Love at First Sight... Not Exactly

Subject: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Sun Dec 13, 2009 2:32 am

Heading outside of the city, the young Power Broker, Native, returns to the villa of his master and sponsor, the Master of the House of Corundum. Walking in thru the gates, Native is greeted by the guards and they ask him how his skills have been improving. He chuckles and tells them that that is the reason he has come to see the Master. They nod to him and let him continue on his way. The villa is well guarded by both magic and might. A "friendly" guard yokai known as a Min'gyon dashes up to the young Power Broker apprentice and Native pets him and pulls out a treat for him. He tosses it and the Min'gyon nudges him them dashes off for the food.

Native continues inside the house and passes an attractive maiden in her mid to late 20s. He nods respectfully to her, "Good morning, my lady. Radiant as ever is your spirit." She giggles at him and says, "Evitan, you are such a flatterer. Are you looking for my father?" Ah, so that's his actual name. Very well then. Evitan nods to her and she tells him that he is currently in negotiations with a member of the House of Manticore. I believe they are discussing Liliana's hand as a Consort to the Manticore Warlord's son." Evitan looks at her and says, "But my lady, you are the elder daughter, it is only proper that you should be betrothed first. If you would like, I can march right up to the meeting room and tell your father that I will make lots and lots of money and honor you as your man servant of love!" He strikes a pose and she laughs. "Evitan! Is my father hears you, he will kill you himself!" In a melodramatic fashion, Evitan responds, "Then let him come at me! I fear not death if my sacrifice had placed but a glimmer of joy upon my lady's face before my demise." She reaches forward and covers his mouth. "Please no more. You have really got to stop reading those ridiculous books and the theatre is definitely off limits to my new man servant of love. Seriously though, what insidious deeds does my father have you doing today?" Evitan laughs, "My lady, your father is not the villain that he is portrayed to be. Does he not provide the best for you and both of your sisters? Your brother wants for nothing either. I am here to report in to your father. I had a chance meeting with someone and his advice proved very fruitful indeed." She nods to him and congratulates him. Evitan smiles I almost forgot, my lady..." He retrieves a charm bracelet from his satchel and shows it to her. "It is a magical charm bracelet. It has protective and healing magic casted on it so that you are kept safe always. Life would lose so much meaning if you were no longer here. I had better head upstairs. Evitan continues to the third floor and the elder sister, Andrea, looks up at him before she continues on her way.

To be continued...

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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Sun Dec 13, 2009 6:30 am

Kiryn flies with his force on the way to visit an old friend in a village midway between Arden and Xartias when they notice a skirmish taking place and the battle flag bears a very familiar crest. "Hawks!" Three men fly forward and look ahead and they report, "The House of Corundum." Kiryn looks off to direction of the village. "Jemuz, fly to the village with your corps and handle the negotiations there. Simply persuade them to remember how things were when we stood united." Jemuz nods to Kiryn and answers, "At once, my Lord. Victory in battle." Kiryn nods to him and tells him, "There is no other option but victory." They embrace in a clasping of their forearms before they part ways. Kiryn and his remaining force increase the speed of their flight to lend aid to the forces of the House of Corundum. As the Order of the Veilys arrives, shadows blanket the ground and swarms of spikes and hands reach up to grab the enemies of the Corundum. Kiryn dives into battle with his twin scimitars unsheathed and he cuts down two enemy demons as he lands in front of the Corundum commander. The commander looks at Kiryn with great relief as he shows excitement and relief tho his voice shows his confusion, "Kiryn? It's definitely good to see you." Kiryn starts issuing orders to the Veilys and turns back to the Corundum Commander, "Since I am saving your skin, Lucian, there had better be fun to be had tonight!" Lucian remarks, "Help me get Eliza home safely while crushing these bastards and I will ensure that this night tops the last." Kiryn seems genuinely concerned when he hears Eliza's name and Lucian nods to him. "We'll talk later, Lucian. Keep some for interrogation." Lucian grins sinisterly at his friend and they charge back into the fray. The trance of blood lust that overcomes them quickly shifts the tide of this battle. Kiryn plows thru an entire path the enemy ranks as he and Lucian make their way towards Eliza's carriage. Her bodyguards are fighting desperately to keep her safe. When he finally stops, there is a path of blood and mutilated bodies laying in his wake.

