his chest and sides before the king, wheezing and hacking blood into a dirty rag the clerics held before him, "hats when 'Sir' LionHearts men and savage descended upon my family and friends in the clearing. My leige, I barely escaped by playing dead and hiding amongst the bodies after LionHeart himself struck me down." The missive had already been sent summoning LionHeart himself and the savage he had fought with to be tried and likely executed. This type of savagry and butchery wouldn't abide in this land. Countless other missive's had been sent, including to The Paladin in the nearby village. Darian... Darian read the sealed envelope with an arched eyebrow. He was being summond to the castle to bear witness on a trial. This would be interesting. He knew the man on trial personaly. Sir LionHeart would never have waivered from his teachings and virtues. He smiled and tucked the missive away, his men were busy, a quick round informend them and he was once again on his way, after tithing the temple and a short prayer for Sol to protet his men and the village while he was away. Lyn & LionHeart LionHeart arched an eyebrow, a days hard riding would put him within the capitol itself. Which was exactly what himslf and Lyn were doing at this moment. The messanger had run himself to near death to reach him. Lyn sat atop her horse with a scowl on her face, it ruined her beauty, truly. She glanced to LionHeart and snarled something he half-heard, "Yes, I agree. Evidently somethings amiss." He lookedto the bound bandit across the back of lyn's horse. She'd knocked the man soundly into next week when he refused to accompany them. Hopefully the tribal garbed woman would be able to hold back her temper while in the capitol.
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Post by kitearadarkblade on May 8, 2007 11:11:09 GMT -5
Midland
Clement Sol's Temple
The bells of the temple rang out, their sound full of light and cheer. The nobles of the woodlands, particularly those residing in Midland, had donated a fair sum for those bells. With huge bells, stained glass windows and new hard wood floors, the temple in Midland was the grandest temple to Sol in all the woodlands. Perhaps in all the world. Outside of the temple, priests devoted to the sun god stood waiting to greet those that would file in for the Sun’s Glory service. When the sun rose to its peak, the faithful would be gathered within to sing His praises. Already, Clement waited in the main room of the temple. He stood at the head of the room, beneath a stained glass depiction of the sun. As people entered the room, they could see the High Priest silhouetted against the brilliant colors. Clement stifled a frown, looking out over the assembled nobles and the commoners only just beginning to file into the temple to stand where they could. If only we could schedule more services, he thought with a flash of irritation. One for the nobles and another for the commoners… Mandatory… Daily! A feverish gleam entered his eyes; one that was apparent more and more often. Some passed it off as zeal. “Brothers. Sisters,” he began, his voice smooth and silky. Insidious, one might say. “Let us give thanks to the Father.” Sybille & William Torrence Roland’s castle [/center] Sybelle shot a dark look toward the open window of her sitting room. The bells rang clearly, even within Roland’s castle. While she usually rather enjoyed the sound of bells, knowing where this sound came from and what it meant drove anger and fear through the normally calm and compassionate woman. Each time that they made the trip to Midland, that manwas more imposing and troublesome. She hadn’t thought that Clement could get much worse than his attempts to murder Zathaneal as a boy, but he constantly proved her wrong. The man was a menace. Sybelle forced herself to relax, sighing softly. The incident with Zathaneal had been long ago now. The boy was safely back at Torrence Keep, maintaining the household in his father’s stead. The boy, she scoffed. The boy is very nearly man, and I’d do well to remember it. She couldn’t help it. He was her only son and William’s heir. Even if he wasn’t theirs by blood, they both loved him all the same. She wondered how he was, though she had no doubt that he had things well in hand. Even without missing her children, Sybelle had more than one reason to wish to return home from Midland. Torrence Keep was her ancestral home, not William’s. He could never miss it the same way that she did when away at court. Fortunately, neither did he resent the fact as some lord knights may. Most often, he was content