Alistair chuckled a bit from the woman's questions and rubbed the back of his head, before looking at her again."For your first question....I would have to say both. I have killed people for money, but I only accept the job if the client is honest with me and tell why they want them dead, if their answer prove right I'll do it." he said, honestly, shrugging his shoulders a bit, resting his hand on the hilt of his sword.
His eye wondered around then turned to the witch. He could sense something in the air was rather...foul to say the least. When she asked him if he should accompany her, he knew that was a sign that he shouldn't leave neko girl alone just anyways. He made sure to smile softly at her, giving her a relaxed vibe. "Sure, I wouldn't mind accompanying you, and just call me Alistair...miss...Alice, right? That's what the Lady Knight called you?" he asked.
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With: Alice Equipment: Two-handed sword, Armor, Long-tailed coat Feelings: Relaxed...but concerned about this connection from my finished job to this gossip Where the hell am I?: Rumala
-KooL-LiSa-
Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2016 10:14 am
DragonChild09
sadsally514
Lady Knight Cerise Fairborn
Hero of Rumala
Cerise ignored Alistairs quips, forcing herself not to cuff him where he stood and lay him out in the dirt, as she strode to the castle proper. She knew better than to give in and let her emotions rule. As she walked, the folks milling about moved out of her path and gave her smiles and salutes. They seemed to adore their Lady Knight no matter her mood or words. Cerise nodded to those who called to her before she slipped inside the castle, making a bee-line for the stairs that would take her up through the halls. She had no idea where Queen Cecile was, or even if she had been awoken yet, but she was determined to find the woman. And possibly the Prophet. Something was wrong.
"There better not have been a change in the prophecy. All this work for naught but a few words. My father would cringe and slap me if I couldn't realize his own dream." The woman shuddered as a memory surfaced in her mind, showing her the only time her father had been disappointed in her when she was a child. She wasn't going to let that happen. The man may be dead, but she'd sworn an oath to him. Cerise shook away the memory as she climbed another set of stairs that lead the hall the Queens bedchamber was located. As she turned the corner, she felt relief surge through her when she caught sight of not only the Queen and the Prophet, but Lady Lynette as well.
"Oh, thank the Lord you're all safe. My Queen." Cerise bowed to her Queen as she walked to them, not caring that she was dirty and sweaty and still wore her light hunting armor. She bowed to both the Prophet and Lady Lynette out of respect as she came to a stop beside them, just well enough away that one could not smell whatever odor was on Cerises skin. "I saw something while we were out hunting, Your Majesty. The Conqueror's army is just gone. No sign of them, like they had never existed. Was there a change in the prophecy?" Her eyes flitted to the Prophet for a moment, a brow arching subtly, before locking onto Queen Cecile once again.
"If the world wants to give me misfortune, I'll just give misfortune back to the world." ♥ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Rosie smiled happily as Robin brushed some of her hair behind her ear, a slight blush spreading across her cheeks. "I suppose it's worth it then." she puffed up her cheeks though, a childish pout adorning her features. If there was anybody Rosie would admit to having a weak spot for, it was Robin for sure. Though she will also admit that he can be sort of a headache sometimes. Her red hues shot Kara a quick glare as she spoke harshly towards her special Birdie.
The redhead's eyes flickered to look at their Conqueror while he spoke, her head tilting a bit to the side, arms still wrapped around Kara's. "Okay, okay, whatever you say Tenie." Rosie giggled, her attention turning to the extremely large gate. She stared intently as the gate was slightly raised, a soldier coming out to greet the four. Though she knew that no harm would come to the Conqueror, she was still on guard, watching for any little sign of a threat. She was relieved that her arms were so tightly wound around Kara's, otherwise that soldier would no longer be able to breath.
Rosie's serious gaze returned back to her happy-go-lucky attitude as they walked through the gate into the city. Her metal boots tapped against the cobblestone road they walked upon, giggling at Kara's question. "They probably think we're protection for the Conqueror's special 'messenger.' Although, with my arm around yours we probably don't look like a threat." Rosie suggested.
▄▀▄▀▄▀▄ ▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄ Another surprising answer from the man. 'Hmm that is interesting...' He then accepted her request to join her. "Yes that is correct. My name is Alice. And yours is Alistair, its nice to meet you." she took a step back and gave a small bow to him. "Thank you for accompanying me."Leaning back up she started to make her way to the gates with Alistair. "Have you been within the gate before? I honestly haven't been anywhere these past few years..."She felt she should have a conversation so things wouldn't be too awkward.
