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Post by xaen on May 3, 2011 0:13:28 GMT 1
The magnificent fortress city of Revenald was already bustle with common day life under the clear and sunny sky, and it was barely passed dawn. It was the kind of day best spent perusing the luxurious products and tasting the exotic foods sold all along the city’s winding cobblestone streets. A day best spent escaping from the stress of court life. Appearing as a simple commoner, the legendarily young Duke of Fort Revenald weaved and ploughed his way through the thick crowds from stall to stall. Cyrteris could barely remember the last time he had spent such a fine day in the deafening commotion of the markets amongst his people. The few coins that he had packed was barely enough to buy him a loaf of bread, but it hardly mattered for he wasn’t here to drowned himself with pointless luxuries. At one point the incognito Duke was forced to pull the thick cowl of his cloak low over his face, and to duck into an alley to avoid detection from a passing city guard patrol. Though this diversion from his intended path inadvertently filled the pompously careless nobleman with a new sense of purpose, during his grand secretive adventure along his city’s streets. For that alley lead to a part of town rarely traversed, where the poor and foreigners who were not rich enough to afford better housing, were forced to live in squalor. The kind hearted young man spent the rest of the morning sharing his bread and exaggerated tales with the slum’s orphans. By the time the bread was gone the sun was high in the sky, reminding Cyrteris that he is required elsewhere. Saying his goodbyes, Cyrteris evenly handed out what remained of his spending to the children before he wandered down the lane and onto another street. Where a band of the downtrodden couldn’t help, but notice his desire to spread an endless string of wealth; they wanted apart of the frivolities. The alley was a gloomy and damp because the roofs of the buildings connected overhead; making the alley cold and damp, despite the warm spring weather. Slightly arrogant Cyrteris casually sauntered down the alley, unaware of the true meaning behind the wide smiles of the five burly men that approached him.
“A marvellous day is it not?” Cyrteris asked jovially of the five men as they neared, their grins growing all the wider at his ignorance of their purpose.
“Indeed it is my good sir,” The largest of the men chuckled fiendishly as he and his compatriots fanned round the unsuspecting Duke. “T’would be an even finer day, with some of your most valuable coins?” The bulky ruffian added in a thick accent that added an extra syllable to every word, with an evil partially toothed grin spreading across his dirty face.
Cyrteris laughed nervously as he caught on to the subtle threat, being sent his way by this band of lowlifes. He cautiously moved his hand into the folds of his thick cloak, as he stared down each man in turn as he moved. Taking a quick step back, Cyrteris snatched his blade from its hidden scabbard and held the beautiful sword menacingly before him. “You will not have mine or any other’s co-ins ever again you, Cur!” Cyrteris mocked in superior tones, perfectly mimicking the foreigner’s pronunciation of coins. The five men undaunted bu the appearance of the sword, stepped closer drawing their own concealed weapons. Another nervous chuckle escaped the young Duke’s mouth as the severity of the situation, which was mirrored by the murderous smiles of his opponents, donned on him once again. Before the nobleman could say anything more, the five ruffians descended upon like a pack of savage wolves; a very unorganized pack of wolves. Starfang moved in a blur as Cyrteris parried and blocked with wild abandon against the onslaught of thrusts and wild slashes. The continuous mounting momentum of his opponents made it completely impossible for the young Duke to counter or retaliate; forcing him to slowly retreat while moving into the way of the men, who tried multiple times to flank him. Running out of options, the courageous Duke did the only thing he could do. He cried out desperately for aid.
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Post by Culmir on May 3, 2011 16:11:18 GMT 1
It wasn't easy living on the streets, but once you got the hang of it it sort of became natural, when Clover and Cam had first gotten 3 meals a day made by their mother who took extra care of feeding her already thin children nutritious food, the twins had always grimaced and forced their second helpings of porridge down their throats. Now they would gladly go back and stuff themselves with the grainy mudlike substance, anything to ease the gnawing pain that had settled in their stomachs right now, it had been a couple of days since either of them had eaten anything with sustenance.
It had been Cam who had discovered the small brush of berries drooping invitingly over a low garden fence in a more wealthy part of Fort Revenald, and it was him who had recognized the plump blue berries as edible. It took some coaxing but in the end Clover was willing to try one of the berries and was pleasantly surprised as she bit into the soft meat of the small round fruit, finding it remarkably sweet and succulent as its blue juices trickled down her chin. Soon the two of them were plundering the brush, both of them keeping their ears strained for the peacekeepers, they were assigned to keep the streets safe and were brutal in their punishments of thievery, especially in the wealthy parts. Clover had her top pulled out at two points so Cam could drop the berries into their makeshift pouch swiftly while his twin kept looking around for any signs of trouble. Both of them however were so occupied one picking berries and listening for the telltale clang of peacekeeper armour and the other peeking down the cobbled streets that converged at that point that neither of them had seen the woman exit the house and into the garden with the incriminating bush. She was elder but very fond of her morning snack, her blueberries grown with care, when she saw the two children she stared at them for a split second, wondering why two youngsters would loiter around at her picket fence until she saw her beloved brush wobble...almost as if being pulled at. Her crinkly eyes widened as she let out a bloodcurdling yowl! her hands wringing her apron as if she'd like to wrap those arthritis hands around the twins neck and strangle them as she wobbled over to them as fast as her old legs could carry. Clover nearly let go of her shirt as she heard the scream, her head whipping around, gaze locking onto the elder woman immediately, Cam beside her did the same, the two of them glanced at each other and gave each other a quick nod. They had agreed that if they were busted thieving they would split up and rendez-vous at an appointed place back in the run down area of the town, where the peacekeepers would be less likely to follow as the thugs all felt a hatred for the iron clad men and would not hesitate to attack.
Clover took off to the left after stuffing a handful of berries in Cams outstretched hand, knowing he'd need the energy from the berries as both of them were on the very of collapse from fatigue and hunger. Cam gazed at his twin concerned, spending precious seconds waiting there until she disappeared safely around a corner before he sped off in the opposite direction. The both of them had been in Fort Revenald long enough to know the filthy streets of the poorer section like the back of their hands, but the wealthier part was trickier, built in curves and long open roads rather than clustered together small alleys to conserve space. Clover was stuffing the remaining berries into her mouth at top speed as she ran, her grey eyes flicking everywhere to make sure no one saw what she was doing, getting rid of the evidence, as well as keeping an eye out for peacekeepers. She rounded a corner swiftly and found her way blocked by a high prickly hedge, cursing she turned on her heel and ran back the way she came until she reached another crossing in streets, she slowed, searching the skyline of the city for the elevated mansion of the Duke, the one foolproof method of determining where you were in the city as the mansion was lifted slightly above the rest of the town. She spotted it soon enough and headed into the opposite direction, it was simple, the further from the mansion, the poorer the people, the only downside was that it meant coming close to the elder ladies house, but she had to take that risk so she sped off.
Cam took the first left he could find, putting as much distance as he could between him and the berry bush, he paused only when he heard the clanging of metal, ducking behind a rather lavish rosebush seconds before 3 peacekeepers rounded the corner and headed the way he just came from, obviously drawn by the wailing woman he could still hear faintly. He took the time he spend there waiting for the men to pass to eat the berries Clover had stuffed into his hands, they were a little squashed but still delicious. His thoughts flitted momentarily to his twin sister but he shook the thought away quickly, Clover was very capable to take care of herself and would probably gloat if she arrived at the rendez-vous point before he did. Slipping silently from behind the rosebush Cam brushed his lips free of any juice and began to casually stroll down the streets, hands stuck in his pockets to hide the blue stains from the squished berries. He figured that the best way to go around business is to act like nothings wrong rather than run and draw attention to yourself, so he strolled, not to slow to seem reluctant to go anywhere and not to fast to appear to be in a hurry.
Clover slid to a halt just before she stepped onto the next street, popping her head around the corner she could see 3 peacekeepers standing a few feet away, talking to an elder woman who was gesturing wildly while shrieking about filthy thieves in her garden. Snickering Clover darted back into the street before the peacekeepers would see her, wiping the wild strands of her red hair out of her eyes she took a deep breath, calming her pounding heart, smoothing her shirt to be straight. That was when she noted the blue spots on blueberry juice, vibrant on her faded orange top "Crap" Clover muttered under her breath, she stuck her fingers into her mouth and then over the stains, hoping she could smudge the stains with saliva, it didn't work, it made the stains bigger, though the colour faded a bit. "More crap" Clover muttered again as she looked at her ruined shirt, she peeked around the corner again, the 3 peacekeepers were inspecting the bush, technically she could simply walk across the street and disappear on the other side into another one. Taking a deep breath Clover stepped out onto the street, counting her steps while chanting to herself 'almost there, almost there' it took all her willpower not to look to her right where the woman and the peacekeepers were. "Focus" she said to herself, keeping her eyes locked on her target, a street directly across from where she was, when she was almost there she dared a glance to her right, instantly regretting it as her grey eyes locked with the elder woman who opened her wrinkly lips and shouted "That's her! that's the thief!"
