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Welcome to Elenlond, an original medieval fantasy roleplaying forum! We strive for creative, free-form roleplaying, in the hopes of allowing each and every single member the power to achieve their potential.
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| Welcome to Elenlond, an original medieval fantasy forum! We're always looking for new, dedicated members. Elenlond is composed of two continents: Soare and Esiria. Esiria, a land now isolated due to the efforts of the last remaining Goddess, is inaccessible to all beings and lies in the east. Soare, a continent in the west, is composed of three distinct nations: Ashoka, Soto, and Morrim. Lying between the two major continents are the Scattered Isles. Since the dissolution of the pantheon and the fall of the gods, these countries have existed in relative peace and prosperity. But how long will that peace last? Enter Elenlond; Turn the pages and tell your own tale. If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features: |
| A Meeting Between Monsters; for Sammeln | |
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| Topic Started: Aug 9 2009, 06:44 PM (601 Views) | |
| Andromalius | Aug 9 2009, 06:44 PM Post #1 |
King of the Sexy Guys
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News was spreading fast about the happenings in the desert, about the political standing Morrim has with other contries of Soare. The new Emperor had proven himself to be a friendly and cordial fellow within the sanctity of Kinaldi, but on the battlefield, as the stories go, he was a ravenous demon, able to take down an entire army single-handedly. Of course, as the stories go, tales of such supreme characters were often exaggerated. That didn't mean people believed them any less. The tavern was alive with talk. Little pieces of a very big puzzle were scattered here and there, thieves mentioning how they'd been spontainiously pardoned from prisons. Did it have to do with what was going on with Ashoka? Would Ashoka and Morrim now become one giant nation? Still, even the maddest of the bar-dwellers kept their voices hushed, for there in the corner, out of the way, two otherworldly creatures kept their glowing violet eyes on the doorway. Several bar fights had come and gone, yet they were unmoved. They were waiting for someone, and had been there, haunting, for four days. The bar's owner had enough wit about himself to leave them alone. Unprovoked, they would do nothing, and everyone else seemed to have about the same idea. Yesterday, the owner's suspicions were confirmed when after politely asking when they'd leave, one of them had handed him a piece of paper with the Imperial Seal. Other than that, they hadn't spoken, and he was almost sure they lacked the ability. The residents of the Wolf's Bane Inn and Pub knew something was happening here. What they didn't know was that it was tied directly to the Emperor, and that the Demon Army-Killer would soon be donning their doorstep. If this had been common knowledge, there was a good chance this place would be empty by now. Just as ignorantly, to some who knew of the Crimson Claw, they could not know that two very respected people were about to sit down and share some ale over talk of world domination. |
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| Sammeln | Aug 11 2009, 08:39 PM Post #2 |
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The roads of this dark city were filled with the usual scum; but a whisper was traveling through the streets. Word had travled about the dark creatures lurking in the Wolf's Bane inn and pub. Now, word had spread of some imposing figure approaching the city. Not a force built for war; but the few who knew of it spread his title and a warning to stay clear. The Crimson Claw was approaching the city. His presence was no secret, he had not come to hide in shadows. The Ophite lord had no nation, no authority over him. There was no government to warn of his approaching, and no way to gauge his purposes. He was approaching, to those that knew him that was information enough to get out of sight. Their warnings to others seemed to be warning enough as well when the large shape appeared on the horizon. The earth rumbled beneath the feet of the woolly mammoths. One could not see within the howdah on back of either beast, but the massive creatures were enough to worry the inhabitants. Such beasts were nigh unheard of in the world. That such strange and powerful mounts existed and had been tamed by this lord was enough to confirm the belief that it was best to stay out of their way. The two horse sized lizards that weaved in and out and between the mammoths only served to further bolster the intimidating sight. As they neared the gates the curtains on the leading howdah were thrown open as the master of this procession stepped out still atop the back of the wolly monster. He stood a sight of true intimidation, crimson scales and saphire patterns glistening in the light of the setting sun. In one hand was held the mighty lance of Tears, simply as a display that he was not to be trifled with. His emerald eyes surveyed those who still lingered in the streets watching and taking in everything around as his mounts took the widest roads to lead the way. Soldiers did not rise to stop the procession, for they were in shock of the massive beasts. He did not seem to be on the attack, so they watched from afar, ready to spring into action; but did did not gather in number for fear of provoking the legendary aggression of the Ophite people. The two large beasts neared the tavern, and the massive lizards with them. Soon the slender, faceless figures could be seen. Two upon the back of the howdah with the master. The second beast had translucent curtains but all that moved inside were shadows. Whomever was inside of this could see out but the world was not allowed to see in. They had six hours left before it would be too late, he had arrived with time to spare. Stopping the beasts outside the appointed place. Sammeln had arrived. "Kneel!" He commanded, and obediently the two mammoths did as asked when their master's voice rang out. The scarlet scaled spectacle soon stepped on the dusty earth. Two shady figures did dare approach him with promises of wares; but they were met with nothing but the Ophite's emerald glare. With the rubbish gone, Sammeln moved to the second howdah and waited as the curtains did unfold. Three figures stepped out, the first two the porcelain hand maidens. Each