Passing the gates, a guard walked out to them and asked for what business they had. She was hesitant at first, not knowing what to say. But then the thought of what Cerise told her popped in her head."I was invited in by another knight name Cerise. I'm passing through with this man..." She stood a bit stiff, hoping what she said was alright. The man just nodded and seem to understood when hearing Cerise voice. He let the two walk in and went back to his post. Alice let out a deep breath, relief that it worked out. "Glad that worked, was kind a nervous..." She continued down the path with Alistair. "Now that I think about it, getting a bit hungry. Would you know where we could get something to eat at?" She asked him, her tail swung with excitement.
Alistair armor clinked a little as walked beside Alice the whole time, he looked at the ground, watching his step, then looked up at Alice. "Sometime if my job required me to be in here. But, I never stay too long in one place. I always keep moving on to see where my next job may find me. I probably stayed here for about maybe four nights." he said, his tone was so sure of his answer. Alistair was a traveling mercenary after all. He went to different cities to different countries, never settling in a place for more than three weeks.
Passing the gates, the guard gave Alistair an evil gaze, the blue armored mercenary looked at the guard with a cold relaxed expression, before his mouth formed a smirk. 'Just because I have one eye doesn't consider me to be label as dangerous...well not in the streets unless I needed a reason to.' he thought. His gaze turned to Alice, and looked her tail swing. "There no need to be nervous about talking to people, hell they are probably just as nervous talking you as well." he said, as his gaze returned to meet her eyes. He looked puzzled for a moment, as he rubbed this thumb on his chin thinking of a place where they could eat.
Alistair almost never had time to actually sit down at a restaurant and enjoy a meal, since he was always on the move so he made due with local bakeries or street food vendor for his daily meals, sometimes they offered better food than actual five-star shin-digs "I think might know this small cafe no too far from here, probably...down the street. They have the best quality hot meals I had." he said, just thinking about indulging into hot bowl of clam chowder, with that creamy broth. His stomach grumbled for his food imaginations .
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With: Alice Equipment: Two-handed sword, Armor, Long-tailed coat Feelings: Relaxed...but concerned about this connection from my finished job to this gossip Where the hell am I?: Rumala
The sound of footsteps caused Cecile to turn her head and see Cerise. The relief was evident in the Lady Knight's tone, and Cecile couldn't help but smile. "Everything is alright, Cerise" she assured. "I was just talking to Kai about it, actually. He says that the prophecy will continue as normal. It may be a bit easier now as well, considering there's not an army outside of our gates waiting to barge in and wreck everything. Though I will admit, it is strange."
Cecile's voice took a more serious tone as she continued to speak. "We must be aware that this is most likely part of an elaborate trap, and be on guard. Cerise, let me know if you see any suspicious activity, or anyone acting strange. Tell your men to be on guard as well, we can never be to careful." She let out a sigh. "I suppose I should reschedule my appointments... but I'll have time for that later. Cerise, would you like to-"
A small noise alerted Cecile to the presence of a guard. By the look on their face, Cecile could already tell it was bad news. "Your Majesty," The guard greeted. They rose, and hesitated for a moment before speaking. "The guards at the front gate have alerted us to the entrance of a messenger... sent by the conqueror."
Cecile blinked for a moment, and then let out a deep breath. She turned to Cerise, then Kai and Lynette, and back to the guard. "Well then, I'll hear what they have to say. Guide them to the throne room when they arrive, I'll meet them there. Cerise, you'll accompany me. Lynette, don't lose Kai," she said. Internally, she was groaning. Never was the life of a ruler an easy one.
Kai's face lit up a bit more as the Queen seemed pleased with the foretelling of the cherry blossoms this year and then turned to Lynette as the Queen asked if they would care to join her for a meal. "Can we?!" Kai asked his guard cheerfully, Lynette couldn't help but to smile a bit, the little prophet knew so much, had so much power, yet he didn't seem to grasp that he outranked her. She was simply there to protect him and care for his needs. With a nod, Lynette responded "Yes, so long as you behave." she smiled down at Kai who suddenly turned around. A couple moments later, Lady Cerise Fairborn, another knight, appeared. "Ceri! You ready to be a hero and fight all the monsters!?" Kai spoke excitedly raising an invisible sword. His attention suddenly shifted over to the window, the smile dropping from his face with a small look of confusion.
The other's wouldn't see it, but on the window sill sat a red falcon, it's piercing black eyes gazing over Kai. Without warning, the bird opened it's mouth and let out a loud screech, making Kai recoil a bit and bring his hands up to his ears and close his eyes. After a moment, Kai opened his eyes only to find that the falcon had vanished without a trace.
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Robin let out a small chuckle as Kara didn't seem to like his attitude, she never really seemed to, but regardless he still considered the woman a fierce ally he could count on. As Rosie spoke, Robin smiled at seeing the childish pout she made. As they approached the gates, it only took a matter of moments for gaurds to greet them, Robin's hand quickly moving to rest on the hilt of his blade. As Tenere gave them a look to stay relaxed, Robin let his hand fall back to his side. He was a bit disappointed that they weren't fighting just yet, but oh well, the conqueror had a plan and he was going to see it through.