Cam made it out of the wealthier district quietly, though he felt as if he were walking through quicksand because of his forced slow pace, his heart tugged at him to go faster, urging him on while his mind told him remain calm and proceed cautiously. It was almost as if he could feel it, something was going on with Clover, something bad, his father told him that it was because they were twins that they could feel each other more acutely than regular siblings. Though it hurt, Cam refused to give into the fluttering sensation in his heart that told him his sister needed help, she could deal with things on her own, and should the worst happen and she be caught by peacekeepers he would find her, no matter where they took her he would get her out. He did allow himself a more brisk walk, figuring her could pull off a youngster visiting a girl he was going to suit in this part of the city where the more mediocre people lived, no one would find it strange to see a boy dressed like him in this area. They would think he'd be apprenticed at one of the guilds and wouldn't think more of it, it was customary for the poorer people to scrape together some money to apprentice their children anywhere trying to save them from the slums. Cam was right, no one payed him a second glance as he sped through the streets quietly.
Clover stood rooted to the spot, her eyes wide as she saw the gleaming metal of 3 peacekeepers reflecting in the spring sunshine, the glare of it hit her eyes and released her limbs, she dared a smirk before darting swiftly into the street, taking off at top speed. Her leather boots gripping the cobbled streets easily as her short but strong legs propelled her forwards, her eyes scanning for her best way out. She weaved into intersecting streets, doubling back to confuse her 3 pursuers who had given chase the second she took off. Clover grinned, she loved the speed, the freedom of running, she slid to a halt across the clean streets easily, noting her pursuers had split up and were now coming at her from 3 directions. Panic flitted over her small heart shaped face momentarily before she saw her brilliant escape unfurling before her eyes. A wide smile cracked on her face, her eyes glistening in mischief as she allowed the peacekeepers to gain some ground as she backed away from them slowly, they were dumb enough to think she conceded defeat as the men slowed to walks, breathing heavily from their armour, she could see the sweat pouring down their faces. Clover allowed them one more step as the closest one of the peacekeepers reached to put his gloved hand on her shoulder to detain her she ducked smoothly, making the man stumble from the unexpected air his hand was leaning on. She hooked her fingers into the crevice between his shoulder plates and arm braces and used his forward momentum to throw the man to the ground before stomping her booted feet firmly onto his chest plate, forcing the air out of his lungs with an Oomph. She jumped off the man lightly as the second one snatched for her legs, firmly planting her boot into his face guard who was hunched over, she pushed off, somersaulting safely off the man and landing lightly on the street. Turning swiftly on her heel she headed to a nearby wall, a low branch from a tree on the other side hanging over it, she jumped up her hands clamping around the rough bark of the tree, using the wall as footholds she walked vertically up it and swung safely into the tree before glancing back. As she had expected the third had rushed to the aid of his friends, letting her escape without further ado, for the pure fun of it she flipped the three off before descending down the tree on the other side of the wall.
Cam was leaning casually against a crumbling wall in the slums of Fort Revenald, his bronze hair spiking into his eyes giving him a roguish appearance as he leaned one of his feet against the wall behind him, his arms crossed across his chest, his grey eyes downcast as he waited. Clover had never been this late when they had been forced to break up and run for cover, he sighed softly, his temperamental sister was likely doing something she'd regret later. Glancing up at the sky quickly Cam noted it was slowly progressing to midday judging by the suns position against the blue clear sky. Even though the weather was nice and warm in comfortable spring Cam still shivered, it was the slums, whose roofs overlapped to make sparse hiding spots between the run down houses that cast such a gloom on the place. It lacked the green lush growth that the richer parts did have, Cam blamed it on the drunken people pissing in the streets, effectively cutting off any greenery trying to worm through the tightly packed stones. A light fluttering sensation in his chest told him his twin was closing in on him, he turned his gaze back onto the floor, holding his arms stiffly across his chest as he waited.
Clover couldn't believe her luck, as she landed lightly on a patch of soft grass on the other end of the wall she found herself staring at the back of a luxury bakery. The warm smell of freshly baked bread and other confectioneries permeated the air around her making her lightheaded as a small gnaw in her stomach reminded her she hadn't properly eaten in days. Just as she was about to sneak out of the garden the back door opened and a young man stepped outside carrying two blackened loafs in his arms, a red bruise blooming on his cheek. Their eyes met momentarily and Clover could see the astonished look crossing the young mans face as he took her in, hair dishevelled, sticks from the tree sticking in her tangled locks, her clothes filthy and sticky, her knees scraped and green from the trees bark. She squared her jaw when she saw the fleeting look of pity on his features, she raised her head defiantly, an eyebrow cocked, daring him to say anything condescending as she felt for her blade on her back should he decide to scream for help. Grey eyes met startling blue ones as the man finally found his way to her face, Clover knew her eyes would be a cold as iron and she saw the spark of surprise in the blue ones. He had expected defeat, the look of so many starving children that lived in the slums, a place this man probably had never set foot in, in his entire life. Clover opened her mouth to ask him what he was staring at when he tossed the two breads towards her rather than to the two fat pigs in the coop to her right who were obviously expecting it as they snorted indignantly. "You look like you need it more than they do" the man called out quietly as he nodded towards the bread "They're still fine on the inside, just my father won't sell blackened bread to his clients" he added quickly when Clover didn't reply. Tongue tied Clover picked up the loafs, they were deliciously warm against her skin and she suppressed a moan of hunger when the smell wafted up into her nostrils. "Thank you" she mouthed silently to the man who's lips quirked up into a bit of a smile before heading back into the bakery. Not hesitating a second Clover clutched the two breads to her chest and took off running towards the slums, elated about having gotten something for her and Cam to eat. She made it over to the slums quickly, having resorted to shoving the bread into her shirt to hide from the older but no less hungry inhabitants of the area. Rounding a corner smoothly her grey eyes fell upon Cam, standing in a spot of sunlight, tinging his hair purple, his eyes were down so Clover knew he was upset as well as his stiff posture. To anyone else it would appear casual, even threateningly the way the taller youth lounged against the wall but Clover knew her brother very well.
Cam moved his eyes towards Clover glaring at her from under his eyelashes before moving his head up as well and scowling down at his shorter sister. "Where were you? I've been here for the better part of an hour, I was just about to go out and check the jails for you" he whispered urgently. Clover managed to look a bit guilty, knowing her brother would ease up on her if he thought she was properly ashamed of her actions. To prove her point Cam wrapped his arms around her shoulders lightly, hugging her "Just don't scare me like that okay" he murmured "now spill" he said as he let go of Clover gently. A wide grin spread over Clovers features as she quickly recounted her adventure, ending with the loafs that she produced from inside her top, still warm on the inside. She handed one of them to Cam "I suppose we ought to eat them now, someone might steal them tonight, and I don't think I could stop myself from eating it anyway" she said with a light laugh. Cam chuckled and nodded "We need the energy if we're ever hoping to find a place that's willing to take us in" he replied. Clovers face fell a little, she was the one who had put her hopes on being accepted into the Reven Ravens, they were a crew that didn't need previous tutelage or apprenticeship or such nonsense whereas everything else did, every place they'd tried they'd been sent away saying they needed training before they could be accepted, Cam as ever pragmatic as he was remained optimistic while Clover had already given up on other ideas other than the Reven Ravens. Chomping into their bread the twins wandered through the streets, looking for a place that would be most suitable for them to spend the night in or under. On more than one occasion they had huddled up together under a sparse piece of wood they had found somewhere, those were the bleakest nights, not counting the winters.
As they wandered together the sounds of clashing metal reached their ears, their bread was all gone and Clover immediately started towards the noise, wondering if someone was being mugged and see if they could pilfer something valuable to trade for food. Cam was more reluctant but unsheathed the katana from its sheath looped through his belt, he held it loosely as Clover slunk ahead of him agile as a cat as she twisted through the maze like alleys to the origin of the sounds. As they came closer Cam heard an agonizing scream and a loud thud, it appeared that whomever was being attacked knew his way with a blade. Cautiously Clover and Cam crept closer, not willing to interfere unless necessary, as if on cue a cry for help erupted from a-midst the fray. Not waiting another second Clover reached behind her and unsheathed her kodachi, jumping into the battle with her blade flashing wildly around her as Cam covered her, his longer Katana blocking blades attacking his sister from the back as she engaged a rather burly set man who was backing a man into a corner. Steel hissed over steel as Clover and Cam fought side by side with the mystery man who had called for aide. Now that the odds were more even Clover noted that the ruffians were less prone to swipe angrily at the three of them, one of the 5 attackers was bleeding profusely from a long serrated cut on his right arm causing him to fumble his broadsword clumsily as Clover stabbed small little holes through his defences. Cam's Katana flashed silver in the select few sun rays that managed to drop down into the alley they were fighting, his gaze intent upon his opponent as he parried several attacks ferociously only to be nicked in the left arm by a burly man who had tried to sideswipe him but was blocked by the small area they were in and incapable of preforming the move properly. Cam dared a glance to the man he and his twin were so desperately trying to save from a bloody death, he was pleasantly surprised that the man had recovered and was fending off his own opponent with remarkable skill.