holding a a separate pole for a small canopy with sheer grey curtains. The shadows created by this shelter hid completely the third form. It held a sort of grace to it's silhouette but all that could be seen was black. Whatever this third fiugre was, they were not to be seen by the world about them, thus was the will of the reptilian lord. "Come, my prize, let us meet this mysterious one whom has called upon my presence." Sammeln stated looking at the shrouded figure of his precious Alyth. He knew what sort of spectacle he was presenting to the city, those that dare to watch, and was enjoying it thoroughly. When she would descend, he would walk beside the procession and enter the pub to see the two shadowy figures and their glowing purple eyes. Before entering, however, he would walk slowly enough to hear if Alyth had words for him before they entered. Once inside he would greet the forms with a half of a bow he would greet them and simply state. "I am Sammeln Eidechse, The Crimson Claw. I was sent for by your master." |
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| Alyth | Aug 11 2009, 09:28 PM Post #3 |
Muse Faucet
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Alyth watched the coming of the town with trepidation in her heart. Everywhere were whispers of a fear approaching. The Crimson Claw was come at last, all beware his might and power. To some it might appear merely a show, for The Crimson Claw arrived always in style and power befitting a lord. The very ground trembled at his coming, and the people were in awe. Yet the tales of the Orphite race and of the strange Collector preceded his approach. As they neared the city people fled down side streets and shut their doors. This is not the way I should choose to arrive, she thought to herself sadly. All of this she perceived from behind gauzy curtains. The Crimson Claw brought night into the day. She watched as the Orphite dealt with the vendors foolish enough to peddle their wares at him. She had seen his wrath before, and thought his strong gaze was a courtesy of the moment, to her and perhaps their future host. Her tail flickered in disgust at the thought of them trying to sell such poor quality goods. Having caught herself adopting some of his mannerisms she grew disgusted with herself. I should be among them, not sitting above them. I am no monarch and no tree. I do not belong here. As he ordered the creatures to kneel she felt her stomach turn over. She waved away the handmaids that attempted to help her up and they exited before her. Slowly she walked, with her head high and her thoughts troubled. She could see the world beyond the curtains and her heart ached. Escape was so close...freedom. If not for the collar on her neck she would not consent to be his 'prize.' Indeed she had come close to release the night before, but it was not meant to be. Not yet. She could feel the heat of the Orphite's body as he walked beside her, close enough to touch. Perhaps he stayed there to show off his wealth, or to make sure she did not escape. Either way she did not deign to speak with him. They had spoken enough on the ride over, and she had much to think about. As they neared the tavern door she casually stepped on a piece of cloth trailing near her feet. The grey cloth slid from the banner-maidens and fell just as she entered the darkness within. She had stayed under it long enough to allow Sammeln the mystery of her presence, and to protect herself from the sun, which she was temporarily overly sensitive to. Still the move would not go unnoticed. Her pale skin was covered in a fitting toga of black silk that showed off more of her curves than she was used to. The black cloak she traditionally wore was forgotten, allowing her long silvery-white hair to flow freely about her shoulders. Usually Sammeln wanted to show off his prize, but she doubted this was what he intended. It had happened by chance and his small effort to hide her was now on the floor. |
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| Andromalius | Aug 12 2009, 12:23 AM Post #4 |
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King of the Sexy Guys
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The shadows had felt the coming of the mammoths well before anyone else had, and they had relayed this information to their animate brothers. Yet, as they paraded into the capital of brutality in Soare, they merely stood, unmoving still, waiting. For an elemental, there existed no feelings, no free will. Anticipation was not felt, nor fear, nor boredom. At last, the open door of the tavern was graced by the presence which they had been seeking. A good amount of people remaining, even through the constantly hovering eyes of the living shadows, left, and those who stayed had been through far worse and felt their hands too glued to their mugs to go just yet. Notice had been sent to their master since the first feeling of the lizard man. The Emperor was on his way. The Crimson Claw's introduction was wasted on brainless matter. The pair raised what was probably their heads and stared blankly at the lord. The one to the left seemed to be paying more attention to the shadow behind the veil ...or, what used to be. When the curtain dropped, everyone else remaining in the bar were giving subtle glances to the lovely young thing. Even if her companion was widely infamous, here in the city of thieves, not even she was safe. Just as uninterested as they have been thus far, both elementals lifted their extremities and pointed towards the door. Outside, the wind was rushing suddenly, fallen leaves whirling by with urgency, struck by a windtunnel. It died away eventually, and a city patron or two would scamper by, just as rushed as the leaves, before a form stepped into the doorway. It was a dark, ominous form, one that sucked the oxygen out of the air around him. Dark eyes passed around, never landing anywhere for more than half a second, not even on his summoned company. The boot leashed to his foot made a heavy, hollow sound when it took the first step, a cloak of thin leather swirling around his ankles, rising and falling behind him never more than a few inches. As he moved on, he passed the handmaidens first. When he did, deep black orbs shifted towards them, making eye contact with the first, the second, each time his lips bending upwards in a slight and knowing smile. "Ah! Sammeln! I do hope I've payed you enough to use your first name," said the Banshee, his attention now at the head of the line. With a wave of his