[Okay guys, this first post of mine is going to probably be pretty lengthy, but I promise you that you'll need to read through it. Also, if you have any questions, please feel free to PM me at any time. ]



Lorne refused to enter through the main door. After three years of service to the old king, and now beginning a fourth year to the new one; he knew his way around the castle fairly well. The side entrances were often hid behind tapestries, and it was such a one now that he crept through, hoping to slip into the growing crowd unannounced, and unnoticed.

It appeared he was just in time, too. A small group had gathered - at least a dozen, he guessed - and were standing at various positions, waiting in quiet confusion or confidence, according to their personalities. The sun had just fallen, leaving a dull grey sky.

The main door was flung open, every whisper ceased, and the young king - so young, thought Lorne, seeing him up close for the first time - entered without pomp or announcement. He merely strolled in, flanked by two of his advisers, scrutinizing every face carefully with his piercing blue eyes, as though he were a housewife seizing up fresh fish at the market.

"Good," he said at length, easing into a chair at the head of the Throne room. "You are all here I see.

"I suppose there has been a great deal of speculation as to your purpose here. The silence was absolutely necessary, however. In due time you will, I hope, see why.

"I'm sure every one of you, providing you live near enough a town to hear the rumors, have heard of the 'miracle weapon' possessed by our neighbors in Celsea. It is spoken of everywhere, and yet scoffed at by our own intelligentsia, laughed at by our nobles, disbelieved in more and more frequently by the common people. The rumors are dying out, and Celsea itself remains strangely quiet on the subject.

"I have reason to believe the weapon exists." He paused, staring at the faces before him, gauging their reaction. "Celsea has always had the upper hand in scientific advancement. Even if there is the <i>smallest</i> chance that this weapon could be real, even now being perfected by their cunning hands..." He paused again, shaking his head slightly. "Could any of you comprehend what that would mean for Throstate?

"That is why I am organizing this delegation. <i>That</i> is why you are here.

"Do not make the mistake of thinking you are just a random person chosen to do service to your country. You were chosen because you were <i>exceptional</i>. You have a talent that this mission will require. Do not make the mistake of thinking you are unimportant, that you will just slip away and leave the matter to everyone else. I studied. I sought out all over Throstate for the talented people who could aid me in this critical situation. You are those people.

He paused again, a grim line coming across his face. "Of course, you do have a choice in the matter. Just remember that, should you choose to go, there will be considerable rewards. And should you not... remember that I now know who you are. Some of you are used to living a little, well, shall we say extravagantly? And those excesses, those small deceits would not happen to go unnoticed should you return to them.

"You will work together, as a group. All your life, you may have been used to being exceptional. You are. But in this group, you're not. Every one of your companions is equally as important as you. Treat them as such. Look to them when you can't do it alone.

"I will leave you the rest of the day to get acquainted with one another, and you will start for Celsea tomorrow morning. Two of you I have employed especially for your knowledge of Celsea; Ifan and Lorne. They will help you adjust to the culture. Once you're there, you will settle in for a friendly 'visit' at Celsea's castle... I have already sent a diplomat ahead to announce your coming. And then," he smiled, just a little, "You will do everything in your power to procure that weapon for me."

"Should there be complications... well, I think you will be able to work out of them yourselves. Once you've gotten that weapon - or at the very least, the plans for the weapon - I want you to return here at the greatest speed. It will not take long for Celsea to realize their loss."

"One other thing. I couldn't help but notice, when entering, that some of you seem more equipped for a small war, rather than a friendly visit. That really won't do at all. We wouldn't want Celsea thinking we meant them any harm? So I must insist that you come now and lay all your excess weapons down. They'll be waiting for you upon your return. Only keep the most necessary of defensive weapons with you. Everything about your person should radiate peace. It is not uncommon for countries to visit between themselves, and that is what we'll be doing. Even your attire should reflect this attitude.

"I'm sure you have questions, and now is the time to ask them." He sank farther back into his seat. "Although if they're any stupid, 'What exactly does this weapon do?' please spare me. I <i>don't know</i>. That is what I'm hoping for you to find out."