Not before long Cam and Clover were covered in sweat, plastering their hair to their brows, proving just how underfed they were as the precious energy they collected was drained from them in one battle. Fatigue was threatening to take the upper hand and both of them were covered in minor wounds, so far having been able to deflect any serious injuries. They could see the tiredness dragging at the limbs of their opponents, 2 of them had already collapsed either unconscious or dead the twins didn't know. It was evened out now 3 against 3, the burly man fighting with the mystery man to whose help the siblings had sped hastily, one lean ratlike man fighting Clover while a pockmarked stocky man fought Cam.
Not one of them was willing to give in anytime soon, Clover wiped hastily at the sweat pearling down her face with the back of her hand when her opponent backed away from her attacks. She prepared for his retaliation, breathing hard, a dull ache in her sides that she tried to conceal by hunching over slightly. The mans ratlike face was intend on her and his eyes bored into hers as she could see the sweat dripping off his long and pointy nose, it quivered seconds before he lunged at her, Clover sidestepped with effort, narrowly avoiding the mans blade as she brought the butt of her kodachi down on the back of his head, knocking him unconscious.
Cam was faring better than Clover was, the man he was fighting limped from a small cut on his left lower leg and he wasn't rushing into attacks. Keeping his eyes locked onto the man Cam lunged at him, twisting his aim at the last moment to slice into the mans right arm, rather than his left sword arm. The biting sting of a blade sinking into flesh seared in Cams mind as he underestimated the stocky man, he managed to bring his sword into a curve that sliced a gash in his upper arm. Blood dripped down Cams right arm, pooling in his hands as he gripped his katana firmly, growling Cam glanced at his shoulder, his leather jacket ragged and torn. "That was uncalled for" he growled at the man who gave him a close lipped smile, though it was unconvincing for the tiredness quickly returned him to open his mouth and wheeze heavily. Cam advanced upon the man once more, raising his sword tip until it was level with the mans heart, seeing the murderous rage in Cams eyes the man stumbled back, tripping on a pile of loose stones that littered the streets, unable to stop his fall the man tumbled and landed with a loud crack on the stones, eyes wide. Cam rushed over and pressed his sword into the mans neck "Don't move" he hissed as he hauled the man up onto his feet, keeping his sword drawn across the mans throat.
Clover swallowed back bile as she stared at the man on the floor in front of her, he was disgusting, worse than the usual scum that crawled around these parts. Her grey eyes found her brother infallibly as she clutched at her side with her hand, breathing slowly to calm her pounding heart and the rush of adrenaline she was running on. Her gaze then went to the mystery man who was locked in arduous combat with the large burly man she had seen advancing on him when they came to his help. Just as Clover was going to jump in reluctantly did the burly man stiffen and sag as he was impaled upon the mans shining blade. Sighing Clover sunk down onto the ground, glad it was over, her brother made his way over to her with his prisoner as he remained standing, eyeing the man across from them wearily, unsure of his reaction now that the battle was over.
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Post by xaen on May 3, 2011 21:47:12 GMT 1
Cyrteris’ mind was awash with panic as he was gradually forced into a corner by his five burly assailants. His trusted blade Starfang parried and turned aside many wild strikes, but he only managed a grazing blow and the hit was made by the serrated “fang” like crosspiece of his sword. Finding a spare breath the disguised Duke shouted once more for assistance, as he deflected yet another barrage of endless blows forcing the Duke to practically spin his blade around in a massive circle. When things had begun to truly seem bleak to the outnumber nobleman, a pair of scrawny youths probably not much younger than he; came charging around the corner beautiful curved blades performing a deadly dance. Surprised by the new arrivals the band of ruffians turned on them, all except for the giant who squared of with Cyrteris. Though wheezing from exhaustion from the initial fight Cyrteris found himself invigorated by the presence of the pair. Starfang snapped forward in a swift left, right and left again slashing routine that forced the brute onto the defensive. Cyrteris swung his mighty sword in powerful downward chop, adding his free hand to increase the momentum. The thug wisely braced his blade as he blocked, but the force of the hit made him stumble back a step. Cyrteris didn’t move quick enough to garner his advantage, for the thug haphazardly slashed before him to keep the Duke away. Sidestepping the blows easily, Cyrteris thrust his blade straight out aiming for the thug’s abdomen, but the thug defeated the attack easily with his own sword. Though the momentum of the deflection helped speed the Duke’s trailing fist squarely into the man’s thick jaw bone. Thinking the day won the Duke eagerly followed the thug as the man stumbled back, but such happy thoughts were instantly crushed by the savage barrage performed by the ugly brute. The man’s growled like a bear as he pressed the Duke back with his powerful angry blows that numbed Cyrteris arms all the way to his shoulders. Both now where sweating heavily and gasping for breath, but the enraged man powered by adrenaline continued to pound away at the disguised and quickly tiring Duke. By sheer dumb luck Cyrteris managed to knock the thug’s blade out wide, leaving the man’s torso completely unprotected. With a swift straight thrust Cyrteris impaled the giant man on the end of his shining blade, ending the ruffian’s career for good. Then withdrawing the sword quickly the Duke spun about on his heels to aide his new allies, but to his surprise the fight was finally over.
The disguised Duke breathed heavily as he studied his two saviours, who looked close to collapsing from exhaustion. The appeared to be related for they shared not only a similar hair colour, but the same eerie grey eyes that stared back into his own brown eyes. The pair wear both dressed in simple clothes, she an orange top with a light blue stain and a short black frilly skirt, and he a dark leather jacket with a pair of pants that the Duke knew was imported from Cayld. Clearly this pair were inhabitants of the slums, for their dress was as filthy as his disguise and nearly as damaged. As he studied him, they clearly studied him as well with their disturbingly coloured eyes; they’re faces void of expression. “You two have my deepest thanks for running to my rescue!” Cyrteris chimed cheerily to his skilled saviours as he wiped the blood off his blade on the tunic of his slain thug, before sheathing it. The young Duke thought long and hard then to decide a suitable reward for the pair, a minute passed before found the perfect gift. “Would to care to join me for dinner?” The still disguised Duke asked of his two heroes, as he walked over to the prone thug and slugged the man hard; sending him to the land of dreams. “Don’t worry about them I’ll inform the peacekeepers of this band of ruffians. Once we are back in the safety of my home,” He told them merrily as he stepped over the now unconscious brute towards the alley, where he stopped and turned to shoot them a friendly welcoming smile as he waved for them to follow him to his regal estate.
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Post by Culmir on May 4, 2011 13:08:46 GMT 1
Cam held the subdued thug firmly by the neck, the blade of his katana never wavering even though his shoulder was oozing blood and beginning to tremble from the cramped position, he glanced at Clover concerned as his twin sagged to the streets. He studied her for a moment assessing the damage, mentally cataloguing the supplies they'd have to get their hands on to get cleaned up and hopefully stop infection from setting into their wounds. His eyes darted over to the man they had helped, he was busy wiping his blade free of blood as he thanked them, though the way he spoke betrayed to Cam that the man was no inhabitant of the slums, he enunciated too carefully, befitting of a man who had gotten some form of speech tutoring. Cam shared a quick look with Clover who nodded almost imperceptibly indicating she'd noticed too.
Clover picked herself off the streets, her legs protesting as a dull ache was already beginning to settle in her limbs, the ache in her side having dimmed enough for her not to hunch over anymore, though her lungs felt like shredded linen with each breath she took. "It was no trouble" she muttered when the man thanked the twins rather abundantly, usually when they chose to help anyone all they got in response was a muttered 'didn't have to do that' or a 'I was handling it myself just fine' Bending Clover wiped her kodachi clean on the knocked out man who was still sprawled on the floor in front of her, it appeared his nose broke upon hitting the streets face first, it didn't improve his rat like appearance. Clover quickly stood back up and moved to her brother silently, scratching uncomfortably at an itch on her shoulder, she grimaced when her fingers came away bloody and gritty, apparently she had hit the wall at some point and grazed her skin roughly on it. Wiping her hands on her skirt she eyed the man when he invited them over for dinner whilst the man was approaching Cam, her eyebrow quirked up for a moment as she looked at her brother and shrugged slightly.