hand, the elementals on the other side vanished back to where they came from, and he glided to a stop in front of the Ophite, standing beside his most cherished slave. "Excuse me, Bartender?" his head turned. The man behind the counter paled. "What?!" the tender had asked, before correcting himself. "I mean, how can I serve you, Your Majesty?" "Do you have anything in this dump besides piss water and sulfuric acid?" "You mean my drinks?" "Yes, you Moron. I mean your drinks." "Aah... I have a bottle of red wine, twenty years old, but I've been saving that for my daughter's--" "We'll take it," Andromalius said comfortably before gesturing to Sammeln to have a seat. It was when he did this that he finally really got a look at the favored pet. His empty gaze remained on her for a good, long while, and just when it began to become awkward, he gave her a beaming grin. "Well, hello! Look at you! I know this one." A hand gloved in knotted steel and leather slithered out beneath the folds of the cloak, hand blossoming, but stopped a few centimeters away from Alyth's cheek. "You shouldn't have brought her with you..." the ghost cooed, tilting his head while still smiling quite warmly at the girl. "She's too cute. That will cause a lot of problems for you here..." |
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| Sammeln | Aug 12 2009, 11:58 AM Post #5 |
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When the creatures pointed, Sammlen turned to face the door, keeping one eye on the elementals in case they tried something sneaky. The sudden wind outside was a precursor to the thing to come. Both the horse-sized lizards seemed to be on edge outside and one of the mammoths trumpeted softly in displeasure. They could feel the ominous one as he drew near. Sammeln smirked when the pale skinned figure soon marred the doorway. His emerald eyes watching the other figure closely as his dark obs seemed to flicker about the room as if trying to take in everything as quickly as possible. Sammeln noticed the strange glance given towards the porcelain handmaidens, and casually he wondered how much the other knew of the animate dolls. Soon the black eyes were resting upon the crimson lizard, dressed in his black fur mantle, gladiatorial kilt, and accessorized in numerous bits of gold that glinted in the light. When the elementals were banished with a wave, the eye that was fixed on them rolled so that now both were trained on the one whom had spoken his name. "Only because I have discovered yours, Andromalius." Sammeln stated in reply to the question regarding his name. Sammeln watched the conversation betwixt the banshee and the bartender with mild interest and when beckoned to take a seat he paused calling out to the bartender. He had heard the poor man's feeble attempt to protest the bottle being opened before the Banshee had ordered it be served to them. Sammeln saw no reason to spoil what the peasant had saved, simply to be wasted and unappreciated on himself. "Leave that bile where it rests, I've no need of your swill. Twenty year old red, in a place like this, is not worthy of our taste buds. I bring my own refreshments." With a snap of his claws, one of the faceless figures appeared in the doorway. "Fetch the bottle I brought along for this event." he ordered and with a bow the faceless figure flipped out of the room. Sameln moved a chair for Alyth to take a seat. He had seen the curtain fall; but when she seemed to suffer no harm by being exposed to the light, he saw no harm in his prize being visible to the world. The patrons of this pub, nor any member in this city, brought valid threat to his most treasured acquisition. She was under his care and belonged to him alone. If another so much as laid a finger upon Alyth without his concent, blood would flow aplenty. As he seated his precious pet, he noticed the wicked one's gaze lingering on her. One of the ophite's emerald eyes stayed trained upon the banshee while the other watched his pet protectively. Sammeln had become seated by the time the other's smile broke onto his pale face. Reptilian pupils narrowed in suspicion and agitation as the other's hand reached near her cheek. Hidden beneath his fur mantle, talloned hand grew tense ready to rake obsidian claws across the face of one who dared trespass upon his treasure. Sammeln's wide gaze did not break from either of it's targets, the man's face or his hand which threatened to bestow what Sammeln considered gravest insult. One did not touch what was not theirs without permission from it's owner. To do such a thing was to completely disregard any respect or authority of the other and insinuate that he had not the strength to defend what was his. The banshee warned against his actions and complimented Alyth, and Sammeln was quick to reply. Before he spoke, his forked tongue flicked up licking his eye. A sign that he was too deeply focused on other things to prevent his baser habits from being seen. To invoke such an action so soon, was not a good sign for negotiations. "Alyth's beauty is far to great to leave hidden away in my home, and she far too precious a treasure to not be by my side, particularly on a day like today. There will be no problems I can not swiftly mend. Only damned fools would entertain thoughts of trying to tarnish what I protect. One does not acquire treasures like I have, without knowing well how to defend them." As he finished speaking, it would be made aware that the servant had returned with a box in a velvet bag. The velvet had been removed and, when it's master had finished speaking, the servant set the box upon the table. Brandishing a key from seemingly nowhere, the faceless one unlocked the box and set out four of the finest crystal goblets. Next it withdraw a bottle from the cushioned box and carefully held it out. The label had all but worn away but on the side of the bottle was a simple wax seal that was clearly very old. As the bottle was opened and three of the goblets carefully filled half way with the fine red liquid, Sammeln explained to the other two what it was. "This wine dates back one hundred years, it was in a case specially reserved for the royalty of Kinaldi. It was considered to be the best of it's kind in that year, and has only gotten better with age. Please, drink." The explanation was for all; but the last words were more specifically geared towards the one whom had summoned the crimson claw. Sammeln waited for the other to drink before he would raise his glass. Edited by Sammeln, Aug 12 2009, 11:59 AM.