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"The piano is able to communicate the subtlest universal truths by means of wood, metal and vibrating air."

Lyrra raised her eyebrows at the man's sudden display of assertiveness. She was somewhat surprised that someone would speak to the king in such a way, albeit a young king. Yet, she remained silent. Arms crossed over her chest, she leaned against the wall, willing herself to go unnoticed. Irritated at best she was at having been called away from her quiet woodland cottage to go traveling, and she knew that although she was in this now, she thought it best to draw as little attention to herself as possible.

What good would she do anyway?! The thought screamed through her mind for the thousandth time since that meeting began. Sure she could track just about anything, but couldn't they find somebody else? Anybody?

Lyrra shook her tousled brown hair out of her eyes and let out a quiet sigh. There was no use feeling sorry for herself now. She would do as the king commanded. She would do her part to make the mission successful. She would go with the others to Celsea.... But that didn't mean she was happy about it.

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I'm back!

A few moments after Devin's words, a small group of soldiers showed themselves in the entrance, but the king stayed them with a raised palm.

There was a flash of anger in his eyes, but it quickly gave way to a more composed expression. "You assume too much, too quickly Devin Arkheim. Have you not heard the expression 'safety in numbers'?"

He rose from his seat, walking slowly, deliberately, down towards the group. A few feet away from Devin, the king stopped, addressing him in a low voice, and yet still loud enough for the others to hear him. "You are mistaken in thinking you could succeed without the help of this group. Not only are you unfamiliar with the Celsean culture, but you would be completely unable to function with the Celsean chiefs. They do not give respect to those who have not earned it by birth.

"And I have completely taken into consideration the numbers in this group. You will operate as a whole, and yet I intend for you to divide. Some need to keep the lords attention away from their secrets, while others investigate. I hope you will be able to discern wisely as to how <i>many</i> smaller groups there will need to be once you reach Celsea.

"Of course," he smiled, just a trace of smugness, "To say that you need the clan doesn't necessarily mean the clan needs you. Should you choose, you may leave. Just be aware that I do not easily forget a name, or the record of less than legitimate activities behind it. And you can be sure, I will make the nobles aware that it is time to find another skilled man to carry out their work for them."

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"The piano is able to communicate the subtlest universal truths by means of wood, metal and vibrating air."

Alenia stood casually against a pillar, watching the new young king propose his idea to do with the group and more importantly, her. Celsea wasn't too foreign if you weren't concerned about countries or politics. To her, it was just another piece of land. Similarly, she was rather oblivious to the young man who was sitting on the throne before her, blissfully ignorant of all the criticism surrounding him. So when she was summoned, she naturally assumed that she was being arrested for crimes. But as it turned out, she was here to get some kind of weapon.

At this idea, Alenia was terribly conflicted. For one, she had no desire to involve herself in politics, which she thought never led to anything good. What are the chances that this weapon would lead to a war, she asked herself. Very high, she then answered. And things like pleasure were often sacrificed for "higher" things like glory and honour. Then...there was the monetary reward. Even though it was likely to be stained with future blood, her greed held no concern for that. Her sense of morality did not extend to her indirect actions. Just as long as she didn't kill them directly.

Meanwhile, one of the group began to directly challenge the king, with a passion and insolence that Alenia had rarely seen before. But she kept quiet, hidden in the shadows. The man simply assert the belief that she was now gently nurturing in her head. She could do it by herself. Who knows what else would be in those vaults. She didn't even have to go in the king's name. She could take it for herself, selling it to the highest bidder.

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I was cured all right.

The king wasn't about to back down from the challenge, or let it go. Well knowing his unpopularity among his subjects, he was determined at least not give them any ground to call him weak.

His palm was raised again, the soldiers behind the group stirred.