to allow his lady to forego accompanying him to court. This particular trip, she had come of her own choice. Zathaneal needed experience running things on his own. A light knock at the door drew the woman’s attention back to her surroundings. “Enter,” she called back, smoothing her expression. The door swung open with a soft sound and even before she turned, the metallic clank of armor told her who had entered. Another smile graced her lips as she turned. “Welcome, my lord.” She curtsied formally to the man, an affection entering her eyes. “My lady.” The broad-shouldered knight replied, crossing the room to claim her hand and bow over it. Sybelle colored artfully, more than willing to play The Game with her lord husband. Although theirs was an arranged marriage, true affection and even love had developed between them. “How fares my lady?” Sybelle’s expression darkened faintly as she withdrew her hand. William perked an eyebrow, reaching to draw her to one of the chairs in the sitting room. As he coaxed her to sit, he moved behind the chair, his hands resting on her shoulders comfortingly. She drew a deep breath before speaking. “I am well, my lord,” she began softly. “I merely miss home. And wish a reprieve from Clement and his accursed bells!” Her voice slowly rose with vehemence. William frowned thoughtfully, moving to kneel before her chair carefully. Again claiming her hands, he shook his head slightly., his voice warm with concern. “I am sorry, lady love. I should have thought to warn you. He becomes more and more vocal.” William sighed, shaking his head. “And now, this business with Sir Lionheart… I’m not sure what he may spout out next. Do you wish to return home? An escort can be assemb-” Sybelle shook her head, waving off his offer. “”No… no, William. I will remain.” King Roland Roland's Castle The King paced the length of his room, frowning thoughtfully. This was certainly not how he wished to spend his day. Reports of his vassals brutalizing peasants, his High Priest pushing for more and more authority, his head pounding. An escort of guards would meet the lord-knight at the gates of Midland and escort him to the castle proper. As much for his protection and honor as to keep an eye on him. Hell, moreso! Lionheart has always been loyal to the crown. Roland paused with a sigh, grimacing at the dull throb in his temples. The bells only made it worse, chiming in time with it. Snatching a scroll from the dressing table, he scanned it over once more. A scribed account of Lionheart’s transgression. He mouthed the words as he read it over once more, trying to ignore the persistent bells. Lionheart and some savage. Trust him to take in some savage wench. Perhaps he believes he can make a lady of her. Roland shook his head carefully, tossing the scroll back onto the table for the fourth time today. At least things would be taken care of soon. He would have Lionheart’s account of things. Now, he reflected, stifling a groan, If only the bells would stop.
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Rufus
Avid Gamer
Those who fear the darkness have yet to see what the light can do.
Posts: 183
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Post by Rufus on May 8, 2007 22:30:42 GMT -5
Lyndis & LionHeart LionHeart and Lyn stood before the Knights sent to be their escorts an nodded, allowing them to lead them through the silent and awe struck people milling about the sides of the streets. In a mere hour They would be standing before the King. LionHeart looked to Lyn as she shouldered the prisoner, shaking his head he, with comparable ease releived Lyn of the burden and continued along the streets, "These men are your escorts!?" Lyn's voice was almost a hiss, "Your a great Lord of the relam, and They have the AUDACITY to place you under armed guard as if you were a prisoner." LionHeart smiled slightly, "These men are the kings royal guards. And In a way I am a prisoner - as are you. Innoncence is found only in honesty and Integrity. I've never once given this realm a reason to beleive I would ever live otherwise. These men have done far more for this realm than A hundred of myself could ever do." Lyn snarled at the large man beside her quietly, "A hundred of yourself!? The Realm wouldn't ever need worry if that were the case! Your worth is worth more than a hundred thousand of these men here! You humble yourself to make others look better - If you were of my Clan you'd have been a great warrior and a noble cheif in your own damned right! but you play squire to a realm that would benifet more from your rule than.." LionHearts