Eliza looks out and sees Kiryn and runs to him. Enemy soldiers try to seize her and suddenly, Kiryn starts to give in to the battle lust and as he is doing so, the minds of the enemy soldiers in a wide range around him are bombarded by destructive psychic energy and more and more bodies start to drop as Lucian appears behind Kiryn to amplify his powers. Eliza reaches Kiryn and hugs him tightly. Looking into his eyes, they are glowing red and black and she remembers the last time she saw them like that, "Saer os vandri." Kiryn's body "twitches" and she repeats it again, "Saer os vandri." Kiryn's eyes start to return to normal. Upon witnessing the amplified power of Kiryn's Psychic Barrage, the enemy forces call for a retreat and Kiryn calls one of his personal guards to protect Eliza while he and Lucian lead their forces to pursue. They decimate the enemy numbers even further and manage to take prisoners for interrogation. The collective force regroups around Eliza's carriage and Lucian checks on his younger sister. She tells him that she is fine and just wants to get home. Lucian looks at Kiryn, "Thank you again, Kiryn. I'm not sure how things would've turned out had you not been heading this way." Kiryn nods and tells Lucian that he should thank the hawks for noticing the battle and more importantly, the Battle Flag of the House of Corundum from so far away." The escort is now significantly larger as they get back on the path towards the Corundum Villa outside of Arden.

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NOTE: So the villa is 3 story high and you can use Alisander's personality and such to describe it. He is on the third floor meeting with the Emissary of the House of Manticore to discuss one of the daughters being betrothed to the Heir of the Manticore. The second post will come into play with my next post.

Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Sun Dec 13, 2009 7:06 pm

In his private office on the third floor, Alisander sits regally in a high backed chair behind his desk listening to the Emissary of the House of Manticore. A strong man, both in mind and brawn, he learned long ago to remain stoic during negotiations. Should one's face falter for even a second, the entire deal could shift away from their favor. Dressed in the formal business attire befitting a man of his station, the Master of the House of Corundum, remains perfectly expressionless while the Emissary suggests his middle daughter, Liliana, for betrothal to the Heir of the House of Manticore. Despite the rumors swirling about the Heir's sexual preference, Alisander know an alliance between the two houses would ultimately be beneficial. The problem is that Liliana would not make the best match for any man of substance. While a strong wife could be a fine choice for a somewhat weak man, and Liliana can certainly be described as strong, it is the wife part of the description that she is not right for. When the Emissary finishes laying out the initial proposal, Alisander shifts slightly in his chair before launching his counter offer.

"As you well know, I have been blessed with three lovely daughters. They all have strengths focused in different areas. Liliana, who you have mentioned specifically, may not be the best choice for the House of Manticore. Might I offer the hand of my eldest daughter, Andrea, along with twice the dowry to ensure an appropriate wife for the Heir of Manticore?"

The Emissary considered the offer for only a moment before speaking. "My Lord specifically requested your daughter, Liliana. Her spirit is why he wants her as his daughter-in-law."

This news did not please Alisander though to watch his face, one would never guess. Leaning back against the chair, the large framed man appeared pensive. "Andrea, and even young Eliza, both possess considerable spirit of their own. What is it about my Liliana that your Lord holds in such high regard?" The way his question is worded it almost sounds as if he has changed his mind about marrying Liliana off but now has realized that she may be worth more to the House of Manticore than previously thought.

The Emissary wastes no time in offering his explanation. "My Lord believes her unique spirit will assist her greatly in acclimating to the Manticore ways."

This gives Alisander even more to ponder so the patriarch turns his gaze through the open doors to his right. Beyond the doors is an expansive balcony overlooking the bulk of the Corundum Villa grounds. This view is what made the man choose this location not only for the villa but for his personal office. From here he could enjoy the peaceful view when necessary or use it to remind him that his current position is well worth everything that led to it and everything that will have to happen to keep it.
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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Sun Dec 13, 2009 10:12 pm

When they arrive, the guards call for the healers as they notice the battle damage to the carriage and the blood and other signs of battle on the guard's faces and bodies. Lucian heads inside with Kiryn while Kiryn's brethren remain on the grounds, but do not follow into the house. Eliza stays close to Kiryn as Lucian summons the Commanders of the House of Corundum. This news reaches up to the third floor where the Master of the House, Alisander Corundum, is currently meeting with the High Emissary of the House of Manticore. Lucian and Kiryn are riled up and ready to return to battle, but this time taking the offensive. The Commanders feed off of their valor and vigor and as they prepare to depart for the enemy village. Lucian prepares his men, "They thought that they could take MY sister and try to hold her like some ransom or treat her like a slave girl!! No transgression against the House of Corundum will be tolerated... EVER!! Prepare yourselves for a glorious massacre! Tonight, their village floods with blood!" The Commanders beat their gauntlets against the armor as they prepare to leave for battle. Andrea appears at the entrance and exit to the house to join with the rest of the forces gathering for battle.

While the commotion is going on downstairs, four timed raps at the door precede, Evitan entering the room. "Master, my apologies for interrupting your meeting, but there's been an incident. Master Lucian has just returned from a battle with Lady Eliza. She is safe, my lord, but Lucian is filled with anger. He is preparing his army to march. Lady Andrea is trying to stop him, but I do not think he will listen, my lord. I have no news on Liliana though considering the influence Master Lucian has on her..." Kiryn speaks to silence the commanders so that Andrea may speak her peace and let them pass. The voice would be recognizable to Master Alisander for sure and perhaps even to the Emissary. The Emissary speaks, "Master Corundum, perhaps we should investigate this incident so that we may hopefully continue our business with your mind at ease." The Emissary smiles and looks towards the door where the apprentice is standing.