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| Alyth | Aug 12 2009, 03:12 PM Post #6 |
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Muse Faucet
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Alyth noticed the subtle glances attended on her, but did not care beyond knowing. Something in her had changed since last she was there. Instead of showing weariness and fear there was something queenly and ethereal about her bearing. It did not outshine Sammeln, who stood a good deal above her, but it was there. The half-feline's tail flickered and she bared her teeth in casual warning. Here was a flower that looked more delicate and sweet than it was inside. As their host's eyes descended on her the young-looking woman paused. She was caught as if mesmerized by a snake, the empty seduction of death beckoning her. She stared back at him without blinking until his uncomfortable gaze changed to a smile. The proximity of his hand brought a warmth to her cheeks, but the warmth stopped there. She surveyed him with cool eyes. "I love the new roof," she replied simply. For the first time Alyth wondered at how much or how little Sammeln really knew about how she came into his care. Certainly if he had known how close things had come he would not be dangling her in front of this man. She listened carefully to all that was said and done. A small shiver traced its way down her spine at the feel of the shadows. Her own will was drawn inexorably toward their master, and she wondered at his power. Certainly his intent was malign. What kind of person stole the grandeurs from lesser men? The barman seemed relieved to be let off selling or giving them the wine. The two in front of me, she reasoned with herself. One pays in gold, the other in charm, and both receive it in blood. Her keen eyes glanced around the room briefly as she sat down. There were new tables, if you could call them that. All seemed rather worn already. She listened the Sammeln's speech about her and fought hard to not roll her eyes. Under different circumstances she might have flushed with the praise, but it fell somehow empty on her ears. He was only saying it because he felt his territory threatened. Alyth hated being considered his property at the best of times. Today, in front of a fear from the past, she felt rebellious and strong. Beneath her calm feminine demeanor the lynx was rising. As Sammeln set the wine bottle down on the table she took a careful look at both men in turn. Here was an age old game of trust and courtesy. The host must always provide drink. Andromalius played his part well, asking the best of a house that was certainly going to be terrible. For little money or effort he came off courteous. Sammeln responded in kind, offering something better that he brought along. He would perhaps wait until his guest drank, or not drink at all, in order to maintain a fresh mind. On the surface the act would be kind, but Alyth knew why there was hesitation in the air. To forestall more pleasantries she reached forward and grabbed the bottle. She sniffed it carefully, and it smelled all right. One sharp claw popped the cork and she downed a few sips of the wine. Alyth had an excellent sense of smell. The wine was delicious. She set the bottle back down in the middle of the table. There was a chance some exotic poison she could not detect under the alcohol could be present, but it was unlikely. She also did not suspect Sammeln would wish to poison his guest. Although not beneath him, she guessed he would prefer to fight in open combat, if at all. She had drank directly from the bottle to prove its worth. Andromalius could choose any glass he wished now or none at all. The glasses could still be laced, but it was a heavy risk with his beloved pet so near and so out of the loop. The young-looking woman sat back in her chair quietly and waited. Her intelligent gaze was bent on their host. She raised her eyes slightly as if to say 'I am more than a plaque on the wall,' though she spoke no words. |
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| Andromalius | Aug 16 2009, 10:37 PM Post #7 |
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King of the Sexy Guys
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"Yes, new roof..." he responded, eyes flicking upward, a subtle chuckle in his throat for a moment. He gave Alyth one last lingering glance, allowing her to realize that all of his attention was currently devoted to her before moving on. He still wanted her, of course. Who wouldn't? If she hadn't have been sold into slavery, surely he would have made her his own pet eventually. And now that she belonged to someone else, he wanted her a little more, but not quite enough to ruin the first day of seducing a new ally to his side. Andromalius's eyes left her gradually as he turned to shrug the cloak from his shoulders. The heavy fabric fell to collect along his forearms before he folded the article over and handed it to one of the silent maidens. She'd know what to do. That ridden, beneath he wore a black sleeveless shirt, leather fabric crafted onto his sides as if to protect the softer parts of his body. A thick belt buckled to his waist by silver held up the pants, each leg tucked into a heavy steel-toed boot which rose to the length of his knees. He wore gauntlets that stretched to his elbow, first covered by a sleeve of soft, stretchy fabric and then mounted by shining silver bracers intricately designed. As always, they were fingerless, his painted talons tapping upon the table's surface as he moved to take a seat. Finally, his impressively long, wispy white locks were all pulled back into a high tail, all but a portion of bangs which hung defiantly in the Banshee's face. When the Ophite refused the offerings Andromalius was willing to give, he shifted uncomfortably. Thoughts of this creature's amazing pride drifted through his mind, as well as the creeping feeling of displeasure of being refused. Still, it wasn't quite enough to speak against. "Oh, really?" his brows raised after hearing of how safe Alyth apparently was. "You don't think you're underestimating anyone? There are people more powerful than even I, walking about aimlessly, just waiting for the chance to whisk a beautiful lady like her off her