Cam rolled his eyes at Clover when the man couldn't see, as he was currently clubbing the wide eyed thug in Cams hands over the head, rendering him unconscious. Grateful for the relief of his burden Cam lowered his sword, sheathing it without bothering to wipe the blood, he would deal with it later when he got the chance, seemed so rude to clean it now. At the mention of peacekeepers Cam and Clover exchanged a frightened glance, it would be bad for them to be caught at the scene of the crime, and risk possible recognition by one of the metal clad knights. Both of them glanced around the alley, checking if nothing was left behind that could be traced back to them before they began to follow the man albeit wearily. "Sorry if this seems bold" Cam started as he motioned his sister to silence as she opened her mouth to speak, "But where exactly is your house" Clover gritted her teeth, she had other questions for this man, not to where his house might be, what was her brother thinking asking stupid questions like that. Hadn't he noticed the casual way the man spoke of the peacekeepers, for all they know he could be related to one of them or be all buddy buddy with their captain. Nudging her brother Clover tried to convey her worries through her eyes and expression, which her brother interpreted completely wrong as he proceeded by asking "It's just we don't want to go too far from home" Groaning Clover nudged her brother harder, purposefully hitting his injured arm causing him to flinch and gasp in pain. She smiled at the man "What my brother means is, we'll gladly accompany to your house, and possibly dinner, experience has taught us to never..." she paused, looking for the right phrasing, careful to pick her words with care "meddle with strangers whose offer seems to good to be true" she finished, her grey eyes intend upon the man they were slowly following.
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Post by xaen on May 4, 2011 21:07:08 GMT 1
Cyrteris’ continued to hold his incredibly friendly smile as he lead his mighty saviours through the winding streets of Slums, and hopefully to the district wear the wealthy lived; and where the mighty fortress lie Ducal palace loomed over the lower city from. The young man of his saviours politely inquired as to the location of his fine abode, but Cyrteris simple turned about to smile mischievously and say in a mysterious tone, “You soon see my good rescuer, and you’ll not be disappointed in the least!” Happy with his cryptic answer, Cyrteris cheerily tromped his way along the first few laneways of the middle/merchant class district before his male rescuer spoke again. This time the young man referred to a pointless concern that the Duke could easily rectify, to which the Duke simple said, “Believe or not, I can supply you with a couch to wherever you’d like!” Cyrteris chuckled inwardly at his skilled ability to thicken the mystic about the young disguised Duke of Revenald. Then to his heart crushing dismay his fairly attractive lady rescuer shoot down his lofty hopes, when spoke hardly a minute later. Her almost fearful sounding tone of caution filled the young Duke with deep feeling of sympathy for the pair, and silently chided himself for being so flamboyant around this pair of those less fortunate than he. The Duke stopped abruptly, his booted heels clicking loudly as he turned about to send a sympathetic grin towards his soon to be guests; they halted barely twenty feet from the first street that led into the wealthy district. “I’m sorry, for I know not as to why anyone would dread such an offer,” He stated more than asked of his to companions who he only now realized where injured from the fight. Again he chided himself silently, but this time for his disrespectful disregard for his rescuers health. Cyrteris now feeling guilty and a little insulted by their unnecessary cautious nature towards him, the Duke decide to ruin his surprise for the young pair. “As you probably guessed from both my manner and speech. I am a nobleman,” Cyrteris managing to hide a sigh behind his stately tone, as he stared into the incredible grey eyes of his lady saviour. He could see that she already had already drawn this conclusion in her wonderful eyes, and Cyrteris swore he saw some contempt or mistrust in there too. “My manor is only a few more streets away, I hope you will bless me with your company,” The young Duke said abruptly before turning back about and stormed away towards his home, not bothering to look back at his rescuers. Smiling at his own ability to conceive such a risky ploy with these two strangers as he marched along. At the same time he silently prayed that he had peaked the pairs’ interest and not their ire, with his chancy ploy to foolishly maintain his aura of mystic with the pair. As he neared the final street before the Ducal Palace on its elevated walled position, the Duke fought the urge to peak over his shoulder. Staying firm to his belief that he had properly gauged the pairs’ possible reaction to his deceptive ploy, he even prayed that the clomping behind him was still his rescuers and not any of the other occupants of the street. Once he reached the massive gate of the Ducal Palace’s thick marble wall the sun was low on the horizon, leaving little light in the streets as lamplighters went about their duties. Only when Cyrteris stood less than ten feet from the open gate of the Ducal Palace, did he turn hoping to face either the surprised faces of his rescuers or a despairingly empty street behind him.
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Post by Culmir on May 5, 2011 13:58:24 GMT 1
Clover and Cam exchanged worried glances at the mans casual demeanour as he answered their questions one at a time, the fact that the man referred to his house as something they wouldn't be disappointed in simply confirmed their suspicions that the man didn't belong in the poor area of Fort Revenald, though he did seem quite familiar in the lay of the streets as he never seemed to lead them into any of the notorious dead ends where thugs lay in waiting for unsuspecting people.
Cam gave his sister a sideways glance, picking his left shoulder up slightly as if to say 'maybe we should check it out, give the man a chance to thank us for helping him' in which Clover quirked her lips up slightly, rolling her shoulders uncomfortably which Cam interpreted as a reluctant 'fine we'll see how it goes' Over the years the twins had gotten quite adapt at their silent communication, though both of them were known to sometimes get it wrong and still stuck to speaking out loud, but with the mystery man still within hearing range they didn't dare to in case he might hear and find them rude.
When the man mentioned him having a coach for them to take to wherever they'd like Cam slowed his pace slightly, Clover following until they could still hear the man, but if they whispered they wouldn't be overheard as the mellow wind was blowing the other way and unlikely to carry their whispered conversation to the mans ears. "I don't think he's joking Clover" Cam whispered as Clover watched the mans back, trying to discern any information from his attire "He does seem genuine in his words, or he's a very skilled liar, but liars don't use the words he does" she whispered back.
Both of them were a little taken aback when the man stopped suddenly, causing the twins to gain in on them before they stopped too, it was Clovers hastily spoken remark in between their whispered words that had caused the man to turn and face them. Clover couldn't help but smirk a little when the man revealed to be of noble birth, she nudged her brother in his ribs, sharing a private joke at having discovered this info before the man chose to disclose it. When the man turned around again and resumed his pace Cam and Clover shared a wide eyed look of surprise, that was not something they'd seen coming. "Honestly Clover" Cam said chidingly "I think you insulted him with that smirk of yours" he shook his head "If you insulted this good man, who is offering us food, then you had better apologize to him soon" he stared down at his shorter sister, assuming an air that their father had when they were much younger. Gritting her teeth Clover raised her eyes to meet her brothers, mentally cursing her shortness as she cocked a delicate eyebrow "Careful brother, he might think you've taken a fancy to him if he hears how you dash to his defence" she bit at him with a snide smile. "But whatever, I'll tell him I'm sorry if I somehow offended him if it will make you easier to live with" she joked. "Har har" Cam replied as he rubbed at his right shoulder, the wound was still leaking blood but the mild wind was soothing on the exposed skin and he was more than a little relieved to see the wound was already beginning to heal.
Hastily the twins followed the man who set a brisk pace ahead of them, they felt eerily exposed as they switched through yet another district, the smooth passage from the slums to the middle class was less abrupt and shocking than the clear line dividing noble from commoner. The streets were so much cleaner and wider, people all wearing fancy dresses and suits, and most of them were staring at the siblings as if they were some disgusting slime they had found under their expensive imported shoes. Keeping their heads down they hurried after the mystery man, their interest piqued to a point where they were both dying to know where he was leading them and who exactly he was to begin with.
Cam wrapped his arm around his sister when she shivered in the waning sun, he had always told Clover she shouldn't go around without some form of cloak or jacket to wear but she was adamant about not taking anything that would hinder her movements with her on raids. They had stashed a piece of discarded cloak they had found somewhere in the slums people were less likely to find and they had intended to retrieve it when it was getting dark, but as the sun was beginning to set the chill set in and they didn't seem to be getting closer to their end zone yet. Clover snuggled into her brother for warmth, her cheeks heating up when she saw the shocked expressions of a cluster of noble women staring at her "Cam let go, they're staring" she hissed under her breath. Cam frowned down at his sister before looking around and noting the girls who emerged in a fit of giggles as his grey eyes met theirs, even their carefully placed make up couldn't hide the blotches of red appearing on their cheeks as they gave him a peculiar look "Let them stare Clover, you're my sister and I won't let you freeze to death" he whispered back, tugging her closer into the crook of his arm. Rolling her eyes Clover acquiesced and remained in the warm bend of her somewhat younger twin brother. As they made their way through a beautiful curved street that ended in a magnificent square that led to the marble walls surrounding the Ducal palace the twins were both shocked and stunned into a stupor as their mysterious man was standing casually a few feet in front of the iron wrought gates.
