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Darkseeker
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Lyo was a step away from entering the pub. He was fairly used to people just stepping out of his way. People ran to move out of the way when he passed through. It might have just been for fear, because it wasn't out of politeness. So when someone smacked into his chest, he balled his fists. He was seconds from shoving the person away. "Watch where you're going-" The nerve of this person. They finally craned their neck to look up at him. With their close proximity, he recognized that face quickly. Anger grew slowly. "You gotta be kidding me." He muttered in annoyance. Well, this was unfortunate. He hadn't expected to ever see her again. At least not for a long while. Had she followed him after all? Confrontation was his initial instinct. Glaring around the room, his jaw clenched. Clearly, no one realized the presence they had just been blessed with. Gripping the fabric of her top, he shoved her forward and out the pub doors. Looking over his shoulders making sure no one followed them. He lead her forward until the reached the outside of the building, roughly shoving her. Crossing his arms over his chest, he stalked towards her in a threatening manner. "You run off to tell daddy, what you saw in the woods yet?" He sneered, his voice reaching a new deep tone. His amber eyes flamed, as he eyed her. His head tilted like a predator, "Come to tell me how time I have left?" He had her cornered between the building wall and his large body. His amber eyes narrowed, as he watched her carefully. What did she plan to get out of this? Making it easier for her fathers guards to find him and his brother? He couldn't quite see her angle on this, but he'd prod until she cracked. He wasn't one to back down because he was threatened with being reported to the law. Hes been running from the law for years. It was nothing new to him. Hell, he's found himself in chains ready for execution a few times in the past. (No worries this leaves room for dialog.)
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Darkseeker
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Ethelia watched the different emotions in his eyes as he recognized her, about to bark out a laugh until her grabbed onto her shirt and shoved her out the door. Not expecting it, she nearly fell on her face but managed to stay upright, this time bracing herself for the next shove. As much as she wanted to turn him into a popsicle, she let him do it, not giving him the satisfaction of her reaction. Ethelia prepared herself for some kind of physical beating, but it never came as he spit out the words, sizing her up like some sort of wild cat. "Well Mr. Dark and Brooding, if you really want to know, I haven't told him. Yet." She made sure to add the last part, since after this there was a damned good chance she would. "But I'll be sure to tell him if you keep manhandling me like that." She nodded her head to the pub door. "So where's the rest of your criminal pack of rats?" She sneered, noticing the slowly setting sun. She needed to hurry this up or her father would have her head on a spike. Edited at January 27, 2024 10:01 AM by _Moonshadow_
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Darkseeker
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Crossing his arms over his chest, he watched her as if trying to read her just by looking at her. His amber eyes never leaving hers once, as if afraid he would miss something of importance. Mr. Dark and Brooding. He narrowed his fiery amber eyes. Yet. "What's holding you back?" He couldn't understand why she hadn't already set off the alarms. Dragon hunting was beyond illegal. Death was the only answer to those crimes. He was sure she wanted to see him hanged, or lashed to death. One thing about Kings is they loved their public executions. Creating a whole show before beheading criminals. Hell, the Princess that stood before him probably enjoyed them too. Probably trained from a young age too. "You're asking for being manhandled when you're-" He paused, his amber gaze giving her stature a once over, as if disgusted by her small stature. "That size." "That doesn't concern you." He snapped. "Brave of you to follow criminals. Or should I say a fool's errand. Or maybe youre fond of dangling your life over deaths head." His deep voice dripped with venom. His amber eyes flashed dangerously. His fingertips brushing against the hilt of one of his many hidden daggers. He could save the group a hell of a headache, if he took care of her right now. Except, that was there one rule. Don't kill riders. She was a rider. An infuriating one at that, but nonetheless a rider. This was slowly becoming a messier situation. Lyo and Alaric would have to relocate seeing as she managed to find them. She was a good tracker, he'd give her that. He thought they had much more time than that.