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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Sun Dec 13, 2009 11:24 pm

Shifting his attention away from the open doors, Alisander turns just in time to see Evitan enter the room. The older man listens until the young man's words trail off. Business would certainly have to wait until this matter can be resolved. Thankfully the Emissary suggests the very such thing before the Corundum House patriarch is forced to voice his decision. Rising from his chair, Alisander inclines his head in the Emissary's direction and begins to cross the room, heading for the door. "Yes, this situation requires investigation. I appreciate your understanding.

As Alisander, followed by the Emissary, reach the landing overlooking the foyer, a blur of flesh and cloth rushes past them and rounds the top of the bannister to descend the stairs. "Liliana!", Alisander's voice booms through the third floor landing, "Halt your steps, child." The man knew that his middle daughter was undoubtedly on her way to stir her brother up even more in the hope that she would march off to battle by his side.

Pushing the hood of her cloak away from her head, Liliana turns at the peak of the bannister and flashes her father a smile forced to cover clenched jaws. "Pardon me, father, I didn't see you there. I am running terribly late, please excuse my haste. Good day, gentlemen." With that rushed from her mouth in a single breath, the young woman resumed her break neck run and headed down the stairs in search of her brother.

Heaving a fatherly sigh, tinged with dissapointment, Alisander shook his head and continued along the landing to follow in his headstrong progeny's footsteps and find out exactly what has his manor all abuzz.
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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Sun Dec 13, 2009 11:53 pm

Not in the mood to waste time arguing with his sister, Lucian bares his fangs at Andrea. "Move aside, Andrea!" Kiryn decides to take a different approach. Both Lucian and Kiryn look behind them as they both notice a new arrival. Lucian looks at Kiryn and says, "Umm... you can deal with Andrea." Kiryn smirks, "With pleasure. She doesn't try to stab me!" Lucian snickers as he approaches his younger sister. "Liliana, not practicing your embroidery? Hahaha! Would you like to come out to battle with me, little sister?!" Lucian's eyes flicker with energy as he grins at her his anger and yearning for battle still fueling his power.

At the same time Lucian is greeting Liliana, Kiryn is speaking with the elder sister, "Listen to me, Andrea. I know that you do not believe that we should kill needlessly and I am inclined to agree with you, but this is not needless. They went after your younger sister, my lady. That sort of transgression cannot be overlooked. If Lucian allows this to go unchecked, your enemies will see it as weakness and they will try again. We were fortunate that the love and studious nature that I have of battle made me curious about what was going on when I saw signs of battle. Lucian was hard pressed in that skirmish and needed aid. They are safe now, but a response needs to be sent out. (Increasing his tone just slightly so Lucian can hear him tease him.) I will protect your brother as I always do." Lucian looks back, "I've saved your neck plenty of times, Kiryn!" Andrea looks at Kiryn and tells him that battle is not always the way. Seeing Alisander approach, Andrea had stalled them long enough she felt. "Father, please put an end that this madness. Everyone returned safely, so what is the purpose of them sacrificing more lives?" Lucian responds, "Not everyone, Sister. I lost strong, loyal men who sacrificed themselves so that my baby sister would not be harmed in that attack." All eyes turn to Alisander and the Commanders kneel and await his words.

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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Mon Dec 14, 2009 12:28 am

Liliana arrives just in time to witness her older brother bare his fangs at Andrea, the resident wet towel in her eyes. When Lucian turns to address her, the younger sibling glares upon him with contempt. "Embroidery is for girls, Lucian. I have come with every intention of joining you in battle. I can't leave your protection all up to poor Kiryn after all. Father is on his..." A glance up the stairs would cut her warning off abruptly. "... nevermind." The young woman's eyes remain on her father as he makes his way down the last flight of stairs to join his gathered children and Commanders. Liliana knows that he is likely to try and find a third option to both send a message to the attacking foes and keep the peace his beloved Andrea is so quick to harp on about.

Alisander's eyes fall onto three of his four offspring, regarding each of them with different expressions. His look upon Andrea is gentle and full of warmth, she is the embodiment of her mother in many respects. Lucian recieves a quick flash of pride for taking up the torch of the warlord so efficiently. Last, and in some ways least, Liliana earns an invisible head shake, much like the visible one he performed at the top of the stairs. She could feel his dissapointment radiating from him at the sight of her so geared up to ride out with her brother. It was a common thought that she should have been born a son, but the House of Corundum was blessed with only one male heir, two proper female heirs, and Liliana.