Upon getting closer cautiously Cam spoke, placing his hand as it was curved around his sister over Clovers mouth, effectively muffling her question that had rolled out before she could think of the consequences. Clover gaped open mouthed "Are you flipping kidd..hmmhmmuhmps" her voice was cut off as her brothers hand clamped over her mouth, she glared ferociously at him and then for good measure bit into his hand. Cam winched slightly as his sister bit him, he shot her a glance before turning to look at their mystery man once more "I think what my sister was trying to say without much tact or etiquette" he started as he glared at Clover for a split second "Is, are you the Duke of Fort Revenald?" he asked quietly, not wanting people to overhear.
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Post by Dracafrey on May 5, 2011 16:52:32 GMT 1
Venorik knelt stealthily down on the peak of a roof top, watching down in the alley where the group of ruffians had began their confrontation with the disguised Duke. Smirking to himself as the breeze blow his hair around in front of his face as he watched the ruffian’s about to make their kill. When the Duke had one more time called for help and suddenly from around the corner two children came rushing in to his aid. Venorik snickered, “what are those kids doing their going to get themselves killed.” As he still stayed crouched on the rooftop unmoving as they entered the battle. The ruffians laughed at the kids amusement and decided they’d kill them along with the man. As both sides grew weary from the battle the disguised Duke and the 2 children managed to gain the upper hand and won the battle, leaving only two of the ruffians alive and unconscious as they left the alley. Venorik snickered to himself as he cursed the ruffians silently of their immense failure. Venorik stood slowly as he stared down at the bodies of the dead and unconscious men before leaping off the roof top and onto the ground in the alley. Rising from his knelt position he walked a distance down the alley and then leaned against the wall in the shadows awaiting for the two unconscious men to awake and return to their master to try to explain, but Venorik had orders of his own to kill the ruffians if they happened to fail their simple task, and that’s what Venorik planned to do.
Hours passed before the one of the ruffian’s woke, sitting up slowly still dizzy from the blow he had received. Taking a minute to recover his senses he noticed two of his fellow colleagues had been slain and one still unconscious. He made his way over to the other colleague managing to wake him with some difficulty. Taking several minutes discussing to each other about what they should do. Finally agreeing that they should head back to base and tell there master exactly what happened. “Hey before we leave lets loot them, they don’t need there stuff and gold anymore.” smirking to the other ruffian, the other ruffian nodded in agreance and they looted the two dead bodies before laughing to themselves as they made their way down the dark alley way unsuspecting of the man in the shadows at the other end.
The ruffians slowly made there way down the alley talking about there loot they took from their dead friends as one nudged the other informing of a man in the shadows at the end of the alley. Looking at each other, “You thinking what Im thinking?” one said. “Yeah, lets get him” the other said as they sped up their walk and stood on either side of the darkened figure. “do you know what we’re going to do to ya?” Venorik remained silent staring at the ground, while the ruffians gave each other a look and shrugged as the other ruffian piped up. “Didn’t ya hear the man, don’t ya know what we’re goin to do to ya? We’re goin to kill ya, ya piece of meat.” Venorik looked up at the two ruffians his white eyes glowing in the dark shadows of the alley, making the ruffians jump back. “You failed you task” Venorik said. Both the ruffians gasped and stared at each other and then back to the stranger. “And wha do ya know about our task mister” said one of the ruffians. “I know enough that your master dislikes failure, and has sent me to kill you if you happened to fail him.” Venorik smirking at them now, as fear had crossed over their faces. “Wha…what no, no you cant, we’re loyal to him you can……” as the ruffian fell dead to ground from a poison dart hitting his neck. Venorik turning his gaze onto the last ruffian smirking as fear had crossed his face and left the man white. “Wait please, I’ll do anything, please, noooooooooooooooo” as the ruffian knew and began to make a run for it, as he then felt a sharp pain in his neck. Stopping and reaching with his fingers to feel what had struck him. His fingers running over a thin piece of wood as he turned around to see the stranger standing in front of him before you fell over and died from the poison in the dart. Venorik smirked as the ruffian stared at him before he died, “You fools you shouldn’t have failed.” As Venorik disappeared into the shadows moments later.
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Post by xaen on May 6, 2011 2:56:58 GMT 1
Cyrteris was not disappointed by the splendid looks of pure and complete surprise that were plastered the gritty faces of his unwitting rescuers. He chuckled heartily at the lady`s jumbled quip and laughing all the louder when her brother covered her mouth rather hastily to block an further comments. The Duke was surprised the brother of the pair`s quick counter to his sister’s almost rude comment, as it would have been seen as by any other member of the court. So then with a massive flourish, Cyrteris swept himself into a greatly over exaggerated bow before exuberantly exclaiming, “Duke Cyrteris Craddec Mraen, humbly in your debt!” Hardly waiting for the pair to say a word, he nonchalantly strolled through the gate past the pair of peacekeepers that where standing watch and up the cobblestone path. He got as far as the inner courtyard gate before he was forcibly stopped by a pair of flabbergasted peacekeepers, who had seen this commoner strut through the Ducal Palace like he owned the place. Cyrteris confused stare shifted from one stern pair of peacekeeper eyes to the other as he wonder as to the reason why he and his companions had been halted.
“State your business here peasant!” The older of the two, who even had a few gray hairs on his head, demanded in that imperious tone that every guard seemed to develop after years of service.
The Duke’s incredulous look made the peacekeepers hoot in mirth, their reaction perplexing him further. After a moment of chewing on his lip in thought, the Duke came to realize his own foolishness; his disguise was clearly flawlessly perfect! With a wide grin that nearly reached his ears, the still disguised Duke proudly declared, “I am Duke Cyrteris Mraen!” The peacekeepers looked sourly at him then thinking that Cyrteris was some loon who wandered through the gates to spoil their day.
“Now, now none of this nonsense. Would you three please leave now before we have a problem,” The younger peacekeeper told them in a polite, but rather sharp tone, as he motioned back the way the trio had come.
Cyrteris’ ensuing hysterical laughter did not help his case in the slightest, earning him four pairs of irritated glares. Calming quickly the Duke then drew his blade from the depths of his cloak, the peacekeepers quickly steeping back hold up their hands defensively before them. Before either of the peacekeepers could call out, Cyrteris firmly handed the sword hilt first to the older of the pair. A long time veteran of the peacekeepers, the older man quickly realized the significance of the sword’s design.
“D-Duke Mraen! I am so sorry for this misunderstanding! I-I didn’t even know you left!” The peacekeeper stammered as he hastily returned the blade to Cyrteris’ waiting grasp, the man nearly bowled his younger counterpart over when he scrambled off back to his post feeling like such a fool.
His smile finding its rightful place on his handsome, but dirty face, the Duke led the his guests to all the way completely unhindered to thick double doors of his magnificent fortress like palace. With a firm shove, the beautifully hand carved decorated doors swung wide into a lavishly decorated antechamber and from there he lead them down a corridor on the right side towards his private living quarters. A short walk later, the Duke stopped his little entourage in a large room that was dominated by a long dining table that could easily fit fifteen comfortably, the polished oak was partially covered by an elaborately decorated table cloth that ran along the entire length of the table; portraits of Mraen family members lined the wall, with a large metal crest mounted on the wall behind the end chair, depicting a charging raven-winged bull. “Now before we dine, I would love to now the names of my most generous rescuers!” Cyrteris politely requested of his gawking guests that wandered into the room behind him.
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Post by Culmir on May 6, 2011 13:50:03 GMT 1
Cam released his twin sister from his grasp as the duke introduced himself exuberantly to the two of them, their expressions mirrored each other more than they usually did because of the familiar characteristics that marked them as siblings as they both stared dumbstruck at the duke as his introduction finally sank into their minds. Clovers face broke into a wide grin as she nudged her brother, serves him right for doubting they could somehow manage to get close to the elusive duke of Fort Revenald, ever since Clover had told him about her plan he had remained skeptic and woefully so up to a point that he tried everything he could to stop Clover from doing anything radical, like getting herself arrested as those who had committed crimes were judged upon by the duke. Cam rubbed at his sore ribs, that was the third time in small amount of time that his sister had felt the need to jab her elbow into his side, grumbling her stared at her as she seemed completely oblivious to the two peacekeepers eyeing them wearily across the courtyard. Placing his hand onto Clovers shoulder he tried to hold her back from following the duke into the courtyard but she shrugged him off impatiently, her grey eyes narrowing as she stared at him angrily "Don't ruin this brother" she hissed softly "This might be the only chance we get to impress him and hope that he's willing to take us in" she continued, her eyes as hard as stone as they bored into his. Admitting defeat Cam waved his sister on, following the duke through the wrought iron gates and towards the large ornate doors of the ducal palace, only to find their way blocked by a pair of peacekeepers. Clover glanced behind them immediately, dropping into a stance, her hand casually resting on the hilt of her kodachi in case the peacekeepers at the gates decided to block their exit from behind, she was relieved to find them still at their posts, apparently they thought their colleagues could deal with them on their own. Cam stepped in front of Clover to cover her from attacks as they were stopped, his hand reaching for his katana in case he'd need to draw the blade swiftly, though his arm ached in protest as the freshly healed wound was stretched, cracked open and began to bleed once more.