"Perhaps you noticed about a dozen of my soldiers gathered behind you? That was so that they could have killed <i>you</i> in the past five minutes, had I been so inclined." Kyne paused, and then gestured them forward. "I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to step out for a few moments. If you choose to join the group, under <i>my</i> terms, return. Otherwise, feel free to go your own way."

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"The piano is able to communicate the subtlest universal truths by means of wood, metal and vibrating air."

Terrel cast a look of disdain at these common folk, and at this man who dared confront the king. "Your Majesty." He advanced toward the throne, twisting his hand in a practiced gesture that made his cloak flare and ripple behind him. "Your judgment is sound and practical, as always. One only needs to know the delicacies and tempers of the elite class to see that one man could not go alone. Common thieves can be caught." He couldn't help but wonder what use an assassin would be. They were going to watch, to take, but not to kill.

"I have no weapons, save for my staff." Kneeling, Terrel offered up a wooden staff nearly as high as his shoulders and stained a rich dark color. "No one could begrudge a man his walking stick."

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going on a journey through my old claims

Had the Admiral been present, Elanna would have remarked to him that some of these people really had no respect for king and country. However, her minor disagreement with the guards at the door had ended in his banishment, and he was very likely seated outside, tail wrapped around his paws and attitude mournfully affronted. Therefore, she was without a confidante for this insight, and kept it to herself.

She stuck her thumbs in her pockets and considered this notion of excessive weaponry. It only took a few moments of thought to conclude that a belt knife, even supplemented by the admirable offensive skills of the Admiral, was suitable for her purposes. The walking armory, however, currently parading himself in front of the throne, could have lost a few daggers and (in her opinion) been none the worse for wear. He might jingle less, too.

Elanna hummed absently. She only noticed the dark look that one of the door guards near the back of the room was shooting in her general direction after she'd reached the third verse of Three Kings and a Unicorn, and it would have been a pity not to finish the song, so she kept going.

Five verses in, he sidled up to her and coughed. "Lady, please desist."

Elanna blinked. "It's a wonderful composition," she assured him. "Even better with harmony." A few heads turned in their general direction. A notion occurred. "Oh, do you mean it's disruptive?" she inquired. "My apologies. I'll stop directly."

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Alenia watched the spar between the assassin and the king with an appreciating eye. However, she only remained silent. Just as Tagin taught her. Silent and swift. She watched with some amusement as the assassin stripped himself of his weapons. Of course, he probably kept a dagger here and there for comfort. He wasn't foolish enough to surrender those. For herself, her dagger was of no considerable danger to anyone and she herself lacked the skills to wield it. No, what was more dangerous, she thought, were her lockpicking kit. But they would need that, wouldn't they?

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I was cured all right.

Breora stood almost amused amungst the throng of people that didn't fit together in the room. You had your share of warriors and scum, as well as your nobles and higher-ups. She had to admit that she herself was tettering toward the scum.

Listening to the young king's speach, the mage didn't find it very impressive. Bring together a whole bunch of people just to find a weapon that possibly doesn't even exist. If it was true, and that this weapon could cause a war. Those that could fight would gain more in the war than what this little prince could give. Like the assassin that seemed to strip layer after layer of weapons for a moment. Breora herself would prefer a war rather than a secritive mission. But that wasn't the only thing bugging her.

Sighing loudly and clearing her throat, she made the king's head turn toward her instead of the assassin.
"I have a few questions. One already brought to light, but I won't go there. My other is our reward for this. What is is? As far as I can tell from what you said, the only reason we have to do this mission for you is blackmail. Of the possibility of using out usefullness to our supperiors. That isn't enough, especially for us who's job it is to fight. We could just as easily go to the other side and shed light on your plan to Celsean. I speak for myself -and maybe a few others- when I say that I'd gladly go for this plan for something.... shiny and in abundance. If you know what I mean," she ended with a smirk and waited for the king's answer..