Once Tenere had convinced the guards that the group was messengers from the conqueror, they passed the gate and headed towards the castle. Looking at Tenere and moving to his side, Robin spoke calmly"So care to add in any last minute details, oh messenger?" Robin teased with a small chuckle. Despite his typical laid back attitude, once Robin had an objective he liked to make sure he did it exactly how his employer liked.
Cerise was happy to hear the prophecy would continue unabated. It was a good thing. She could still fulfill her promise. Her heart sank when the guard showed up, scenarios running through her head like madmen after too much ale. She shook them away and nodded to Queen Cecile, then narrowed her eyes at the guard before he took off at full speed. Just the glance alone would tell him to bring her sword to her, or have someone deliver it, but she could tell by his expression he was near panic mode. She shifted her weight and brought her eyes to the Prophet as he spoke, smiling softly at him.
"Of course I am, Kai. You know I'm always ready to fight monsters. And I always win." Cerise followed his gaze as soon as the smile left his face, then quickly knelt in front of Kai when he put his hands over his ears. Pulling her glove off, she put a hand on his shoulder and gave him her kindest smile. "When all this is said and done, let's go for a ride on Regulus. I think you'll like that. You can even braid his mane and feed him a few apples." Typically, Cerise was stoic and harsh. Even toward the Queen at times. But for some reason, she felt an intense need to comfort him. Regulus was usually the only one to get her soft side to come forth. But that fear in Kais eyes made her softer, if for a moment. She ruffled the Prophets hair before she stood again, noticing two young boys hauling her favorite sword down the hall toward them.
"Well, Your Majesty. I believe it's time we went to receive your guests. Unless you'd prefer I be in full armor?" Cerise didn't mind if Queen Cecile did, but just having her blade was enough for the Lady Knight. She hefted the weapon from the boys one handed, tossed them a coin each, and buckled it around her waist without missing a beat. It was second nature, after all.
Kara would easily be the most resistant to the surprise he had, so he made a reminder to discuss it with her later. For now, they were entering the inner gates of the keep within Ruma, where the Queen resided. "I may merely advise you to place trust in our lord. His demeanor aside, he takes great care into his actions." he advised. Acting like he was some messenger did in fact amuse him. Talking about himself would generally force a chuckle if not for the situation. Pulling himself off his horse, he waited for his companions to follow before walking into the halls of the keep. It was certainly large, appropriate for the fortress capital. They were forced to wait outside a large door, as one of the guards escorting them entered. He figured this was where they would meet the Queen. "Friends..." he addressed the three in an rare title as he looked back to them. "Are you ready to test fate?" he asked with a smile before the doors were opened.
Cecile let out a rueful smile at Cerise's question. "You're fine the way you are. I'm sure you could defend the kingdom with that sharp, shiny stick of yours alone," she jested, referring to Cerise's sword. "Though, please... don't chop their heads off the second you see them. We're going to try to be at least a little welcoming..."
Now, Cecile had never been one for protocol or flashy displays of power, but she lingered outside the throne room before going in, just out of sight. If these men really were from the conqueror, it wouldn't be good to seem like she was waiting for them, because by extension, it would mean she was waiting for the conqueror. But then again, she may look incompetent if she was 'late'. She frowned. Why must everything be so complicated... she thought. After a moment, she'd made up her mind. With light, graceful steps, she walked out into the throne room- just as the doors were opening. She withheld a smile at her timing. This way, she didn't seem 'late', but it didn't seem like she was waiting either.
As she sat on her throne, she observed the group entering. Already, she was a bit suspicious. Did it really take that many people to deliver a message? Putting that thought aside, she looked to what she thought to be the head of the group, a blonde man with a confident attitude. She waited to be introduced, and then addressed the group. "Welcome to Rumala. I hope your travel here wasn't difficult," she greeted. "I assume you're here to tell us the reason why the army outside of our gates has withdrawn?"
As Cerise tried to comfort him, Kai brought his gaze off the window and onto the hero. He smiled at the mention of them playing together after all of this and gave a nod "Yeah!" he chimed already back to his typical attitude. Lyn let out a silent sigh of relief, she wasn't sure what Kai just witnessed in his little world, but it didn't seem to keep the prophet fazed for long. Turning to the Queen, Lynette bowed "I'm going to take Kai back to his quarters if you need us." Lynette spoke before turning to Kai who cast another glance at the window.
After Cerise and the Queen had taken a couple steps, Kai ran after them, gently taking Cerise's hand, a slight seriousness coming into his face "Be careful. He's close." Kai spoke with some concern. Despite the knight's usual stoic attitude, he knew she had a softer side and was rather fond of the knight. With that, Kai released her and turned to go back to Lyn, taking her hand as he skipped along through the hallways, leading the way back.