Both of the Rue kids were keeping their ears strained on the conversation being held between the peacekeepers and the duke in disguise, they were preparing to jump to his aide once more should the iron clad men not believe his story and decided to throw them into the dungeons so he could go and verify their tale. They both tensed as the duke drew his sword, Cams hand closing around the hilt of his katana as he heard the familiar hiss of Clovers kodachi slipping slightly out of hers as she prepared for an attack. It seemed they were preemptive in their assumptions that they were going to have to battle once again on this day as the minute the elder peacekeeper laid eyes on the proffered sword of the duke he backed down and stuttered an apology, tripping over his own feet and nearly knocking down his partner as they beat a hasty retreat.
Relaxing Clover let out her pent up breath as she let her kodachi slide back into its sheath, she heard the snick of it settling firmly in the black protective case before she turned around and slid up beside her brother once more, following the duke unhindered all the way to the beautifully carved doors leading into the ducal palace. Cam brushed absently at his pants, conscious of the amount of dirt clinging to his clothes as well as Clovers and also acutely aware of the spotless state of the ducal palace, he coughed softly self-conscious of the amount of dust trailing in behind them all, someone in the dukes housekeeping wasn't going to be pleased at all. Clover shot a sideways glance at her brother when she saw him brushing off his clothes, eyeing him curiously she noted the dirty footprints they were leaving behind in a clear but already fading trail "Hey at least they'll know who to blame as long as they follow those" she tried to joke, though her light laugh wavered a bit.
Trying to keep their bearings the twins looked around and trying to keep the amazement out of their expressions mostly, though they failed miserably as the duke led them into a lavishly decorated room, the most stunning feature was the large table in the centre of the room. Clover couldn't keep her eyes off the elaborately decorated table cloth, it shimmered in the candle lit room as the windows allowed the fleeting rays of the setting sun to cast long shadows into the room. Cams eyes were trailing the portraits along the wall, generation after generation hung depicted in their splendour on these walls, both of their eyes came to rest on the large family crest hanging loftily against the wall above the larger chair at the head of the table. A twin pair of grey eyes whirled onto the duke as he spoke to them once more, it was Clover who recovered from the shock of actually being inside the ducal palace first, she cleared her throat absently before speaking "I'm Clover Rue, this is my twin brother Cam" she said as she stared Cyrteris in the eye before it dawned on her that this might be rude and hastily averting her gaze. Cam watched as his sister began to fidget slightly 'so, etiquette class finally caught up on you has it' he thought to himself as he shook his head slightly "Thank you for welcoming us into your home your grace" he spoke calmly, not betraying how intensely uncomfortable he felt being in the room so splendorous while he was so smudged with dirt and bleeding from a wound.
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Post by xaen on May 7, 2011 1:33:52 GMT 1
‘Finally some names to go with the faces’ Cyrteris thought as the siblings introduced themselves to the Duke in the luxurious private dining hall. “Well it’s a pleasure to meet you,” He politely said to his guests as the Duke firmly took hold of Cam’s hand and gave it a firm shake, and then he took Clover’s hand and gently placed his regal lips to the back of her hand. Backing off and heading for the door, Cyrteris called for his five personal servants to assemble in the dining hall. A short wait later the five servants quickly wandered into the dining room, two women and three men. “Please inform the cook that there will be six guests joining me for dinner,” He told one of the finely dressed gentlemen, who wore a splendid blue and black tabard over a cotton and silk suit. Courteously bowing before leaving the man scuttled off through an oak door on the far side of the room to the left of the mounted family crest. Before that servant disappeared behind the door, the Duke turned to the next servant; another regally garbed gentleman. “Inform General Tedronnis of my safe return home, and ask him if he’d like to joins us for dinner,” Cyrteris commanded of the fellow, and hardly waiting for the man to depart he turned on the third gentleman, “Would you go invite the Council to dinner, please?” Both servants bowing and smiling polite as they set out to complete their assigned tasks, the two remaining lady servants still standing stoically before the Duke. “Would you ladies please accompany me and my guests to their chambers?” Cyrteris respectfully requested of his servants as he moved off to a door on the right side of the room. The oak door opened up into short corridor with a door on either side with a winding staircase at the opposite end, a thick red carpet covered the entire floor just like the dining from before it. The young Duke moved at a steady pace as he lead the way of the small entourage down the hall and up the curving stairs. Another corridor greeted them at the top of the stairs this one had two doors on either side and another oak door that had the Revenald Raven and shield crest hand carved and painted onto its face at the far end of the hall. Again the hard floor was covered by the crimson coloured carpeting, each wall had paintings of beautiful landscapes mounted in between each door, with large windows lining the slightly curved ceiling that was ten feet above their heads. The servants had already lit the mounted lamps that also periodically lined the clean cut polished walls, illuminating the hallway easily enough now that the sun neared the end of its descent. The Duke traveled halfway down the corridor before turning about on his heels and indicating the two doors on his right, with Ducal index finger. “These two rooms are yours,” He explained to the Rue twins, rotating towards the pair of lady servants as he finished to say, “Would you ladies please get so fresh clean elegant clothes for them to wear, and prepare a bath for each.” As the ladies started down the stair the Duke sheepishly shouted after them, “And a bath for me as well!” having caught a whiff of the stench of his positively filthy outfit. Then the Duke politely bowed to his guest and headed towards his private chambers, halting with his room door half open in his hand, Cyrteris cast a cheery smile to his guests. “Once your done please head back the way you came to the dining hall, I’ll be the last to join the festivities though,” Cyrteris quickly shutting the door behind him as he steeped into his chambers without any further conversation with the pair. Over the next hour, the young Duke enjoyed a warm bath and dressed himself in his finest blue and black doublet with beautiful ivory buttons and gold trim, with a matching pair of trousers, a small insignia depicting the black and gold, Raven and Shield of Fort Revenald. His long shoulder length hair was neatly combed, and his face freshly cleanly shaven, the Duke stared at himself in his large full body mirror scrutinizing every detail of his outfit before finally heading off to meet with his seventh guest at the opposite side of the Ducal Palace.
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Post by Culmir on May 7, 2011 18:08:25 GMT 1
Cam was surprised when the duke reached for his hand, he was glad he wiped most of the dirt of his hands on his pants earlier, there was still a remarkable amount of grit under his fingernails and his hand was sweaty from nerves. The duke was kind enough to let show any repulsion as he grasped Cams hand in a firm hand shake, at the institute they had always told Cam that you could judge the type of man by his handshake, if it were too tight it meant the man meant you harm or was otherwise envious of you or your status, it was too long it meant the man wanted to do more business with you in some form, too short meant that he was eager to get away as you clearly were not worth his time, a too light hand shake meant the man had no experience in the field, in grasping arms, or otherwise afraid of insulting you by squeezing to hard. Cam was delighted to note that the duke had mastered the art in hand shakes perfectly, it was just the right amount of pressure to make Cam feel actually welcomed and it wasn't too short for the man to indicate what he really wanted to do was wipe his hand on his own pair of pants, it was precisely the right length. The taller twin also noted the man didn't wipe his hands after releasing Cams sweaty palm which meant he wasn't as frilly as most noble birth men were, those who meandered at court all day, playing with the ladies they were suiting, those men who fainted at the mere idea of working up a sweat.
Clover smiled politely at the duke as he pronounced his pleasure of meeting them, she was half tempted to roll her eyes at the lavish proclamation of delight, for a man like the duke couldn't possibly be that thrilled to be in the company of her and her twin brother. She was more than a little surprised when the dukes hand closed around hers, she was expecting a shake like her brother had received and stared wide eyed as the duke raised her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss onto the back of it. Clovers smile was more genuine and warm when he released her hand, she wasn't quite sure how to respond so she simply bowed her head in thanks while mentally trying to recall those tedious etiquette classes she had slept through back at the institute. She threw an envious glance at her brother, fully aware that he had remained awake during those boring lectures and was now reaping the benefits of having remembered some bits and pieces of it.