Breaking the silence, the partiarch cleared his throat to make his wishes known. "The House of Corundum has lost brave men this day. Our dead shall be buried with full honors. Our wounded shall be tended by the healers. Guard patrols will be doubled until a plan of action is decided. We do not strike back without first weighing our options. Andrea, my dear, assist the healers with the wounded after you have made sure Eliza is clam and settled. Lucian, my son, you and your men protected your sister well today. Come to my chamber immediately after dispatching your troops. Kiryn, I thank you and your men for coming to the aid of the House of Corundum. Food, lodging, and any supplies you need will be made available as a token of my gratitude." Having said his peace, the man looks as if he is ready to dismiss the gathered crowd until his eyes fall once again on his middle daughter. "Liliana, you will return to your suite and dress as appropriate for a lady. Then on your way to assist the healers with the wounded, you will return those weapons to the armory." Now that everything and everyone was taken care of and given their orders for the time being, Alisander dismissed them all and turned to make his way back up the stairs, with the expectation that Liliana follows immediately and Lucian soon after that.
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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Mon Dec 14, 2009 1:32 am

Out of all of the siblings gathered, the only one who seems pleased is Andrea. Lucian, in all his rebellious spirit, calls out to Alisander, "Father!" Kiryn and the Emissary lock eyes and Lucian feels the anger building behind him. Lucian looks at the Emissary and nods the Crest of the House of Manticore. "What is he doing here?!" Lucian inquires with venom in his tone. The Emissary speaks, "Young Master Lucian, your anger is misplaced directing it at me. Whatever the young Master of a fallen order poisons you with, I assure..." Lucian interrupts, "You assure nothing. Do not waste my time with your feathered words, be out with it." The Emissary speaks, "My Master wishes to arrange an alliance between our houses via marriage. Your radiant sister, Liliana, with the Heir of the House of Manticore, Pilao. So you see, there is no reason to have this anger towards me. I have come to help the House of Corundum." Lucian responds promptly, "Your beloved little pets were the ones who attacked my sister's caravan or will you try to deny that the House of Manticore finances the forces of Runik the Grey?" The Emissary looks at him and responds, "That... that cannot be. Runik would never move against a House without the Warlord's permission and I assure all of you that my Master has given no such order. Why would he dispatch me here if he would do such a thing?" Kiryn speaks, "So you are telling Lord Corundum that the House of Manticore cannot control their own hired swords?" Lucian speaks out, "You will have to kill me for my sister to marry that...!" Kiryn interjects, "Lord Alisander, perhaps I could have a word with you in private before you continue your negotiations should you choose to do so. If you do not like what I have to say, my men and I will leave before dawn. In the meantime, I would like to offer the aid of my men. We have healers and as you know, we are trained from boyhood to fight, so we will help keep safe that which you hold dear." Lucian speaks softly to Liliana, "Put a gown on your armor. We may still fly out tonight. I will ensure that you do not marry that fairy, little sister. Play the role of the obedient daughter." Lucian looks at her so that she will please their father. It is better for him to be happy now just in case, she disobeys him later. Lucian and Kiryn along with the Manticore Emissary await Alisander's response.

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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Mon Dec 14, 2009 2:06 am

As Alisander stands there listening to the accusations fly he appears to be taking the news in stride. The only sign that the deep well of rage within him is being tapped is the reflexive clenching and unclenching of his fists where they hang by his sides. Once Kiryn has his final say, the partiarch nods his head slightly. "Very well then, Kiryn you shall have your word in private while the Emissary and Lucian wait outside, peacefully. If your men could assist the healers and those charged with preparing the bodies for burial it would be appreciated. Until I get to the bottom of this incident, negotiations with the House of Manticore will be suspended." Summoning two of his personal guards to keep the peace between Lucian and the Emissary, should the latter agree to ascend the stairs once more, Alisander casts Liliana a look that silently reminds her of his previous orders. Then he resumes his trek up the stairs to his chamber where he and Kiryn enter alone to give the young man his private word.

Liliana appeared ready to defy her father's orders until Lucian's soft words reached her ears. Hearing from the Emissary that the rumor about her hand in marriage being negotiated was true had cause a surge of rebellion to rise in the girl, one her father hadn't seen the likes of since she almost succeeded in burning down an entire orchard when she was barely in her teens. Lucian's orders, and his promise to make sure she won't marry the Manticore Heir calmed her, as her brother knew they would. She offers him a silent nod as soon as their father's back is turned and joins the party heading back to the third floor. She had plenty of gowns that would fit perfectly over armor, so perfectly that her father wouldn't notice that she hadn't removed it, that had been her intention when last she visited the family tailor. The weapons would never be returned to the armory, just as they hadn't the last hundred times Alisander had passed down the order. As her supple form followed the men up the stairs, Liliana vowed that she would die before marrying any man her father forced upon her, and kill any that tried to change that.