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Darkseeker
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Ethelia thought for a moment. What was holding her back? Why hadn't she just told her father and been done with it? "Because my father wouldn't believe me. To him I would just be trying to find a cause for trouble." She answered. As much as she hated it, it was the truth. Vanya was the perfect daughter, obedient and quiet, Ahren the warrior and the next King, and then there was Ethelia, the troublemaker and nuisance. She then placed her hand over her heart in mock hurt. "Well I apologize that I don't send little girls screaming for the hills when I walk past them. Everyone must look small to you with you head up in the clouds." Ethelia was an average height for her age, it just happened to be that Lyo was a foot taller than her. "Oh, sensitive subject, I see. I would be sensitive about it too if I had to work with you." "Oh, and your boss, Gregory was it? He seems lovely, next time you see him, tell him the Militia loved hearing about the Eyrelite spears. We are sending people out right now to start the mining up in the mountains." That was something her father would actually like to hear about, but she decided to keep that bit to herself as well, she could use it as leverage later. "Seeing how I enjoy jumping from the backs of dragons hundreds of feet in the air, I would say yes." She said , not failing to notice his hand brush the hilt of a dagger. She remembered the daggers on her own belt, bracing herself in case he attacked. It was very evident that he wanted to kill her, but something was stopping him. She didn't know what, and she didn't have a want to know as she held his gaze, muscles tensed as she waited for the attack. Edited at February 1, 2024 01:56 PM by _Moonshadow_
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Lyo's brows furrowed, in confusion. He scoffed, "Don't lie to me." He snapped, in annoyance. Why wouldn't her father, the King not believe his own child? It didn't make sense. The proof was in her injured dragon. Then again Lyo knew nothing of the current King. They were all the same to him. Evil, murderous King's. That seemed to be a common denominator when it came to the personalities of the Kings that lead this Kingdom. Hell, he didn't even recognize the King'd daughter when he shoot her dragon out of the sky. That comment got him to roll his eyes, "That's better than being small enough to be manhandled." He snapped back at her. She was taller than most women, but that didn't matter to Lyo. He could easily throw her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Everyone shorter than Lyo looked small to the walking giant. That comment had Lyo clenching his jaw to shattering teeth point. Eyrelite was rare and the only way they can take down dragons efficiently. "Good luck. They'll be mining for months." He shrugged his broad shoulders. Wasn't a complete lie, Eyrelite was hard to find. Lyo was watching his spears like a hawk. "Now get out of my face before I have the whole town swarming you." He snapped. The people of the small town would be jumping for joy if they saw the Princess herself was in their town. Spinning on his heel he made his way back to the entrance of the pub. He needed to alert his brother.
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Darkseeker
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"You were the one was dragged me over here, asshole." She hissed as he walked back into the pub, either completely ignoring her existence or going to grab his counterpart. She didn't stay long enough to find out as she made her way back through the forest to find the dragon still sleeping. The sun was nearly set at this point, something else she was going to get punished for when her father found out. She untied the dragon and mounted, taking to the air. The flight home was brisk, getting the dragon cooled down and put back in her stall before she stopped to visit Aegon one more time. He was curled in a ball, asleep. He didn't stir when she checked on him, seeing the bandages were fresh and clean. She quickly checked his food and water before she made her way out, locking the stable doors behind her. Ethelia stared up at the castle I'm annoyance. There was no way in hell she could sneak past the guards to her room. She glanced up at the balcony about twenty feet up the side of the castle. Looks like she'd have to climb. Again. Ethelia sighed as she found the foothold and the stone jutting out of the sides of the castle, pulling herself up and up. She fixed her gaze on the balcony, not letting herself look down. She felt much more comfortable on the back of a dragon that would at least make an attempt to catch her if she fell. The castle wouldn't do much to catch her if she slipped. After a particularly long climb, she finally pulled herself over the railing, opening the glass double doors to her room. The room was large in size, with a large four