feet." He watched as the wine came and was poured. Silly fellow, he probably had no idea that his precious wine would be completely wasted on a manifested spirit that neither ate or drank. It would rot in his stomach until it simply wasted away inside him, and he would not be granted the gift of intoxication. "You don't say," he tilted his head back and to the side, lifting a glass to examine its contents as Sammeln explained the significance. The Crimson Claw would find no common ground here. He didn't care about drinks, money, jewels, any of it, which is why it will be so easy to bribe him onto his side. Still, simply to be cordial, he raised the glass to take a sip, but not before catching the girl as she grabbed up the bottle and down some. "I think she likes it," he grinned, and finally took a bit of the drink into his mouth, swallowing it with a great deal of unfamiliarity to the foreign feeling. As he did so, he noted her stare, and stared back in challenge. "Leave," he commanded to what seemed to be Alyth, but it was unlikely. The barkeep stuck his thumb to his chest in question, Andromalius nodded. The man was gone in no time without asking why or caring what happens to his establishment. "Sammeln," his attention returned. "You must have read my letter to be here today. I don't want to bother you with what you don't need to know, so I would prefer it if you simply asked me any questions you have. I would like your services, particularly if you are combat-capable, and in exchange, when I have Soto and Angkar too, you can have anything you like that I don't care for, and it seems to me that we are men of varying interests. Take the gold, take the jewels, take the fancy wine, take all the slaves... All I want is for you to acknowledge me as your ally and do as I ask when I ask it. Simple, right?" The Emperor's index finger idly traced around the lip of the glass, yet he did not break his gaze with the reptile. |
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| Sammeln | Aug 30 2009, 03:55 AM Post #8 |
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Sammeln watched the two interact and hidden claws grew tenser still. It was not that he did not enjoy flaunting his prize and letting others gaze upon that which he claimed as his own. No, it was that she seemed to have a history with the one creature here who could be a threat to his ownership of her. Sammeln was no fool, he knew in single combat, it would be a true battle of his life if he were to claim the position of victory; but he was wise enough not to ever show such fear, have plans in place to try to tip the odds, and above all else, have the resolve to fight to the death for what was his. Sammeln said nothing in response to his questions of if he was underestimating someone, though his tail seemed to curl to make a bit of a perimeter about Alyth beneath the table. At that moment, he saw her pick up the bottle off the table. His eyes smiled with a hint of amusement both at the realization that she was trying to clear the possibility of poisoning the other ruler, as well as with the pale one’s remark. He watched him command the barkeep to leave them and the haste with which the man abandoned his livelihood for the sake of his life. Sammeln was amused by how the smaller and weaker individuals in the world, drew their lines of priority so easily that anything could be taken from them with the right amount of intimidation. How had such a man been able to last in this city for so long? Sammeln had more important things to be concerned about when Andromalius started speaking again. Still, only one of his eyes remained focused on the other, his gaze permanently split between him and Alyth. In truth, in light of recent events, he knew his negotiating was hindered. It could not be helped, variables had occurred he could not have seen coming, and it was too late to turn back when they happened. His mind was still back, moments ago, inside the howdah, particularly at that broken instant when the bump in the road had caused her to fall into his lap. The momentary look when he had moved to support and secure her. His mind kept wanting to drift back to that moment rather than focus on matters at hand. Still, the Crimson Claw sipped his wine and chased the memories off as he simply watched the other ruler in silence for a moment. The dark gaze upon him did not give him fear or pause. His emerald eye simply gazing back as the wheels in his mind turned. “I am capable of combat, however, I bring much better to this table than that, which is why I have specific demands. What you ask, is my liberty, and knowing you are such a powerful individual, I can not help but feel there is a catch. What’s more, I want to ensure the safety of certain landmarks beyond my personal estate. I have a list we can go over later on. However, most importantly I want it ensured that our alliance is bound to the fact that my estate, my possessions, both inanimate…and living, are not to be touched. If this uprising of yours affects what I have gathered, collected, and protected, you will lose your ally and gain an enemy.” He paused for a moment and took another sip of his wine watching how his words might be affecting the emperor opposite him. “Lastly, Lady Alyth and myself are to be assured safety. If you allow ANYONE, save myself, to lay a hand on her you will be risking our allegiance. She is to be permitted to go with me wherever I please, including in private matters such as this one.” Again he paused swirling his own drink. His claws tapping gently against the side of the crystal for a moment before he spoke once more, his voice laden with confidence. He finished the bulk of the glass in one great swallow before continuing to speak. “The reason I can make such tremendous demands, is simple. I can give you Soto. You wouldn’t have to move more than a single troop, and I could put control of Soto into our hands. It would be discreet at first, but I could ensure puppet control of that nation to such an extent that they could stop refugees from fleeing to them, and trap all that stands between you and Soto. Then, when it is too late…” His hand tensed for effect and the crystal shattered musically within his hand splattering the table with what little whine was