Upon reaching the third floor, Alisander opens his office door and motions Kiryn inside. He then turns to give the order to keep the peace between Lucian and the Emissary if the latter decided to come along. After casting one last glance to Lucian that told him attacking the Emissary would not be tolerated, Alisander entered the office and closed the door behind him. Crossing the room, he takes a seat behind his desk and signals for Kiryn to have his say.
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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Mon Dec 14, 2009 3:27 am

When Alisander agrees to speak with Kiryn, Lucian nods to his men and walks with Kiryn to give the orders to Kiryn's forces to start helping. Lucian asks Kiryn what his plan is and Kiryn says, "Your family served the House of Volos Korol faithfully for three generations now, Lucian. I recently learned that your father's great ally Prince Quinto was my uncle." Lucian smirks, "No one ever told you that you were Princess Likata's son? That's harsh. Though given the aftermath of Prince Quinto's demise from what I was told as a boy, I can't blame them for wanting to protect you." Kiryn nods and continues, "There's more to it though. Quinto had an heir, Lucian. My younger cousin. His name is Psyre and he has assumed the position of Veilos Tyrn. You want revenge for your losses today. I want revenge for over three decades worth of losses, ill treatment, and desecration of my family's legacy. Psyre is reforming our Royal House under the name of Veilos Syli. The Psychic Throne. The Order of the Veilys and the Shyr Beis Sisterhood are with him. We are gathering more allies and resources, but if the House of Corundum was to unite with the House of Veilos Syli, they would never dare make an attempt on any of your kin again." While Lucian grins at the thought, Kiryn issues orders to his captains and they head off to execute Kiryn's orders.

The two young males quickly rush back inside before they continue their conversation and their ascent up the stairs. Lucian asks, "Why are you not heading this new house? You are the elder." Kiryn smirks and says, "For the same reason, you don't want your father to ever die. I enjoy battle. He is more of a strategist and definitely a devious one. My young cousin is growing more and more powerful as his powers continue to awake, but he is in need of an equal. Also, he is Quinto's direct blood and as such, he is the rightful Tyrn. He is honorable and loyal. His first action was to bestow title and rank upon me. It is weird being called Prince Kiryn, so I prefer my other title, Veilos Tasar. Highest Commander. Oooh." Lucian echoes the "Ooooh fancy" tease as they head up the second flight. Lucian asks, "Will he be attracted to her and treat her properly without trying to break her spirit?" Kiryn looks at him, "Lucian, I would not be getting ready to suggest it to your father if I did not already believe so. He is a Dark Kami of royal blood though. Just as Quinto had his Consort and loved her greatly, you knew of his love for Denisa, his Shyr Beis. I believe my cousin shares a similar affection and attachment to his as well. I will ensure that he understands what it means, but I will not proceed without your blessing." Lucian looks at Kiryn, "I have never known a reason to doubt you, Kiryn. I will not find one now. Just let this Prince Psyre know that if he hurts my sister, he had better hope that I kill him." Kiryn chuckles and Lucian adds, "So if you and my father can come to an agreement on this matter, we would be cousins then and when we aid in your ascension back to power, our station will increase as well." Kiryn nods and smirks, "Thank you. I'll be sure to mention that to him." Lucian looks back at Liliana and smiles at her. Kiryn looks back as well and when the two males look at each other, Kiryn points at Lucian, "That is all you, my friend. I have an idea for how they can meet as well." Lucian's interest and eyebrow perks up, "Care to share. Always so greedy." Kiryn snickers and says, "We should listen to your sister and stay our wrath for the evening, but you should implore the Emissary to remain here and convince Andrea to entertain him. Tomorrow afternoon, when he departs, we will depart as well and I will contact Psyre to join us in battle. What better way for lovers to cross paths than in the heat and frenzy of battle!" Their eyes shimmer with red energy as the two warlords chuckle.

As they ascend the second set of stairs, they start discussing the battle and the glorious kills that they had at a volume loud enough for the Emissary to hear them. It ceases when Evitan intercepts Kiryn. "A word please." Lucian drops back to keep his sister company and Kiryn nods to Alisander's apprentice who speaks quickly yet quietly, "You are from Xartias, yes?" Kiryn nods to him and Evitan continues, "Do you know a noble from your city named Psyre?" Kiryn looks at Evitan and the apprentice shakes his head, "I mean him no harm, my lord. Actually, I want to talk to Master Alisander about teaching Psyre the ways of the Power Broker. We met at a kazino (casino) in Arden recently with one of his Shyr Beis and his advice worked marvellously. I was able to sell all of my orbs at top value to clients. Who is he exactly?" Kiryn smirks, "Psyre is the Prince of Xartias. So that is where they went before they returned. If the topic arises, I will inform your Master and I will let my prince know that his advice was appreciated and beneficial." Evitan bows to Kiryn, "Thank you very much. Your benevolence fills me with honor, my lord." Evitan heads back upstairs and when they finally reach the office, Lucian looks at him and nods to him. Lucian and the Emissary, who had been kissing up to Alisander for most of the ascent up the stairs, stand outside and the young lord looks at the Emissary. "Liliana would eat your young master alive. He cannot handle her. Perhaps, you should speak with Andrea. I care less about her happiness as it is and it would allow your master to potentially maintain peace with my father. I don't care for you but my father is Lord. Consider that a gift for your courage to stay and not run like a scolded yokai."