poster bed against one wall, a fireplace and sitting area on the other. All of the furniture, curtains, rugs, and everything else that was fabric was her kingdom's color, a blood red. On the wall opposite of the fireplace was a vanity that stored her jewelry and other accessories. Next to that was the door that led to her closet, where all of her gowns and other clothes were kept. She was greeted by her hound, Koa. Ethelia had found her on the streets when she and her father were visiting the city. She begged and begged to keep her, and he let her. Koa was nearly four now, her coat still the same shining white it was when she found her. She suspected she was a wolfdog of some kind, her pointed ears suggested that much. She also had an obsession with howling that her father very much disliked. Ethelia quickly ran a bath in the washroom that was attached to her room, then changed into her sleep clothes when she was finished. She was about to go to bed when a knock sounded at her door. "What is so important that you need to interrupt me at this time of night." She muttered to herself, trudging to the door. She wasn't surprised when she opened the door to reveal Revyn Selke, a guard of the castle, and one of her few friends. "Not now Vyn. I'm tired." Ethelia said, trying not to roll her eyes as Koa tried to shove past her. Ethelia pushed her back. Although he was a good friend, he was rather...clingy. "Spend to long exploring the world on dragonback?" He teased, not even looking the slightest bit tired. "Can it wait? I'm about to collapse and you have your duties to attend too." Revyn was 23, with short chestnut brown hair and dark brown eyes. He was tall, about 6'1 and strongly built. He had been training to become a guard when Ethelia was about eight, and the two had crossed paths in a corridor, hitting it off immediately. "I suppose, I hadn't talked to you in a while so I figured I'd stop by. I'll see you in the morning then?" His eyes were hopeful. Vyn was and has always been a jokester, always finding ways to turn things into a joke. "Yeah, in the morning." She said. She felt slightly guilty for dismissing him like that, but she was so, so exhausted, and after her earlier encounter, she didn't have the energy to talk to anyone. Ethelia bid Revyn goodnight and shut the door, relived to finally be able to sleep. She walked towards the bed, nearly tripping over Koa as she did so. She crawled into her bed, pulling the quilt up to her chin as she drifted off into sleep. Edited at February 2, 2024 06:01 PM by _Moonshadow_
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Darkseeker
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By the time Lyo returned to the pub to find his brother, the male was no where in sight. No doubt, Alaric was out warming someone's bed. That's how most nights went. Of course, the brothers had different interests to keep them busy and to past the time.
Lyo was sprawled out on a blanket, in the middle of a small clearing. It wasn't too far off from their home. One large arm rested behind his head, the other hand running through Torrin's long, soft fur. The large bears head rested on his stomach, as if he were a mere lapdog. The sounds of the night surrounded them, as Lyo gazed up at the stars. The man simply thinking. Reality was hitting him all at once. The true consequences of their actions, from the days endeavors. This was no easy fix. Hell, this was a crater in their plans. The plan he was coming up with in the pub, would no longer work. At least now that, the woman found them. In record time too. The Kings guards could be marching their way to the town. Though, that didn't frighten Lyo. He simply thought they had more time before they had to pack up and leave. Lyo's onslaught of thoughts would continue their attack if it weren't for his sudden slumber that took over. ***** At the first ray of the sun, Lyo was up and ready for the day. In need of gathering logs, he wanted to dedicate a few hours to chopping wood. His black tunic was sticking to his sweaty skin, as he swung the axe back down. Perfectly chopping the piece into four. Torrin scratched his large claws on a nearby tree. "Hard at work?" A voice sounded from behind him. Lyo didn't startle, he knew that voice. Always scheming. He remained silent, as he waited for Gregory to spit out whatever new mastermind plan he had that would "bring the group riches upon riches." He continued chopping, as Gregory spoke. "Who spit in your porridge." He scoffed, at Lyo's silence. Still, not a single reaction out of the giant. "I have a proposition, that will solve our little incident from yesterdays events." The confidence oozed from his tone. As if this new plan was foolproof. Swinging the axe into a nearby tree, Lyo spun around to face him. He dusted his hands off, "Care to elaborate?" Gregorys smile eerily resembled that of a sly cat. ***** Lyo changed into a loose, thin white long sleeve shirt. Paired with black trousers and heavy boots. Gregory