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(}--{)Imagination Inspires Ideas -Zandain(}--{)
Married Cloud Strife 9/17/08

Roderick stood proudly towards the back of the room. Any other place and he would have been blocking other view of the young king. He had seen him before at the Riding Academy's. Although he felt it odd that the king recruited a mere performer and craftsman, he was still proud of himself for being there and for having the sense to wear his best riding outfit. The thick leather breaches, the dark blue tail coat, a stark white,pressed shirt, and a hat now held at his side against the hilt of his ornamental sword.

After thinking his words through at least three times, like a good young man is taught, he finally spoke,
"My liege if it is any consolation I will, with no fight, be at your side for this mission, shall I call it. All I need is a horse, any horse for that matter."
He bowed and stepped away awaiting acknowledgment in the the most gentleman-like manners possible.

Freya Baranfinnel stood a little apart from the rest of the group. She had never been a people person, and now the hood of her cloak was pulled over her head, obscuring her face, and her veiw of the others. A slim eyebrow was raised at Devin's outburst, unexpected in the stillness after the young King's announcement. Then she sighed, as others voiced their opinons, and drifted forward on silent feet.

"My Lord? I do not desire reward, but I do have one request. I keep on my person five hidden daggers. Might I keep them for my own protection? They have saved me from both human and animal threats in the past, and I may desire them in the journey ahead." She cringed under the eyes of the others, and the action caused her cloak to fall from her head. Despite her meek, and slightly frightened appearence, her eyes were hard and cold as steel. They were the eyes of someone who has seen and participated in both death and madness, yet survived

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Married Artemis Fowl on July 16, 2007
[!+^$%=#?&]
The Seemingly Nice But Actually Really Nasty Nazgul
School ate my life. *sigh*

Bronwyn stepped in late...fashionably so as she liked to think, although that was hardly the case. She had not just stepped off her ship when three guards escorted her and her maids over to the palace - all very sudden and very queer.

Not the fact that she had been summoned, she had heard that the young mind of the new king had been captivated by tales of a weapon. His decision to follow the tales so quickly after he had heard them was where the surprise lay.

Bronwyn sighed, she would have like to have entered this meeting in a manner befitting her station. Unfortunately luck did not wish to co-operate with her this day, so she was stuck in a simple white dress and red travelling cloak her black hair knotted by the sea breeze.

A little glamour..., she thought as she entered, and I could be a goddess in the eyes of all in this room. It made her happy to know that she might be able to over power the mind of the new king so easily. Maybe her skill had grown, or maybe she was giving herself too much credit

A smal raise of her brow indicated her thoughts being edited, Well, most. She saw a few that might not be so fooled by a simple hypnotic disguise. And perhaps the king would not appreciate a goddess, just a woman. She smiled, a simpler magic would suffice, too much made it easier to see and harder to hold.

"My King," she began easily - it did not do to have strain in her voice, it bred mistrust. "I would trust your decision as I did that of your father's," here she added a smile, a small one. "Therefore, I accept this task on behalf of my house. Should something go ill, I only ask for due compensation to be given to my family," she ended - playing the part of a concerned and dutfiul daughter. So, easy.

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Heavens no. Hell Yeah.


Set 1: Nurr | Set 2: Me

Lorne, also, took an opportunity to make it clear where his allegiance lay - not that it needed voicing.

"My king, I may not be among the higher class," he cast Terrel an ever-so-subtle look, "But all the same, I hope all my years of loyalty to your father would be enough to prove my fidelity. However, like the young lady, I would like to know, in a little more detail, what our rewards will be." He smiled, a smile that had ended many a disagreement.

The king appeared immune to the smile, of course. He maintained his contradictory stance, being both uncomfortably familiar with everyone in the room, and yet aloof in their presence. Even Lorne, who was well used to the awkwardness of human relationships, found it slightly disconcerting.

"Of course," the crowned king acknowledged. He paced back to the chair, and sank easily into it, drumming his fingers against the side. "But I have better to give you than just my word in this room. Alexander!"