Inside the office, Kiryn takes his place paces in front of the desk and bows to Lord Corundum before he speaks, "I come with joyous news, Lord Corundum. The heir of Quinto lives. The child of his consort died on the day the House of Volos Korol fell, but his chief servant and aide, Koheya, took his essence and blood into her. She gave birth to his son in the Earth Realm. He found his way home and after performing the Kunashi Ritual to shed him of his human vessel and release the Dark Kami within, he has been reborn. On that day, our people learned that Psyre was one of the two surviving members of the royal prime bloodline. It turns out that my mother was Princess Likata. Since then, the Order of the Volos Castai have united as the Order of the Veilys with the Shyr Beis Sisterhood led by Monare under him to form the new House of the Veilos Syli. We are moving quietly for now to reach out to old allies who were loyal to Quinto in the hopes that they will extend their loyal to his progeny, Psyre. We are in plans to consolidate the remnants of the old House into the new. You were chief amongst Quinto's allies and you profited much from that alliance. I have come to offer more in exchange for renewing that alliance. The rank of Master of the Treasury and if you are opposed to marrying Liliana to the Manticore, then I propose another suitor... my cousin, Prince Psyre. When we rise back to prominence, your station which is adequate to one as ambitious as you will increase to that which you are truly deserving. At least from what I was told growing up. You have resources that we lack and we have warriors that you could benefit from. Your daughter is a warrior, my lord. My Prince will have no mind to tame her and I am assured that he will adore her once they get to know each other. You once pledged your loyalty and allegiance to my uncle, Quinto, so I ask you to renew that loyalty to his son... whether you see it fit for the union by vow between our Houses or by blood shed in battle." Kiryn falls silent to await Alisander's response.

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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Mon Dec 14, 2009 4:17 am

Alisander listens to what Kiryn has to say without interrupting the young man. He remembered all too well the emotions that rose in young men when they find themselves having private audiences with the heads of House. If it were Lucian across the desk pouring out the very same plan he would have stopped the boy countless times already just to see if he had the stones to speak his mind in the face of adversity, but since Kiryn was not his son, not of his house, not being trained by him, and had just assisted his men in battle, the young man was allowed to continue unhindered. While he spoke, Alisander kept his neutral gaze, not even allowing the shock of hearing about Quinto's heir show through. If his wife were alive to witness this she would surely scold him for being an emotional corpse. His one regret in life was that he only showed his affection for the woman who held his heart behind closed doors... well and that he hadn't figured out how to reign in Liliana before she became the woman she is today.

When Kiryn was finished speaking, Alisander rose from his chair and moved to the side table to fix them both a stiff drink. He wasn't quite sure what to say to everything he had just heard, but the opportunity had definitely caught his interest. Returning to his seat, after setting the second drink down in front of the younger man, the older man sighed heavily showing his first expression since ascending the stairs. "My wife, rest her dear soul, always told me to have hope that this day would come. I am sure Lucian has told you of her quirks, one of which was her famous 'feelings'. We couldn't definitively say that she could see the future but those feelings were never wrong. When she was carrying Liliana, I was certain we had achieved another son, but she knew I would only ever have one. When Quinto fell she told me not to burden myself with the 'could I have done more' train of thought, she assured me that a day would come when I would be asked to stand for and with the House of Volos Korol once again." Having apparently had enough tenderness for one day, Alisander's stoic facade slipped back into place as his voice began to harden. "If it was allies of the House of Manticore that attacked my daughter's carriage today then there will be no negotiations between them. That was my decision before I closed that door moments ago. With what you have just told me, I have more to think about. Pledging my House and my loyalty to Quinto's heir will set me in direct opposition with Manticore. I have been loyal to the House of Volos Korol for most of my life, I don't intend to change that fact. All I ask is a chance to meet this son of my old friend, get a feel for the man I am pledging my alliegance to, before we make the alliance or marriage negotiations official."
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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Mon Dec 14, 2009 5:27 am