wanted them to look presentable, like someone trying to sell an item. Which in a way they were. There was a total of six of them. Lyo was seated on a black war horse, trotting side by side with the wagon. A deep glare set in his features, as they strode through the gates of the Kingdom. Getting into the Kingdom, was easy. Where they'd have some difficultly would be the Palace where the King would be. Guards would question them and such. They all slowed to a walk, as to not run over any civilians as the walked through the crowded streets of the Kingdom. Lyo felt uneasy about this whole plan. Dragon hunting was illegal, and they were about to admit to that crime. Well not exactly like that, but something along those lines. Gregory had a way with words, he'd give him that, but could his silver tongue convice a King to work in their favor? They were about to find out. Approaching the large gates of the Palace, Lyo's adams apple bobbed up and down. His amber eyes gazing up at the enormous building. Armed guards were quick to approach. Lyo was in the back, so he couldn't hear Gregory's honeyed words to the guards. Edited at June 5, 2024 06:54 PM by Ylva
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Ethelia woke earlier than she would have liked to, her muscles groaning as she rolled over onto her back. Everything hurt. She expected it was from free-falling through the sky before landing on a not-very-soft dragon body. She sat up with a loud sigh, wiggling her feet out from underneath Koa's sleeping body. The hound woke and raised her head sleepily, her face splitting into a yawn. Ethelia pet her white head as she made herself get out of bed. She had absolutely nothing to do today except her lessons and checking on Aegon. The thought of flying crossed her mind, but obviously that wasn't possible at the moment. She didn't feel like doing any more exploring anyway. She winced as a spark of pain raced along her ribs. She lifted her nightgown to discover multiple greenish-yellow bruises scattered over her ribs. Wonderful. Voices outside caught her attention. She walked over to the window facing the gates of the castle, her interest piquing as she saw the group of riders being surrounded by the guards. Either her father had invited some shady looking guests or this was a piss-poor attempt at an assassination. There looked to be six of them, but they were too far to be recognized. She slowly opened the window, hoping to catch some of the conversation. Koa wagged her tail happily when a bird appeared at the windowsill and flew off. She looked very inclined to jump out after it, and for that reason Ethelia pushed her farther away from the window. She only heard mumbled sentences, not close enough to pick up any comprehensible words. She assumed they were requesting entrance, which she doubted they would get. She was proven completely wrong when, after a few minutes of arguing, the group was granted entrance. Ethelia was puzzled, but quickly shut the window and dressed into a plain emerald green gown with long gauzy sleeves. She quickly did her auburn hair in its usual style, two braids in the front with the rest of her hair behind her shoulders. She opened the door and nearly ran right into Revyn, his hand outstretched to grab the door knob. Koa rushed out behind her and ran to the end of the hallway, waiting by the stairs. "Sorry Vyn, can't talk now." She said quickly, taking off at a fast walk to the stairs. She heard the sound of feet on stone behind her and before long Revyn was next to her going down the stairs. Koa was already at the bottom, her tail wagging, as if she knew that something was happening. "Where are you off to in such a hurry?" He asked from her side. "Theres a group of people at the gates. I need to see who they are. If your going to come with me you have to pick up the pace." Ethelia said as she nearly jogged to the palace doors, which were ajar. She saw her mother, father, brother and sister already waiting. She stopped abruptly at the steps leading up to the doors, Revyn on her right and Koa pushing her head between her father and herself on her left. She didn't miss her father's grimace as he shoved the dog away. Koa's tail was still wagging as she sat on Ethelia's feet. The group of nicely dressed men rode forward, close enough to see their facial features. Ethelia was shocked when she saw the leader of the dragon hunters, Gregory leading the pack. She wanted to vomit when her eyes found Lyo at the back. What in the world where they doing here? "What's wrong?" Revyn whispered. She must have tensed up. "Nothing. I'll explain later." She whispered back through gritted teeth. She schooled her face into neutrality and stroked Koa's head. She quietly ordered the hound to stay as she felt the dog's muscles tense like she was going to lunge. The last thing she wanted was for her to spook the horses. Ethelia jumped slightly as her father's booming voice filled the courtyard, "And who might you lot be?"