left in the glass. His hand was unharmed and he reached for the extra glass taking it now. “Of course, I wont share how I can go about this until you assure me there is no deception going on here, and that I be given a place of TRUE prestige and authority in this new world order. If I am to be a part of it, I want a reason for my name to be in the tomes of history for the rest of time. Can you grant me these things?” The reptile leaned back slightly in his chair, which groaned slightly in protest as he watched the banshee to see if his offer had struck home. Trying to pick out any hint of lie or deceit that might surface. Meanwhile his other eye was still watching protectively over Alyth, as well as gauging how she might take the same news he had surprised all with. Sammeln was a beast with many talents and connections. Still, this particular one he had in mind, was one he had been biding his own time with in case just such a situation might arise. He believed now had been the best time to ever play this card. ((OOC:Sorry if it sucks, i just had a hard time getting the right feeling into it and i am VERY sorry it took so long)) |
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| Alyth | Aug 30 2009, 02:34 PM Post #9 |
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Muse Faucet
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Alyth had to bite her lip to keep from making a sharp comment. They spoke of her as if she were a precious commodity that might be stolen. She felt the proximity of Sammeln's tail curve about her protectively under the table and was seized by a desire to knock it away. His stuffiness grated on her nerves. Instead she remained seated pensively looking toward Andromalius as if mildly curious. Being such an honored slave was strangely beneficial. It made her privy to information she otherwise would have missed, and allowed her to witness it under the cover of ambiguity. She could make her own assumptions and decisions about the subject without being tied to the negotiations. It was the reason she was being temporarily obedient. There was no reason to cause trouble when it was already brewing. The woman started slightly as the banshee spoke harshly in her direction. Was he really ordering her to move? When she glanced behind her she saw the barman accept his words and disappear. Relaxing a fraction she turned back to the conversation. She was apparently still floating just beneath the surface of importance. The main conversation was bent on war. Really...are they truly talking of conquest? Her delicate ears flickered at the names of Soto and Angkar. So Andromalius intends to take Soto and Angkar...by force or by intrigue. He desires the allegiance of Sammeln who is an important force and can hand it to him. I agree, though. There must be some catch. I can see the way he looks at me, as if unsettled that I evaded his grasp. He tells Sammeln to keep the jewels but I am not sure I believe him about the slaves. She turned a dark gaze on Sammeln, trying to gauge is thoughts. Unless he guesses this already...and seeks to use me as bait? Could he be tempting Andromalius with me? It has all been done carefully...putting me in view, talking me up...we are even in the same place I evaded the banshee. It was through this very roof I fell. Relying on his own pride to make the show bittersweet. Many want what they cannot have. Yes I can see this now, but am I seeing the truth or only what I think I see? She wondered to what extent Sammeln had planned this, and if Andromalius guessed what she did. Alyth was saved further thought as the crystal glass shattered with a tinkle. Most of the glass seemed to stick to Sammeln's hand or fall heavily to the table. A good deal of the remaining wine spattered in the air and landed like rain in the woman's white hair. It also fell on her face like bloody tears glistening in the dim tavern light. Those patrons foolish enough to remain near leaped back hastily, cursing their fortune. "See the way she weeps? A premonition! A sign! We are all doomed!" Several exclaimed before fleeing the room. Another fell to his knees at her feet. "A dark angel is among us! " Alyth raised her head, peering about the room. The superstitious and religious as well as the plain foolish were in awe, muttering excitedly in hushed tones. She looked down on the man before her, startled by the sudden devotion. "Is the mere image of blood all it takes to put a man on his knees?" She said quietly, though the words seemed to carry. "Leave us now, while you still can." The man nodded and hastily scrambled upright, bowing clumsily before rushing from the room. The woman turned back to the two men at her table, her expression as mild as if nothing had happened. She did not move to clean the wine from her body which was already drying. |
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| Andromalius | Sep 10 2009, 11:24 AM Post #10 |
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King of the Sexy Guys
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As he looked to the Ophite for a response, his eyes sparked with the electricity of excitement. At last, he was really negotiating, and Sammeln was not nearly as stupid as Andromalius might imagine from an over-sized lizard. He knew the exact price for his freedom, and the price was steep. The fellow knew exactly what he wanted to get out of this. Even so, demanding the allowance that another he does not fully trust be a fly on the wall, listening to his secrets and his unhatched plans, was asking a bit much. "I see you've done this before..." the Banshee commented to the side as his voice became muffled behind a wine glass, taking another wasteful sip. Though, after Sammeln said all that he felt he needed to, the Banshee grinned and set the drink down, flattening the palms of his hands over the surface of the table. "Very well then! None of your properties will be touched under my order, but I can't promise anything about those other places you have listed until I see the list. Alyth can wander around with you, but I am not her guardian and keeper. I will not prevent her from finding trouble if she goes looking for it." At this last bit, his eyes flickered in her direction, lingering there for just a moment at her