Kiryn accepts the drink and after Alisander takes his sip, Kiryn enjoys some as well. It was very rare indeed to see emotion from Alisander Corundum, so Kiryn stays as silent as the night to let the elder demon have his moment and happy reminiscence of times long passed. Kiryn knew that many of Quinto's allies struggled with doubts and questions of why they were unable to help their friend and for many of them, their leader and foundation. While Quinto was of royal blood for the Dark Kami, he was just another spirit to many of his allies, but they quickly knew why the Dark Kami legions showed such reverence and fear of him. When Kiryn hears that the negotiations with the Manticore were over and that Alisander would at the very least support the rebirth of the House of Veilos Syli, Kiryn felt a weight lift. Hearing that Alisander wished to meet Psyre made things seem so much more real for Kiryn. He nods to the elder demon and speaks humbly, "Thank you, my Lord. I will send a messenger to inform my cousin of your desire to meet him. Will tomorrow evening or the morning after that suffice?" After Alisander gives his response, Kiryn would finish the drink and bow respectfully, "I will steal no more of your time, my lord. You apprentice wishes to discuss my cousin as well. Apparently, Psyre has been busy as of late." With a smile, Kiryn would excuse him unless stopped and open the door to let the apprentice enter.

Evitan looks at Alisander and first asks if he needs anything. He would see to that first before an ear to ear smile covers his face and he reports, "Master, I have no more orbs." He smiles and places a rather nice sized purse on the desk in front of Alisander. When Alisander opens it, he would find it full of gems and pieces of ore. Evitan continues with joy in his voice, "I sold all of them and at top prices at that. It's all because I was in the kazino preparing to make an exchange and this young man walks towards us because he was intrigued by the orbs. He sits down and the other broker was not all that polite, but I remember you told me that I should always be polite to a stranger because it could bring great fortune or save me from great misfortune. I looked at his female companion and she is a Shyr Beis, Master. I noticed the scarlet leather of her boots and the imprint of the Rod of Suffering that they were on their hips. Anyways, sorry for rambling, he sits down and starts talking into my head and he offers advice. I thought he was crazy when he told me to trade attack magic for healing and movement orbs. He promised to cover my losses so I listened. After the other broker left, I asked why he gave that recommendation and he told me that I could find people who desperately needed the powers that I carried and I found them and more. There are some who are waiting for me to return to the Solvay region. Master, I think he could be a very talented Power Broker. I do have some less pleasant news, my lord... I've been struggling with performing the exchange, so I took payment instead. I am sorry that I have been unable to grasp the exchange ritual that you have taught me." His happiness dies down some at the thought of his master's disappointment. He lowers his head.

Outside of the office, Kiryn looks at Lucian who is standing alone and grins at him. Lucian asks how the talk went and Kiryn tells him, "He wants to meet Psyre and form an opinion for himself! He has not accepted the offer, but he has not ruled it out. Where is the Emissary?" Lucian smiles and points outside through the window to see the Emissary walking and talking with Andrea. Lucian turns back to Kiryn, "So tomorrow then?" Kiryn nods. "I need to get word to Xartias without alarming the Emissary. I still need to have someone locate Psyre." Lucian thinks for a moment before he tells Kiryn that he has just the person as he looks at his father's doors. "The apprentice? He talks a lot, but if Psyre gave him his name then it could work." Lucian nods and adds, "The Emissary would not suspect my father's apprentice and even if he did, he won't risk insulting my father. The House of Manticore needs to do all it can to prevent Xartias can gaining a financier. I'll go talk to my sister and let her know that the attack has been postponed so that they drop their guard." Kiryn nods and tells him that he'll wait to speak with Evitan then he'll go check on Eliza. Lucian looks at him and Kiryn says, "I'm only going to see if she is alright. I will do nothing else." Lucian and Kiryn nod to one another and Lucian walks off to see how his younger sister is doing.

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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Mon Dec 14, 2009 2:26 pm

Alisander enjoyes his drink while the younger man responds. When he suggests tomorrow evening or the morning after for a meeting with the heir of Quinto, the older man nods to let him know that either of those times would be more than sufficient. The information that his apprentice also wished to speak of him, and the insinuation that it had something to do with this Psyre, had the older man shaking his head with a slightly rueful smile. Nodding to dismiss Kiryn, Alisander prepared himself for the easily excitable apprentice to take his place, which meant that he finished off the last half of his drink in one swift and hopefully bolstering swig. He listens over the entire... and somewhat off track... story without making a move or changing his expression. When the apprentice went slightly off topic, Alisander couldn't help but notice the correlation between this energetic young man and a younger, more ignorant to the ways of the world, Lucian.