smile cut her off, "I'm not of your clan, and I beleive in The Teachings, all of them." LionHeart sighed heavily as they finaly stopped before the doors to the Audience chamber an hour later. Everything from his information had been prepared, Between himself and Lyn stood, now unbound bandit. Lyn herself had finaly relented that she was of no purpose during this meeting of 'civilized' and pampered nobility. She was especialy avoidant of the damned High Preist of Sol that was evidently to be present. She'd heard many, many things about the murdering bastard. She merely wanted to see him for herself. LionHeart, as was his custom never donned anything other than his aging, worn and scarred armor, his family crest pitted and scarred from many a days hard work or an honest defence for people how deserved such but couldn't form their own. The armor was cleaned though, but far from the ceramonial shine that was required for such a 'Grand meeting'. Lyn hadn't even bothered with anything special. She wore the trappings of her station as a Warrior leader. The feathers and beads in her hair and on her woven swordbelt was all the ornatness her station allowed. Though she had relented and grudgingly tied her sword off in a peice knot. LionHeart likewise. Darian CrimsonHeart Darian stood in his place, he'd arrived some time ago and had himself questioned the prisoner at leangth, He's interrogated the man so throughly he knew the mans past like the back of his own hand. Though he suspected something was amiss regardless, some of the peices just didn't fit right. Darian Remained Neutral in this - And he knew there were some assembled that resented a 'Neutral knight' keeping his own council, men and small as it was - land - within MidLands realm. The Fact that Darian Sword Fealty to none but Sol een seemed to Arouse much in the way of suspicion. In the back of his mind he knew Clement must in some way enjoy the irony of such. Regardles Darian turned towards the vaulted doors as they swung open, The Lord, The Savage and the bandit entered as one. The first and the last he ignored, but the so called 'Savage' was evidently a very important 'savage' considering it must surely be obviouse that she wore the trapping of the Clanlike equivilant to Royalty amongst her people. LionHeart and Lyn bowed as one to the assembled people before They dropped the prisoner, respectfully to his knees before the King, where he'd likely stay. Looking about and nodding the doors closed and Darian stepped to his position, "Lords, Ladies, Honoured Guests, High Preist, And King Roland. Standing trail and before you are Lord Knight Sir Christopher LionHeart, Lady Lyndis Shena IronWolf, Chaiftainess..." He paused, The sounds of confusion rippling through the less informed nobles gathered catching him, "Cheitainess - The Equivilant Rank of 'King' or 'Queen' of the IronWolf Clan, And The Prisoner - A Bandit with proof of Lady Lyndis and Sir LionHearts Innocence. I, WarMaster Paladin Darian CrimsonHeart - Paladin and Neutral Party to this Trail hearby Commence this Trail in the name of Sol. And Also hearby Declare that Lady Lyndis be accorded FULL Respect and rights as if she herself were Royalty of this court, in accordance with the numerouse articles and treatise' of the laws which Sol, in his benevolence laid down for our guidance." He kept the smile from his face, at the soft murmers, even catching a few 'But she's a woman! AND a Savage!' Alongside the murmurs of approval. Bowing and deferring the rest of the meeting to the King Himself Darian stepped back, "King Roland, I beleive the Court is yours." LionHeart smiled as Lyn shifted to glare at him, "You set this up didn't you? You bastard." LionHeart smiled and guided Lyn to his side in the accused area. Knealing with his head bowed LionHeart adressed the man he admired more in life, second only to the three deities that kept this world alive. "My Leige." Lyn remained standing, Evidently being seen as Royalty Required her to meet the King as an Equal. She crossed her arms an nodded, "Hail and Warm winds, My Equal, My Friend." She offered the man a smile, though it was in it's own right a predatory smile. She hated the pomp and eloquency of these meetings. Standing opposite the three was the 'peasant' that had so easily laid this trap, He stood there sweating. The man with them was his brother, and he had always been an honest man, with a consciounce. Today wouldn't end well. Not at all. Because at this very moment his brother was smiling with his own predatory smile at him. There was no love between the two, not anymore. "shit.."