The twins scuttled together as the duke began to order his servants to do various tasks, they were a little surprised when he announced to the first one there would be a party of 6 people joining him for dinner. One of the guests would apparently be a General Tedronnis who the twins assumed had command over the peacekeepers captains as well as the private army of Fort Revenald, but they weren't sure, the two did exchange worried glances, if the general was in fact in charge of the peacekeeper captains, that meant the man would be handed the weekly report, which meant at some point this evening or possibly tomorrow a report would appear before him in which the two of them would be accused of stealing private property in the wealthy district. As the duke asked yet another servant to invite the council the twins both strained to hear any news, but were disappointed as the servants turned and left without any further questions. It left the two maiden servants standing in front of the duke, both staring at him expectantly. At the mention of chambers Cam relaxed, he had hoped to get some chance of freshening up a bit before dinner, he didn't want to appear as much of a slob as he did now and he was sure Clover shared his sentiment.
Both followed the duke eagerly through the door and up a winding staircase, their footsteps clicking on the smooth steps before being muffled by the rich crimson carpet that adorned the wooden floor. They stopped when they reached a pair of doors on either side of the corridor and remained woefully quiet until the duke spoke once more, informing them these chambers were theirs to use for the time being before he addressed the maids and asked them to draw baths and acquire them some fresh clothes to wear. "Thank you" Clover spoke first, as Cam mentally kicked himself for not remembering to thank their host, the duke smiled before turning around and heading to his own room, as he was about to slip in he turned to face the twins who were both hovering by the doors and told them to return downstairs when they were done.
Clover grinned when the door to the dukes room closed, whirling on her brother she threw her arms around his neck in an exuberant hug "I can't believe we're actually in the ducal palace" she whispered, not wanting to be overheard. Cam chuckled as he unwrapped Clovers arms from his neck "Yeah I know, now we really should get to cleaning, I don't know about you but I'm bleeding, and sore, and filthy so I really could use this bath, I expect you feel the same and we should hurry just a bit, we don't want to end up late somehow" he spoke urgently. Clovers mouth quirked up at the left corner as she considered this "True, better go and see what kind of gown they're going to force me into" she grumbled, she never did approve of the lengthy dresses the aristocrats deemed worthy to be worn by women, they impeded all your movements and practically made it impossible to breathe in at some points, she had even once saw a woman that couldn't sit because of the ridiculous amount of layers her dress had. As she slipped into her room she hoped she wouldn't have to make her own adjustments to her attire as she would regret ruining anything the duke borrowed to her.
Cam shook his head slightly as his sisters concern about her clothes, but then again he had never been forced to wear a dress in his life and his clothes were always practical in any situation. Both of the Rue kids succumbed happily to the lukewarm baths that had been prepared for them in their rooms, soaking all the accumulated dirt out of their pores and scrubbing harshly at the wounds they had sustained earlier, leaving them tingling, raw and painfully red but blissfully clean. Cams attire consisted of a dark brown pair of pants, with a matching tunic, that allowed him to buckled his sword belt around his hips easily, his shoes replaced by comfortable black boots, Cam had never been vain but he did run his damp fingers through his red and purple tinged hair, trying to make it take on some form of sleekness. Clover was pleasantly surprised as she emerged from her vanilla scented bath, having indulged herself by soaking in the lovely scented water for a few minutes longer than were actually necessary. Draped over a stool in her room was a dress unlike one she had ever seen before, it was sleek and supple and in the most marvellous shade of grey mixed with silver, she relished the feeling of the smooth silk lining sliding over her as she slipped into the dress that clung to her form like a second skin. It shimmered in the candle light as she twirled in front of the large mirror in the room, sleeveless it rested on her shoulders lightly as if draped there, the neckline forming an elegant V as the dress fell smoothly down to her ankles from her hips, if she stood still it appeared to be in one piece but as she moved it revealed two slits on either side, reached up to mid thigh that wouldn't hold back any movements. She did concede to wearing her black shorts under the dress to avoid any embarrassing glimpsing, she carefully arranged her hair to frame her face in a shock of spiky hair locks before she darted out of her room to collide in the hallway with her brother who had been waiting.
Cam caught onto Clover expertly, he steadied her before looking at her dress, hoping she hadn't pulled out her kodachi and ruined any of the dukes possessions, he was surprised by the dress before shrugging coolly "Guess they wanted us in earthly tones" he joked, indicating his brown clothes and pointing to Clovers grey dress "Like rocks and dirt" he grinned, only to be stomped in the arm brutally by a flushed Clover "Shut up" she grumbled. Together they began their way down the stairs and into the dining area to wait for the other guests and their host.
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Post by xaen on May 8, 2011 14:32:54 GMT 1
General Tedronnis was the first to enter the dining hall an hour after his summons, face flushed a deep angry red from having spent the past hour furiously cursing the young Duke’s childish nature. His short brown hair was streaked with many greys as he neared his late-fifties, his forehead cared the wrinkles of countless hours of concentration; his skin still held part of its once dark tan from years in the sun, and his once powerful muscles are now slack and light from lack of use. General Tedronnis quickly and quietly took a seat near the high back chair that belonged to the Duke, a fierce scowl growing across his old face as he watched the arrival of the council members.
Saria Moonflower was the second to arrive after the fiery General, she is the proud owner of the Moonflower merchant company; one of the two merchants that were elected onto the council by their associates. Saria had her long black hair draped gently over her bare shoulders, she wore a beautiful red silk dress that clung tightly to her curves with an alluring slit along her thigh to allow free movement. The Lady Moonflower wore all her finest jewellery, a gold chain necklace, a stunning diamond studded silver ring, and a pair of gold loop earrings. A warm smile always seemed to in habitat the lady’s small mouth, as she moved to the chair beside the grumpy old General; hardly needing to introduce herself to the old man.
The third and fourth guests arrived practically at the same time, a large portly fellow and a scrawny little vulture of a man. The round gentleman, Galsious Harven, the long time treasury account for the Duke of Fort Revenald. From years of squinting and straining his eyes on parchment behind a desk, the man quickly put on incredible amounts of weight and developed the need for a pair of ovular glasses. Galsious had come dressed in a massive multicoloured doublet that struggled to contain his wide girth, his black and green trousers facing a similar problem. The Lord Harven’s amount of trinkets bordered on the obscene, the man wore at least three different styles of rings on each of his ten sausage like fingers; both of his ears wear covered with loopy earrings and wild dangly styled earrings, the man wore seven chain necklaces around his thick fatty neck. Galsious’ counterpart was far less extravagant in regards of wild outfits, the birdlike Rasvin Tresm wore a simple black and white get up that made him seem more imposing than he actually was. The owner of the Crossland Merchant Company, took few long lanky stride around the room politely nodding his greeting as he settled in the chair across from the beautiful Saria Moonflower. From there he stared down the length of his hawk nose with open desire spread across his angular almost bird shaped face. Amount later the enormous mass that was Galsious somehow beyond any of the of other threes’ comprehension, the man managed to fit his massive ass in the small oak chair across from the still glowering General.
As the silence dragged on for a few more moments, General Tredonnis was about to speak when he noticed a pair of newcomers entering the chamber rather uncomfortably. “And who might you be?” The grizzly old man demanded of the pair, after a moment of staring at them the General soon noticed some similarities between the pair and a recent peacekeeper report.
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Post by Culmir on May 9, 2011 13:18:17 GMT 1
Clover and Cam silently made their way down the stairs, halting just outside the door that led into the room as they could hear murmured conversation on the other side, they waited for the talking to rise in volume before they slipped inside, hoping to remain undetected until they could assess the situation they were thrown into. It seemed fortune did not smile upon the twins this evening as the minute they slipped into the room the talking ceased and a deep voice asked them who they might be. The twins remained silent for a moment, their grey eyes taking in the assorted people in the room, the servants were standing at the walls, waiting to be summoned should any of the dukes guests require anything but seated upon the chairs was a grisly man, someone Cam immediately marked as the general after having laid eyes upon the other two men in the room. He was also the man that had spoken, demanding who they were "I'm Cam" he addressed the general "This is my sister Clover" he indicated her as she surveyed the inhabitants of the room still. It appeared a large burly man had managed to squish himself into one of the chairs surrounding the tables and Clover could see the wood straining to retain its form as the man shifted to take a better look at her and her brother. "We're here on the dukes invitation" Clover spoke, her eyes wandering over the hawk like man who seemed to be drowning in the beauty of the raven haired woman across from him. Smiling disarmingly Clover crossed the room and seated herself at the table, as far away from the general as she could manage without seeming rude, she just didn't want the man to get a close enough look at her and her twin and notice they were totally out of place here at the ducal palace. Lacing her fingers together she rested her hands on the table top as Cam sat down beside her, both of them waiting for the duke, and possibly dinner, unless they were unceremoniously dumped back outside where they came from.