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Darkseeker
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Being at the back of the group, Lyo couldn't hear the interaction with the guards. He could have if he strained his ears, but he was too preoccupied with keeping his eyes on the guards that were getting to close. He glared at one, that was trying to inspect the inclosed carriage. He guided the horse forward in a threathening manner, as if to say back off. Lyo's gaze was lethal. The guard backed up a few. It was unnerving being here. The last time he was here, he was up on the chopping block with Alaric. That was a sticky situation. They barely escaped with their heads still on their shoulders. After a few more moments the group was moving forward. Either Gregory was about to pull off a scheme that would go down in Dragon Hunting history, or he just lead all the men to an early grave. Once again they stopped. This time in front of the King and his family. Lyo hummed silently to himself, as he gazed at the family that had complete control of the Kingdom. As if in sync, the men hopped off their horses before walking forward a few paces. At a respectable distance from the King's family, the men kneeled before the King. All except Lyo. That was one thing Lyo was too prideful for. He would never bend the knee to any ruler. Lyo's fiery amber eyes slowly looked over the family. There was the King, the Queen, a Princess and a Prince. And one more person. Princess Ethelia. His gaze lingered on her. So she really was a Princess. Seeing her like this, she looked to actually fit the part. He watched her whisper to a man that stood next to her. He looked to be wearing guards armor. His eyes dropped to the dog at her feet. A beautiful pup. Gregory stood up, "Your Majesty." As if sensing Lyo had not followed the plan, he glanced at him. Eyes narrowed. "Apologies, my friend here has a crippled knee. Nasty thing. He forgot his cane, and cannot kneel well without toppling over. I'm afraid he'd prompt an earthquake if he falls." He created an excuse for Lyo's ill behavior, while attempting to throw some humor in and take a jab at Lyo. He bowed again, as if to express his greatest apologies. Greg clasped his hands together, "To answer your question, we are a group of travelers. Among us we have quite the skill set under our belts. We have powerful mercenaries, quick and efficient blacksmiths, and a master craftsman of weaponry." He motioned towards the men that stood behind him. "We come here today with a proposal for you, your Majesty." Greg moved his hands in an animated manner. "We want to show you our newest creation. A weapon of absolute lethal destruction that could be yours for the taking." The way Gergory's arms were moving, one would think he was a mad scientist, or someone who had spoiled berries. "Men." He turned towards the group. Lyo moved to open the wagon, while the others moved out of the way. With just a pull of a lever the wagon smoothly came apart, revealing the weapon he created. Greg smoothly hopped up onto the back of the wagon. He slid a hand against the pointed spear, "This here is made fully of Eryrelite." His eyes lit up, as he spoke. "The handle bar allows for accurate aim." Greg rambled on some more about certain aspects of the large spear. As a final push for the sale, if one could call it that, Greg had his finishing line. "This-" He motioned to the spear behind him. "Will crush your enemies. Knocking dragons clear out of the sky with one hit." At that mentioned, Lyo's amber gaze sweeped over to Ethelia. He wondered if she finally told her father and this could be all for nothing. Edited at June 6, 2024 01:50 AM by Ylva