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Post by kitearadarkblade on May 11, 2007 9:37:11 GMT -5
Midland Court Sir Allister stood before his mount with the rest of the knights that had been chosen as Lord-Knight Lionheart's escort. The bay gelding behind him stamped restlessly, far more accustomed to charges down the field than parades. As Lionheart joined the small escort, Sir Allister greeted him with a deep bow. "Welcome Lord Lionheart. If you will allow us," he began, half turning to gesture toward the distant portcullis of the castle. Swinging astride his mount, he took up his place at the head of the procession. The rest of the knights took up positions around the lord-knight and his guests. They remained silent as they continued to the castle proper, either deaf to the hissed words muffled by their own helms and noise or too well-trained to argue with the accusations against them. The audience chamber was filled with fellow lords and lord-knights of the realm that could claim to be Lionheart's peers in Roland's court. A good many were garbed in silks and crushed velvets, others in gilded dress armor. Most of them stood in the audience chamber as they awaited the accused, although some of the few women had light stools to sit on. At the head of the room, Roland was seated at his rather austere raised throne. Near the head of the room, he could see Clement, his eyes bright and faced slightly flushed as he craned his neck to look toward the room's entrance. Lord-Knight Torrence and his Lady-wife stood near the head of the room as well, though with plenty of distance between themselves and Clement. The Lady Sybelle had never held any fondness for the High Priest, and had seemed to develope a full hatred for the man since she and William had adopted their son and heir. He couldn't say that he blamed her, given the circumstances but neither could he remove Clement. The man had had become the High Priest of Sol during his father's reign. Near the throne, a freelance knight calling himself Warmaster Paladin Darian Crimsonheart was also looking toward the doors. He had offered himself as an impartial party in the court. Many in the audience chamber felt that he had no place in the King's court at all, swearing fealty to none present. Only Clement seemed delighted with his claims that he bent knee to Sol alone. The knight stepped forward as Lionheart and his companions entered the double doors. Dorian's voice carried over the murmurs and questions among the court as Lionheart, Lyndis and their prisoner came into view. Even when those voices rose at Darian's unorthodoxed introduction. He dared to suggest that this savage woman was the equal of their King?! Roland managed to silence them with a gesture, hiding his slight amusement. As Lionheart knelt, he nodded gravely. "Rise, Lord Lionheart." Then, his attention turned to the savage woman as she addressed him. He rose, again inclining his head graciously, before reclaiming his seat. "Welcome to Midland, my Lady Lyndis shena Ironwolf. I regret that our meeting has been prompted by such circumstances."
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Rufus
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Those who fear the darkness have yet to see what the light can do.
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Post by Rufus on May 11, 2007 13:38:31 GMT -5
LionHeart, Lyndis, Darian King Rolands Castle. Lyndis smiled, softly and gracefully. She ignored the comments of the assembled mass. Her mission Lie solely in keeping the prisoner in line and making sure that none dared twitch a weapon in their direction, "Hail, and Well met, King Roland of Midland. Things bode worse for my Clan - " She pasued as the taller Knight stood, then resumed, "While my position is slightly exaggerated, I'm amused to see that the respect of my station isn't." LionHeart cleared his throat slightly, silencing Lyn, "Later." His brusque silencing of Lyn caught her off guard as she fixed the man with a look of confusion as he dragged the Prisoner forth and dropped him, unceramoniously and rather roughly before him, clamping a gauntledted hand upon the mans shoulder and shoving him back to his knees, "My leige, High preist, Lords and Ladies of the realm. I stand before you a man. Not a Lord. A Knight. A Soldier. OR a person. BUT a man amongst peers and King. I Bear no gilded armor. No Royal blood. I Bear only The virtues I have sought to spread in the name of The King - Loyalty. Duty. Respect. Selfless Service. Honour. Integrity. Personal Courage. I Stand accused of waivering from the path of Justice, Righteousness, Loyaly and My Duty - Both to the king, and the people of this land. I stand accused of Murder." He paused, his eyes narrowing faintly upon the man in heavy bandages. LionHeart's eyes widen in recognition, the vivid image of the man in heavy bandages warps into that of a man in rag tag armor. LionHeart scowls at the assembled men and women, Lyn steps forth, her tone arch as she too eyes the man, "As do I, buy one of the very bandits LionHeart and myself fought against." The man coughs, "That heathen bitch lies! How dare she, a Woman no less! Be allowed to even accu-" The man draws back as Darian ovverides the murmuring and shouts, "SILENCE!" His voice carries over the people as he fixes Lyn with a cold stare, "I trust you and LionHeart have Valid proof of such an accusation, M'lady?" Lyn snorts, "So then my Honour and Integrity are called into Question absed