At once, a young page scurried to his side, bearing an official document stamped with the royal seal. The king took it gingerly, and held it before them. "Examine it as you will... but in short, it states the full merits you will receive should you accept this task. A position at the castle should you want it, patronage from all the lords and ladies, suited to your line of work. The highest wages for every day you spend on this assignment - and should you succeed..." he paused, glancing about the room. Clearly enjoying the interest they were all expressing. "You will be given enough gold to support you for at least ten years. The specific number is listed here. And should something happen to you," he glanced at Bronwyn, "Be assured that we will not neglect your family."

He paused again, turning to address Freya. "Five daggers? While I would not deny a craftsman his tools, I must admit I find the number a bit excessive. You could protect yourself just as easily with two perhaps, should the need arise?

"And I must thank those who have so readily offered their loyalty. Should you succeed, Throstate will be forever indebted to you. Not only will we have evaded a potentially disastrous war from our neighboring country, we will have taken a considerable step in advancing our country." He glanced at each of those who had been honestly loyal, giving them each a small nod of acknowledgment, his gaze finally lingering on Roderick. "I commend you all."

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"The piano is able to communicate the subtlest universal truths by means of wood, metal and vibrating air."

Roderick lowered his gaze. He had always been taught not to look directly in someone who was above your own status's eyes. Instead he timidly peered of the side of his eyes carefully.
Rory coughed heavily to clear himself and then spoke," I believe that since all of us shall be working together to some degree it might do more for us if we start famililarizing ourselves to each other instead of staring at each other like ornery cats. I can start if you like, I am Roderick Grishome and I am a master rider and a blacksmith,"
He looked around at the people around him and waited for someone else to join in. He knew by the way some of the people were looking at him that they were either a) not going to reveal anything or b) ready to boast about their accomplishments in life. He had contained his pride for the most part.

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"Holmes is a little too scientific for my tastes -- it approaches to cold-bloodedness"

<i>Do these people have no sense of protocol? </i>

Ifan stood to one side of the group, growing more impatient by the minute. Some of the behavior was atrocious, even for the most casual of meetings. Didn’t they realize they were speaking with the king himself? Hardly any of them had even bowed – most badgered the king with questions without even a word of introduction. And that man in the dark clothes – where was he from, that he thought it was acceptable to say he could easily <i>kill</i> his host? Well, Ifan would at least make his own introduction a proper one, just as soon as he had a moment to speak.

He was briefly distracted by the paper the king held out. <i>A position in the castle.</i> he repeated to himself. The wages, the money – they didn’t matter as much, but to have a respectable job again…

Pushing the thoughts away, he realized that nobody was speaking at the moment. Before they had a chance to start their questions again, he briskly strode forward to the base of the dais, knelt, and put one hand on his dagger hilt. He was keenly aware that he ought to have a sword instead of the knife, and that his clothes were anything but suitable, but there was nothing he could do about that.

“Your Majesty. I, Ifan Ware, am at your service in this matter. I swear to serve King and Kingdom wholeheartedly, in any way I am able. I swear this upon my honor.” He stood, bowed, and stepped back to his place near the wall.

One of the men began introductions among the group. Ifan almost spoke up, but decided to wait and listen for a while, to see what the others had to say. <i>This is bound to be interesting.</i>

Amused by all the banter, Lyrra had chosen to remain silent for the duration of the meeting. However, when the one man who appeared to have some manners spoke up and introduced herself, she remembered her own. I haven't had any experience with nobles before, she thought to herself, But that doesn't mean I don't at least have some idea how to act. She stepped off the back wall and walked to lay her hand carved long bow and quiver of arrows among the other discarded weapons. She released it reluctantly and ran her fingertips over it fondly when it was on the floor.

Lyrra stood up and took a step back. Warily she met the young king's eyes. "Y-your Majesty," she stuttered awkwardly, making an equally uncomfortable looking bow, "I am Lyrra. I too am willing to serve you. In...umm... whatever way I can." She winced at her own nervousness and mentally berated herself for not being able to be quite as eloquent as the man before her had. With another clumsy bow, she retreated back to her place, blushing all the way. Well, now when will we get this thing over with?

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I'm back!