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Robin smiled a bit as Tenere went along with the messenger act. "I trust our lord, just looking for some spoilers." he spoke with a small chuckle. Entering the castle, Robin looked around, being sure to note anything that he should remember for later. Vantage points, blind spots, etc. Granted he knew that they probably weren't about to fight right now, but old habits die hard.
Cerise nodded at Ceciles words, confident she didn't have to go off and change, and followed close behind her. When Kai pulled her hand back, Cerise felt a little irritated, but she smiled down at him as he spoke. The gravity of his words hit her full force, and she gave him a nod. "I'll protect everyone." Her eyes followed the Prophet as he skipped off, wondering what actually possessed the boy, then turned and quickly followed Cecile once again. As the Queen waited outside the throne room, Cerise wiped the dirt from her face with a handkerchief and adjusted every bit of armor she wore to make sure it was in just the right place. It was basic, nothing more than pauldrons and shinguards over thin mail, but it made her feel a little safe.
"Dawdling won't do, Your Highness." Cerise spoke quietly, more to herself, and whipped her head from side to side to crack her neck before she followed behind the Queen like a loyal dog. Her eyes instantly focused on the group as they walked in, impressed at their timing, and she took into account the weapons in sight and the expressions each wore. Something about them struck her as odd for just a messenger and guards, but she shoved it off. The whole lot of these invaders were supremely strange to the woman. Cerise took her spot just behind the throne, hands behind her back, as the Queen took her seat. "I don't like this. They look too proper, especially that blonde one. And the women are clinging to each other. Odd."
Cerise stood silently as the exchange happened, as was her duty. She was protection and not much else at this point. Not until Cecile would introduce her, of course. That was almost inevitable.
۩════════════════════════۩ "I was told I was dangerous, I asked why. Their response was 'because you didn't need anyone.' I smiled." ۩════════════════════════۩
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▬▬▬Kara 'Seonu' Erebus▬▬▬ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓
Entering the castle really did make Kara nervous....and that will be the ONLY thing she will admit. She was in enemy territory and one slip up could determine her fate. It didn't help that g***amn Rosie was holding onto her arm like they were lovers! What was hard for Kara was the fact she was facing the Queen of Rumala and some sort of female knight and Kara had to fight not to glare at them menacingly, she was fighting as much as possible to keep a normal face. Kara could hear the queen greeting them like they were special guests and Kara could feel a sweat bead going down her face and her throat drying up. "Rosie....." Kara whispered. "Can you please get your arm off me?" Kara saying please was as rare as Kara smiling earnestly (and not sadistically), as the general was not going to embarrass the "Conqueror' with a misunderstanding that Rosie was making.
She did take a look at the Queen and nodded her head, she wanted to speak but she knew it was best to not speak unless allowed too...after all...The Conqueror has an idea and it needed to go through. So with that, her red eyes went to the Conqueror to hear the words he had planned since the early morning.
Entering the throne room, Tenere turned as he walked, taking in the elaborate design. "This is extravagant. We should work on the one back home, offer up some competition, yes?" he joked to his comrades before the queen addressed them. "Why of course your majesty. That would in fact be the reason we are here at the moment. Expelling the rather sharp welcoming party and ensuing armed parade here, it was relaxing." The queen's beauty was quite stunning, he taken aback that she in fact ruled Rumala. With the descriptions from the men he captured, he figures the looks were exaggerated. "I must say before I proceed however, your beauty is in fact quite astonishing. I was expecting a roughened up warrior, such as those from... Oh where was it again Seonu?" He glanced back to the general for but a moment before hitting his own head in realization. "Ah, right! Nozama. Beautiful country there as well. Delicious game. Yet, here I am, rambling on. Excuse me..." He looked up at the woman, taking the sword without drawing it from its sheath from behind his back, using it almost as a staff in front of him with the end on the ground and both hands on the pommel over one another. "Better. Now, the shortest, and most direct answer to that question... Is they are simply no longer needed here." he said with a face as straight as can be.
At the description of the 'welcome party', Cecile smiled gently. "You can understand why we would take that precaution. We couldn't have a group of people sent from the conqueror walking around unguarded, for your own safety as well," she responded.
At the description of her beauty, Cecile did her best not to laugh. She had hear it many times before, but she found his seemingly light nature charming. 'He seems extremely charismatic for a messenger...' she thought. Still, she accepted the compliment. "Ah, you truly are too kind," she said. "Well-traveled too, it seems."
The messenger's explanation caught the Queen off guard, however, and her smile faltered for a moment. She took a second to gather her thoughts, than spoke. "No longer needed? Are you saying that the Conqueror has ceased his campaign? We'd appreciate an explanation."