upon me being a woman?" Her tone almost seethed with a barely checked challange. Scowling himself Darian grunts, "Lets stay on the Trial at hand, shall we? The accuser has details of the attack that places yourself and LionHeart at the scene of mass slaughter against innocents of the Realm." The man steps forth, bloddy bandages cover the man nearly from head to toe and he leans upon a cleric of Sol, "My family and myself - as well as a few of our friends were celebrating the wedding of my daughter. As the festivites were reaching their peak - that heathen savage's arrows cut down my daughter and scores of my friends and family - at the head of the charge was LionHeart, I personaly witnessed his sadistic enjoyment of the slaughter as he cut down the unarmed members of the gathering. The wounds I bear are from that 'lord knights' very own blade." The man doubles over coughing, nearly staggering and falling to the ground before wheezing in pain, "I want their deaths in return for the loss of my entire family and those now dead by his hand." Lyn's savage smile was nearly a thing of horrid beauty as she checked the motion to draw her sword instead she laid a hand upon the Prisoners other shoulder and forced the enraged man back down to his knees. Darian arched an eyebrow, His own opinion of LionHeart dropping perceptibly as he crosses his arms and affixes the man with a cold glare, "Your proof against such a claim, Lord LionHeart?" LionHeart moved to allow the prisoner to stand, Lyn slowly backing into the background, "I bring forth that mans own brother." LionHeart slowly untied the man and nodded to him, "Lord LionHeart stands innocent. I personaly was there to witness his defence of a village that our - Yes, I say our dear brother because You spent many a moon recruiting those from the poor districts with lies of riches waiting to be stolen from the innocent and well off." He points his hand towards the gaping man with a smile, "It was you yourself that decided the enter Lord LionHearts lands and attack the innocent villages along the borders. If it weren't for the fact that I merely continued alongside you because you killed my wife and son out of greed in the hopes that I'd kill you someday I can rest assured that today, WE'll both go right to the very hell we deserve." He kneels before the king, "On my very life, and the testimony of other's held captive and guilty of the same crime as myself and the man you beleive a 'god fearing citizzen of the realm' Sir LionHeart prevented the slaughter of an entire village just for the food in their stores that LionHeart himself helped harvest naught but a day before." LionHeart nodded, "The brigand before you requested to speak with me of his own free will, for I - nor any of my men have laid a single hand upon this man other than to disarm him - to offer his life in exchange for proof of my innonce and Lady Lyndis' innocence and the innocence of the men Loyal to This lands people and it's king. There is nothing I can say for I will accept the Judgment of Guilt or Innocence as a Man accpts his fate." Lyns soft trembling was barely perceptible as she watched the man before her scream foul play and that the man before LionHeart was indeed not his own brother, The prisoner smiled slightly, "If My leige requires any more proof then may I add that my brother was once squire to Sir LionHeart and was subsequently drummed from the ranks and removed from the rolls because of attempting to force his will on a maiden of this castle - a young servant girl who pointed this man out to Sir LionHeart the night of the attempted attack." Darian frowned archlyas LionHeart produced a rollsheet and offered it to him. Accepting it he eyed the list and cleared his throat, "Squire Rondel Ibaly... ..." He rolled the sheet up and shook his head, "My lord.. This very same man was branded with a 'T' for traitor and rendered exile from Lord LionHearts lands..." Reaching over to the man Darian ignored the man's cry of surprise as he ripped a bandage from the mans forearm, an old yet still visable 'T' sat, in raised scarred welts upon the mans arm. Screaming in rage the man bellowed and shoved against Darian, catching him slightly off gaurd and leaving him satggering back to regain his balance. Lyn was nearly a blur as she cleared the distance and flattened the man to the ground, crushing his face into the polished floor with an elbow as she held his other arm at an angle that the body shouldn't bend in, She clamly yed the spears and swords that had been hastily drawn and leveld upon herself and the man in Defence of the King, "In my lands, amongst the ancestral plains of my people I could rip out your heart and offer it to the King of these lands for what you've done." She looks to King Roland with a grin, "But these aren't my lands, and I'm not amongst my ancestors." LionHearts hand upon the womans shoulder stopped her, the sounds of the mans tendons popping from the pressure could still be heard as Lyn backed off, her anger simmering. Darian rubbed his chin, eyeing the two bandits. One lay screaming in pain, the other with his head hung as he awaited his sentence, "Theatrics aside, I beleive LionHeart is innocent, Lady Lyndis Innocent and the men under his command as well... Your verdict, leige?" He placed a heavily booted heel upon a the 'pheasants' back to hold the man in place as LionHeart drug a seething Lyndis back to her place. Lyn continued to glare almost predatorily at the man under Darians heel.