new red-stained appearance. Red on white was his favorite. "Honestly, I have my own plans for Soto and could do without yours, so I wouldn't consider that a bargaining chip..." He watched the display as a patron fell at Alyth's feet, was spoken to briefly, and fled. The corner of his mouth twitched up into a passing smirk. She looked like she was having fun, or perhaps was so bored that she subconsciously was looking for something to take her attention. He would have loved to oblige her, but her master was a strict man-lizard. It seemed his entire army was built on the unfair foundations of deception. There would never be an ally he could fully trust, for every single one of them would greedily take what is his if he were to ever waver as an emperor, and vice-versa. If Sammeln ever disappeared, this slave-girl of his would be finding herself beneath new ownership quickly. It did bother him, immensely, that she got away from him on that day, and if it was the Ophite's plan to dangle her in front of him, well it was working. The negotiations stated that the Banshee was forbidden to touch her, yes, but there was certain spell that allowed him to completely dodge this rule, something Alyth would most likely be discovering later tonight as she slept. "I've done what I came to do. Is there anything else you'd like to cover before we depart?" |
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| Sammeln | Oct 7 2009, 03:16 PM Post #11 |
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When the few remaining began to make a commotion beside his prize, he had to admit the red against her pale flesh was an intriguing aesthetic. A dark whisper issued in his mind. Would the red of my scales would be more pleasing than a few drops of wine, against her skin. A shiver ran down his spine but visibly did not show itself and Sammeln chastised himself for such a thought to have passed through his mind, particularly at a time such as this. The proximity of the others, mingled with his personal irritation, made him further on edge. If she had lingered a second longer to dismiss the man, the tail which created a perimeter about her, would have been used to strike the man across the room. As it was the bar was instead diffused of its further lingering patrons. Instead he waved to one of his faceless servants and they entered bearing a white silk cloth which he personally passed to Alyth to allow her to further cleanse herself. Having taken care of his prize, he returned his attention to matters at hand. “You invited me here to become an ally so I can offer aide. I was not roused from my home simply to tell you I can fight and make my demands, if that was the case I would not have bothered leaving my fortress for this. To underestimate my planning and designs so soon would be a poor mistake.” Sammeln stated as his gaze narrowed slightly when the emperor attempted to dismiss his plans and end the meeting so soon. “When dealing in antiquities, one learns to fully examine everything an item has to offer, before dismissing it. The smallest detail may make the difference between a lump of clay and a hill of gold… I can assure you if you were to leave now, I will be ruler of Soto, before your armies can mobilize.” Knowing a statement like that was bound to carry some weight, for neither of them were the sort to make outrageous claims such as that if untrue… at least not in this setting. He waited a moment longer, watching “the wicked” before he began to divulge his secrets. “ As you must surely know, beneath Soto’s council, the entire region is governed by a collection of guilds. For the most part, these guilds can be broken into a category of a trade guild or merchant guilds. Trade guilds offering and focusing on services, be that farming, metal working, or even soldiers for hire, all rely on the merchant guilds to buy their wares, while the merchant guilds rely on the others for goods. However, being merchants, and thus deeply concerned with the monetary, they hold a slightly elevated interest in the government. Furthermore, their interests are largely focused or mirroring the interest of their largest source of income. In essence, they are controlled by those they do business with both inside and outside of Soto.” He paused here, taking another sip of his wine and smirking as he let this information sink in. “Hypothetically, if there were some individual with a vast amount of wealth and a touch of ambition, it would be possible, with the right investments, for said individual to effectively control every single merchant guild in Soto, both directly and indirectly, and through them, control the trade guilds. Of course, such a feat would cost inordinate amounts of gold, and far too close an eye on Soto…. Though, it could be said that one does not need to buy the hearts of ALL the merchant guilds, as long as they hold the interests of a large number of the wealthiest. This purely hypothetical individual, would be a rather large concern for Soto, even more so if it were possible that six out of twelve councilors were in the pockets of the various guilds. My theory, in this hypothetical scenario, is that if the impossibly rich person were to have a seventh councilor ready to be elected the second any of the existing ones were… removed, would mean he effectively controlled Soto, possibly without it’s knowledge.” Having made his point, Sammeln’s eye that watched the emperor, took on a look of confidence and his mouth curled up in a smug smirk before he took another sip of wine and concluded with a parroting of words from Andormalius own mouth. “ Is there anything else you'd like to cover before we depart?” |
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| Alyth | Oct 18 2009, 05:48 PM Post #12 |
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Muse Faucet