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Ethelia was still trying to find a reason for their presence when the men dismounted, their horses led away. Ethelia fought the urge to roll her eyes as Lyo refused to bow. She wasn't the least bit surprised. She nearly choked on a laugh when Gregory told his blatant lie about Lyo's 'crippled leg'. If she hadn't met any of them before, she would have believed the bluff. Ethelia didn't miss Lyo's gaze landing on her, then looking down at Koa. She remembered the giant bear that had been with them yesterday. Koa noticed the attention and wagged her tail harder, her tongue hanging out of her mouth. Out of her excitement, the hound lifted her muzzle to the sky and let out a howl. Ethelia wasn't able to stop her in time, and her cheeks flushed red as the dog continued to howl. "Put the beast inside at once!" Her father bellowed, turning his gaze on her. Ethelia dipped her head and grabbed Koa by her scruff, pushing her inside the castle. She just trotted down the hallway toward the kitchen, where she knew the treats were. Her cheeks were still flaming as she walked back to her spot. She had missed what Gregory had said to her father, except for the last sentence. A weapon of absolute lethal destruction that could be yours for the taking. She didn't like the sound of that. Her father made a humming sound, as I'd telling them to go on. She was surprised he hadn't dismissed the rest of them yet. Ethelia's anger flared as the wagon opened, revealing the weapon which had brought Aegon out of the sky. This is why they were here? They might as well just chop of their own heads at this point. The black and red speckled spear glinted dangerously in the sunlight, the point razor sharp. She suppressed a wince when she remembered the effects, how her ability had felt suffocated. Gregory was still rambling on, waving his hands in the air like a madman. The worst thing was, her father seemed interested. "This-" Gregory motioned to the spear behind him. "Will crush your enemies. Knocking dragons clear out of the sky with one hit." She felt like her head was going to explode, her face heating again with anger. She grasped her power and sent it coursing through her veins, willing her body temperature to drop. She didn't need to draw any unnecessary attention to herself. Be seen, not noticed. Her motto that she had used her whole life. "Are you sure you're okay?" Revyn asked quietly, the back of his hand brushing hers. "No. I'll explain later." She whispered, trying to focus on anything but the giant spear in the courtyard. Her father was silent for a moment before he spoke. "Come with me, we can discuss the matter more inside." He beckoned to the men to follow him. Ethelia turned and followed her father back in the doors, Koa rushing to meet her. "You're dismissed." Her father said quietly, waving her away with a hand. She couldn't help but noticed her siblings and mother followed him into his council room. She barely contained her scream as she rubbed her eyes with the heels of her palms. She could feel Revyn standing behind her and quickly lifted her head. "So...are you going to tell me what just happened?" He asked as they walked up the stairs. Ethelia stared at the tapestries on the walls of the corridor, keeping her mouth shut until the three of them were in the comfort of her room. She shut the door with a soft click, shuffling over and sinking into the blood red couch near the fireplace. Revyn sat in the armchair across from her, concern creating two lines above his eyebrows. Ethelia took a deep breath in and let it out slowly, trying to shove down the anger of not being included. It's not like she was a child. She was 21 years old, she had been an adult for 3 years. "What's going on?" Vyn asked, leaning forward with his arms on his legs. "How long do you have?" Ethelia said, a forced smile appearing in her lips. "As long as it takes." He responded, his eyes still creased with worry. She explained all of the events of the previous day and how Aegon really got his injury. Then she explained what that weapon really was and what it could do. Then she made Revyn swear to secrecy. He looked a mixture of anger, awe, and astonishment when she finished her story. "Why didn't you tell your father? That would surely deter him from accepting the offer." Revyn said, leaning back in the chair. "It's too late now. He would think I was making it up." She said, patting the couch as Koa jumped up, resting her head in Ethelia's lap. Revyn hummed and looked at her just as Ethelia got up from her seat. "You're going to go eavesdrop, aren't you?" He asked in a bored voice. "Yep." She said as she closed the door behind her. Edited at June 6, 2024 02:26 PM by _Moonshadow_
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