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Post by kitearadarkblade on May 21, 2007 9:57:09 GMT -5
Roland’s Court Midland
Roland looked on, pleased that the woman chose to accept his greetings graciously. He had no personal experience with the plainsmen himself, and only the counsel of those lords and knights that called the edges of the Nordak their home to rely on. He didn’t need to offend her now, when more pressing matters where at hand. He perked an eyebrow slightly as Lionheart silenced her and pushed forth another man to kneel, addressing the room en masse. The woman pressed forward again, taking on the same charges as the lord-knight, and added her accusation. Clement frowned slightly from where he stood in the audience chamber, scowling as the woman interrupted, earning the bandaged man’s accusations in turn. A thrill of satisfaction laces through his disapproval as the knight Darian silenced her and the man. A small smirk tugged at the corners of his lips at the woman’s retort. Of course your honor is in question, you silly wench. Not only are you a woman, but a savage as well. Why should your word hold sway in the courts of men? His ire only grew, blossoming into indignant anger as the man’s accusations continued. Often, he had counseled King Roland to do away with certain lords. No worshipper of the Father, anointed by his hand, would commit such atrocities. Another man was brought forward, reversing the claims and accusations to lay fault upon the injured man. Roland frowned slightly. He defended the lord-knight in word, yet came to court bound. Roland had never heard reports of Lord Lionheart being an unjust man. Hard, enforcing his brand of honor on his own, but never unjust. If more men shared his brand of honor, Roland suspected that things would be quieter, though perhaps more restless. When Lionheart’s supporter finished, and the bandaged man’s brand was revealed, Roland looked on in surprise as the branded man lashed out. The savage woman leapt to subdue him and was restrained by Lionheart’s hand. “Bring me the parchment,” he gestured toward Darian, prompting a page to scurry from near the throne’s platform to fetch the parchment from the knight. Once given the roll sheet, he looked it over, more to give himself time to think than to actually read the document. He wondered briefly who the maiden was, and if other’s knew. If ever he was forced to make a match for her, he could hardly fail to take into consideration that some may see her as spoiled goods. One of his daughters, perhaps? It would explain his vehemence… certainly not going to brand a man for a dally with some servant girl.As he eyed the parchment, the guards, Darian and Lionheart settled things before him. When he looked up, Lady Lyndis has resumed her place beside Lionheart, and the rowdy peasant had been subdued beneath Sir Darian’s boot. Looking over the group before him, he nodded slightly before speaking. “Lord-Knight Christopher Lionheart has ever been one of my staunchest liegeman, and continues to put his efforts to the good of the land and my rule,” he began solemnly, his voice resounding through the chamber. His gaze turned to the man on the floor, a stern frown forming on his lips. “Rondel Ibaly, you shall be surrendered to the mercies of my vassal whom you would have seen punished.” He paused to allow for the murmur that rippled through the assembled lords. Were Lionheart the man he claimed him to be, such would have been far worse than the reality he would likely face. Roland let it go for a moment, before raising a hand to call for silence. “Lord Lionheart, I would speak with you and your guest. After you are made comfortable, of course,” he added smoothly, leaving no question to the fact that such was more summons than invitation, however polite. He paused, glancing to find William in the throng of people near the throne’s dias. “Lord Torrence.” The blonde lord straightened, looking to Roland intently. “Accompany our bandit peasant to his lodgings, until Lord Lionheart cares to deal with him. Would you see him thus lodged as well, Sir Darian?”