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Alyth returned their gazes equally with a calm appearance, but inside her heart was racing. A lot was happening in a short amount of time, and the real danger of the situation was locked in everyone's casual manner. The white cloth she accepted with careful grace but she merely placed it in her lap and hid her paws in the soft folds. It was a small comfort to have something to fiddle with while she waited. She absorbed their words with great interest. Their plot was intricate, and involved money, deception, and man power. Her paws moved gently back and forth over the soft cloth subconsciously. She highly doubted they were at a loss for any of the things necessary to take over Soto...but could they really do it? Who would come out on top in this game of thrones? What was her own part to be? She couldn't help assessing Sammeln out of the corner of her eyes, intent on his purpose. Was this another step in his quest for the rare and priceless? Was she meant to be a spectator simply because he was lonely? Or was there something else? After Sammeln's long speech Alyth calmly excused herself. She set the cloth on the table between them and stood up. It immediately began to soak up the red wine: a symbol, perhaps, of something pure being tainted. Without waiting for permission from either dignitary she turned around on the spot and wended her way to the door. It opened onto the street, and she stood in the shadows of the doorway watching. A couple men passing looked up appreciatively, but perhaps something in her manner dissuaded them from approaching. A child was sitting near the doorway, perhaps ten years of age. She wore a ragged strip of cloth over one socket and an old shift. Nobody paid her the least attention, except for the two men. They seemed to considering whether she was too young or beat up for their use, or if she had anything else they valued. Alyth's eyes narrowed and she stepped outside the door to stand by the child. One of the men spat at her before elbowing his buddy in the gut. They took a last look but finally moved on. The girl looked up at Alyth and nodded in thanks. She was trembling with fear, uncertain of what they would have done. She knew there were bad men about town, but she had grown too hungry to wait for the scraps father would bring home. If he wasn't too drunk to remember, that is. Hoping to find some food outside the tavern she'd looked in the alley, but a young gang was back there. Before they would notice her she snuck around to the front of the building and sat down. She was too fatigued to return home immediately. Alyth nodded back to her and sat down, their backs against the dusty wall. The girl frequently shot curious looks at her protector but said nothing. Alyth asked no questions either. She did not wish to know any more of the girl's story than could be guessed. She had no food or even extra clothing to give her, and it wouldn't do much good if she had. The girl would be safer in anonymity. They watched the people pass, lost in thought. |
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| Andromalius | Oct 18 2009, 08:25 PM Post #13 |
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King of the Sexy Guys
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The Banshee King shifted uncomfortably in his seat as the Ophite continued, having little interest in what he had to say, that is, until he threatened to do it himself and take Soto away before he had the chance. With this, the ghost's eyes lit up, darting back to Sammeln to stare him straight in the eyes as he explained. He felt uneasy that the Crimson Claw would disclose such important information in a public place, and it showed as the hand which rested on the table top tensed, a black talon digging a trench into its wooden surface. Sammeln was correct in all of his assumptions and statements, yet that did not mean that the danger he was presently in was any less that real, and now the mage was getting twitchy with the change in dominance over this conversation. Still, he bit his tongue and waited patiently until his guest was finished. A dark, quiet chuckle erupted quickly into the insane cackle of an overly vocalized apparition. His laughter could be heard filling the streets outside the tavern, a chilly, unnatural sound. His eyes were wide with excitement, and when it died away, he was left with a contented grin and seven more scratches carved into the table top. "Genius. I like you. I like a lot." That was the best compliment he could have ever given someone. The grin faded with a heaved sigh, and his demeanor became a picture of seriousness. "We do have the resources for your plan. It's brilliant. However, it throws a giant wrench into the overall plans. The idea was never to go in there with military force, but... your shadow government plan defeats the purpose of everything. You don't know why I'm doing this, so there's no way you could know, but it's imperative for the people to know that I am the one who is causing them grief, that I am the one who holds their leashes. The idea is to actively become the villain who steals the hope from the hearts of Soare, and beat them down with an iron fist." He took one final idle sip from the wine glass, "...I actually try not to use military force when I can. It's not my forte." The glass was set aside. "But, I'm incredibly impressed by the intricacies your mind takes into account. I cannot use your plan, but I may be able to use pieces. I didn't want the conversation to get this far tonight because I need to fill you in on a lot of missing information. I wanted to do that some place a little more secure, where we can take our time, away from potential prying eyes. As a politician and a sorcerer, I know that our words aren't safe here. You're welcomed to join me in the palace in Kinaldi to discuss this further." He never could have imagined that the Ophite would be this useful. Up until now, he had been catering to nothing but a bunch of cut-throats and mad men, as it seemed the world had changed into a world of loonies. His plans were adequate, but could be a whole lot more efficient. He was being hasty with the entire ordeal, of course, because what waited for him at the end was the only thing he could ever remember truly desiring. Rest. However, Sammeln reminded him that patience is indispensable. Keeping him around would be a constant reminder. He'd have to keep him close. If for nothing else, just his talent for strategy made him all the more capable of becoming a ruthless enemy. Between the two of them, Soare didn't stand a chance. "And yes... that is all." He grinned like a viper. |
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