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Post by xaen on May 9, 2011 21:06:12 GMT 1
Vlan’Tur carefully kept his face completely devoid of emotion, as he stood stoically in the Foreign Delegates chambers waiting patiently for the Erumaran Duke to meet him. He could not wait for this foolish business to be finished, so that he could return to his people and join them in glorious battle against these heathens. The guards in the chamber stared back at him similarly impassively, no doubt hiding secret desires to kill the Vorshtaran while he was in their peacefully in their midst. As always Vlan’Tur wore his plain tan tunic and slacks, and holding tightly to his trusted staff; hardly seeing the need to dress up fancily like these pompous weaklings. The mighty Vorshtaran warrior had arrived in the city late the night before, and had waited through the entire day in his private quarters for the Duke to return. An hour ago, the Vorshtaran ambassador had been informed of the Duke’s return and eagerly rushed into the public delegate chamber to meet with the man; only to stand around waiting for the Duke to arrive. Before Vlan’Tur could dwell on the irritating subject any longer, the great double doors burst open and in marched the elegantly dressed Duke of Revenald.
Cyrteris had swiftly traveled from one end of the Ducal Palace to the other, to meet with the delegate from the marauding Vorshtaran people. The young Duke had been informed that the Vorshtarans were an imposing people, but he was hardly prepared for the sight he beheld in the delegate chamber. The Vorshtaran towered over him by four inches, and was nearly twice his size; though the man’s face was completely devoid of expression. “I am Duke Cyrteris Mraen,” The Duke introduced himself as he casually extended his hand to his mighty guest.
“I am Vlan’Tur, ambassador for the mighty Xaxistics,” Vlan’Tur grunted as he unceremoniously disregarded the Duke’s gesture for a handshake, “Let us finish our business quickly for I have little desire to stay in this horrible city.”
Vlan’Tur sharp rejection and harsh insult towards his people knocked Cyrteris back on his heels as he motioned for the ambassador to follow him. The giant of a man obliged to the Duke’s request as Cyrteris guided him through the Ducal halls, back the way he had come to meet the imposing man. Vlan’Tur remained completely silent as he followed the Duke, staring blankly at the back of Cyrteris’ head as they strolled along. After a few minutes, the pair arrived in the chamber outside of the dining hall where all of the Duke’s guests had gathered. “I hope you don’t mind discussing our business after the evening meal,” Cyrteris told more than asked Vlan’Tur as he opened the door wide for the man with a wide grin, and together they made their grand entrance the Duke leading the way.
General Tedronnis’ sneer was genuine as he glared at the young man that introduced himself as Cam and his sister Clover. There was hardly a doubt in his mind now that these two were the pair from the evening report, but the General’s ferocious expression slacked into an irritated frown knowing that they were now in the Duke’s personnel custody. Making them practically untouchable until the Duke said otherwise, though Tedronnis really wanted to hear the Duke’s reasoning for this little charade. Then the old grizzly General’s court etiquette training finally kicked in after a few awkward minutes as the pair took their seats, “I am Luthien Tedronnis, General of Fort Revenald’s peacekeepers and private army.”
The council members visibly relaxed as Tedronnis made his introduction to the strange out of place pair, though they still lacked the desire to follow his lead. With a disgusted sigh at her fellow council members cowardice, Saria smiled warmly at the pair and politely dipped her head in greeting. “I am Saria Moonflower, the owner of The Moonflower Company,” She happily informed the pair indicating herself with a smooth pale hand, and then rudely pointing at her arrogant and tactless suitor. “And that horny hawk, is the oh so noble Rasvin Tresm. The infamous owner of The Crossland Company,” Saria drawled in a heavily insulting tone that was supposed to hint to the vile man to back off. To her frustration he did the complete opposite, he blew her a loving kiss and shot her the most hideous attempt at puppy eyes ever seen.
“I am forever your’s my sweet voluptuous Moony, oh how I long to feel the warmth of your divine form,” Rasvin cooed in dramatic tones despite the vulgarity of his words, seriously trying to woo her with his tasteless use of the language. As always Saria rolled her beautiful blue eyes at yet another of Rasvin’s unabashed attempts to win her heart and her body. Feeling the need to show Rasvin that she can be crude as well and to repay him for the stupid pet name, Saria promptly flipped a delicate perfectly manicured middle finger his way. The action drawing a huge bellowing wave of laughter from the depths of Galsious’ massive jiggling belly. “That boar of a man is the Treasury account, Galsious Harven,” Rasvin snapped his embarrassement dripping from every word that escaped his beak like face, making the bulbous Galsious holler all the louder with unbridled mirth. A few near awkward minutes past as Saria and Rasvin exchanged a lot of dirty looks, Tedronnis staring angrily off in to space, and Galsious endless explosive belly jiggling cries of mirth as he continued to watch the drama between the two merchants. Then suddenly the dining chamber door opened and in strutted the flamboyant Duke of Revenald, many friendly smiles were sent his way before they dissipated at the sight of the thing following the Duke.
Vlan’Tur nervously clomped his way into the luxuriously decorated chamber, the sight nearly taking his breath away. The Vorshtaran felt very uncomfortable as quite a few hateful glares were sent his way, the poor plainsman was far out of his comfort zone as he moved to stand stock still next to the shorter Duke. Vlan’Tur probably towered over everyone in the room, but that fact only slightly eased his private and wild fears. One pair of the six in the room seemed oddly out of place to the unworldly Vorshtaran diplomat, though even out of place they still were pathetic Erumarans in his prideful eyes.
At first Cyrteris was incredibly pleased by the rooms initial reaction, and then he was thoroughly disappointed a moment later when his council shot terribly rude expressions at his foreign guest. But who could blame them, the marauding Vorshtarans have been causing numerous problems for those politicians these past few months, and then one day the Duke invites one to dinner. Hazza! ‘Welcome to Hell’ Cyrteris thought as he matched stares with each of his court members, until they averted their rude gazes. “This my friends is Vlan’Tur, a Vorshtaran, sent as a diplomat by Xaxistics,” The young Duke said enthusiastically trying to melt through the icy reception, as he guided the giant Vorshtaran to the open seat next to Cam.
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Post by Culmir on May 10, 2011 18:21:22 GMT 1
Cam and Clover sat quietly at the table as their inhabitants introduced themselves, Cams assessment of the elder man being the general proved correct as he scrutinized them wearily it would seem. Clover raised an gentle eyebrow when Saria introduced herself and referred to the man sitting across from her with his prominent beak like nose as a 'horny hawk' Cam stiffened beside Clover at the mention of the man so casually as Clover snickered, covering her grin with her hand hastily. The man who Saria had rudely introduced had his own snip of a come back as he referred to the large burly man whose chair creaked imminently from his boisterous laugh as a 'boar of a man' the description hardly seemed to fit to the large man as a boar would never decorate himself so luxuriously in jewellery of all sizes. Clover smiled reassuringly to the heavy set man, he seemed to be friendly for now as his enormous belly shook with his loud laughter.
The moment of hilarity was shortlived as the double doors leading into the dining area opened and the duke glided inside, accompanied by a fierce looking man who rose above the duke not only with his size but with his demeanor as well. Everything about the man screamed danger as Clover stiffened in her dress, her hand sliding off the table top and unnoticed reached down into her boots through the slit in her dress, reassuring herself that the kodachi was still slipped snugly into the leather straps on the back of her boots. She had also pilfered two knives from a large bin of tableware earlier, a maid had come by to ask how her bath was and if she required anything, Clover had been out of the bath tub by then and had locked her eyes immediately on the large bin in the womans arms, clearly she had been about to set the table for the nights dinner and decided to drop by the guests first. She distracted her with trivial things as asking where she could find combs for her hair and as the maid had set down the bin to retrieve a stylish pair of combs she had snagged the knives and slipped it into her boots. Of course she hadn't worn the combs as she wouldn't know how to use them but those weren't her ultimate goal anyway. Hidden by the table Clover slipped one of the knives free, nudging Cams boots with her toes. Cam glanced sideways immediately, having to tear his eyes off the large man who came in with the duke, he noticed the glint of a knife and reached out to take it smoothly, slipping into his high boots, while scolding himself for not having thought of that himself.
Everyone stared at the newcomer as he followed the duke towards the dining table, apparently the rest of the dukes guests we unfamiliar with the man as well, which improved the situation slightly so Cam and Clover weren't the only ones to stare at him. They did note that most of the stares were hostile and mistrusting and it made the siblings wonder what the man had done to deserve such a reception, they themselves had been welcomed smoothly enough why was this man so different. Apart from him being tall, tanned and rather large he seemed about as normal as the rest of them, his name was a bit weird though but then again Fort Revenald had always been welcome too all sorts of people.
Cam smiled politely, or tried to, it ended up more as a pained grimace when the large man called Vlan'Tur was seated beside him, Clover was glad the duke hadn't placed him beside her, she found the man rather intimidating the way he seemed to glare at everyone. She exchanged a glance with Cam, nodding imperceptibly at each other, silently agreeing to hear this out to the end, their interest piqued they waited to hear from the duke who seated himself at the head of the table.
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