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Rufus
Avid Gamer
Those who fear the darkness have yet to see what the light can do.
Posts: 183
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Post by Rufus on May 22, 2007 0:57:20 GMT -5
Darian, LionHeart & Lyn Darian nodded, smiling as his boot lifted off the mans back. He resumed his place with a slightly pleased and pleasantly surprised smile, "Of Course M'lord." As the pheasant bandit was dragged away he Spread his arms and bowed, "With the kings decree I see my services have ended. I'll return to the temple and pray fo Sol's blessings over those gathered." He smiled, made a bow to Clement and the King before waiting for the milling crowds to disperse. LionHeart watched the man as he was drug away. He looked down to the man who'd defended him. Reaching down LionHeart gripped the mans bonds and looked to Lyn as she cut the ropes and freed the man, "Your free to go. But mark this - Step one foot back onto the path of ill gotten gains and I'll be there waiting." The man nodded then looked ot Lyn as she scowled, but kept her peace until the man was out of earshot, "You let him go!?" LionHeart nodded, "Yes, I let him go. He could have made some better choices, but he did prove he was worth redeeming. In the eyes of many men - the circumstances chose him, not the other way around. He'll take what he's learned and make himself a better man." Lyn snorted then looked back as LionHeart stepped forth, Bowing to his King, "Whenever You see fit My leaige - I've a room in the local inn they keep open for me so I am as comfortable as ever." Lyn growled, half tempted to take her sword and run the damned knight through. Where they amongst her people and her clan both men would have been skinned alive. She sighed, checking the urge before once again taking her spot beside LionHeart and nodding her assent as well "As Am I, M'leige."
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Post by kitearadarkblade on May 26, 2007 20:25:08 GMT -5
Roland's Court Midland Two of the guards in the audience chamber approached Darian as he lifted his foot from the man's back, reaching to pull him to his feet. William paused only long enough to murmur something to his lady-wife before joining them and extending a hand to Darian, once he completed his respects to the king and priest. "Greetings, Sir Crimsonheart. If your duties would call you instead to the temples, I will see this man to the dungeon." Clement worked his way through the nobles near him, trying to make his way to the freelancer before Roland's favored knight could. He drew himself short when he saw William Torrence step up before Darian, speaking. William still bore a hatred for him, and was one of very few people in the woodlands that didn't bother to hide it. The priest knew that William wouldn't dare to inflict violence upon him in court, but if irked, he would whisper poison in Roland's ears. Clement frowned. Perhaps the knight would seek out the temple. His frown faded slightly. If so, I will be there waiting. Clement turned to sweep from the audience chamber, with the other lords. As those in the chamber turned to their own interests, Roland remained upon his throne, watching those before him. When Lionheart and his savage turned their attentions to him, he smiled, half shaking his head. "As you wish, Lord-Knight." Moving to stand, he looked to those still lingering nearby and descended from the throne's dias to claim Lady Torrence's arm. "Seeing as I've sent your lord from you, dear lady, I believe I shall claim your company with theirs. Even things out a bit. Have you objections?" Sybelle started at the king's touch, her attention focused on her husband with the freelancer. Looking to see Roland, she blinked once, then attempted a hasty curtsy, her arm still claimed by his hand. "My liege," she murmured, ducking her head before rising. "I would be honored." She glanced to Lord Lionheart and the Plainswoman, a bit curiously, as Roland gestured for them to accompany him. "Come then." Roland led the trio from the audience chamber, paying little mind to the two armored men that moved to flank them. He often found that he was so used to his guard that they didn't fully register in his thoughts.
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