When the excited puppy finished speaking, leaving the bad news until the end, Alisander decided to address that first. "While I am disappointed that you have not yet mastered the exchange process, I remember how difficult it can be for beginners. We must focus on it more, relentlessly until you are able to perform it with ease. As for seeling all of the orbs, I am pleased to hear this young Psyre was so helpful. I hope to meet with him myself to see what a great man I hear he is. Clients don't wait long for what they desire. We will go over the exchange process again before you are sent back to Solvay to ensure those waiting do not grow impatient and find another source. Go now and practice the motions of the ritual until I finish here, do not complete any exchanges, merely study the ritual for now. There is still another who desires my attention." Just as the older man was about to dismiss his apprentice, the tenderness from before jabbed his heart once again. "Evitan, remember that confidence in your abilities is a key ingredient for a successful ritual. Believe you can complete the exchange and the success will follow. Now be on your way." With the apprentice formally dismissed now, Alisander remains in his seat to wait for Lucian and the Emissary to come in next.
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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Fri Dec 18, 2009 6:20 am

Outside of Alisander's office, Kiryn is waiting for Evitan. He nods to him and walks down the hall to move away from the windows. Evitan follows him quietly. Once they are out of sight, the Dark Kami looks at the Power Broker apprentice and tells him that he has a favor to ask of him. Nodding his head to hear the offer, "I need you to go to Xartias and locate Psyre for me." Evitan's eyes light up happily until he realizes one not so great detail about Xartias. "While I would love the opportunity to speak with the Lord of Xartias, I am in no rush to ever meet a Shyr Beis face to face. You may call me what you will, my lord, but they terrify me." Kiryn chuckles and tells him, "That's the point. They are supposed to instill fear. It is rare that a frightened enemy fights to their full capability. Still, they will not harm you..." Kiryn removes a ring from his left hand and hands it to Evitan. "Put this ring on your left middle finger when you arrive and ask to speak with Mularis. Don't be frightened of him, tell him that I sent you to locate Psyre and give him this letter." Kiryn extends the letter and it is sealed with the official seal of the House of Veilos Syli. Evitan asks what he is to do after that and Kiryn pauses for a moment and tells him to do an inspection of the city to figure out all of the domestic improvements that the city can consider to help generate steady capital and revenue. Evitan nods as Kiryn adds, "Psyre will be very pleased to learn of your assistance to our House. You will most likely get to present your findings and suggestions to him personally. You will need to travel quickly, so head to Arden and speak with Manuel at the Tunnel Tavern and tell him that I sent you. I need you to travel as if you are leaving on business as to keep appearances." Evitan nods and says, "You don't want my master's guest knowing of any of this do you?" Kiryn shakes his head and Evitan looks at the scroll and places it in his robe. "Then I already guess the contents of this letter, but I do not wish to know as a means to deny everything should this displease my Lord." Kiryn smiles and nods telling him that that is a good idea. Evitan leaves to get ready and head out to Arden.

Kiryn heads over towards Eliza's room to see how she is doing as Lucian arrives outside of Liliana's door. The slightly elder brother knocks at the door in a playful rhythmic pattern. Kiryn makes over by Eliza's room as one of her servants is leaving out. Up at the office, Alisander's guards enter the office to update their lord on the progress of the events and to let him know that they had dispatched agents to investigate. Meanwhile, Andrea and the Emissary are having a very enjoyable conversation about the Arden political scene, different social events that they have both attended and not known that the other was there, and the aspirations of both individuals. Andrea is happy because she has found someone that is not consumed by thoughts of battle and killing, but about thought and mediation and discussion to resolve conflicts and domestic development instead of conquest. Lucian and Kiryn couldn't have found a better person to keep the Emissary distracted.

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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Sun Dec 20, 2009 5:45 pm

In the office, Alisander expects to see his only son and the Emissary enter through the door next. He is slightly curious when his guards enter instead and begin to report on the progress of previous orders and inform him that an investigation had been launched to get to the bottom of the day's attempt on his youngest daughter's caravan. Since this is still pertinent business to be dealt with, Alisander pays close attention and makes whatever alterations he feels necessary. Through all of this his curiosity eats at the back of his mind. Lucian had been visibly upset upon seeing the Emissary. His absence now, when it should be his turn in the chairs across the desk, can only mean one of two things. Either he is out disposing of the Emissary's body because he lost control or he is hatching some sort of scheme. Whichever the case, Alisander is determined to speak to his son as soon as the guards finish with their briefing.

Knowing that only one person in the household would knock a playful tune on her door, Liliana doesn't hesitate to cross her suite and open the barrier for her older brother. She has removed her traveling cloak and now appears dressed in one of her finest gowns, though Lucian would easily recognize the shape of her form fitting armor beneath the thin fabric. "Has Father finished with you so quickly, brother? I didn't expect him to release you for quite some time." Backing out of the doorway, she waves her hand to motion for Lucian to enter the sitting room between the hallway door and the far door that leads to her bedchamber.
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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Mon Dec 21, 2009 2:57 am

The guards conclude their report and await further orders from their master.

~~~
Evitan leaves out of the villa and he leaves out of the side gate like normal, so the Emissary does not see when he leaves as he is so enthralled in his conversation with Andrea. When Evitan makes it to Arden, he goes to Tunnel Tavern looking for the man known as Manuel. Walking into the place, Evitan is set on edge at some of the unsavory characters within the establishment. Looking around, a young woman walks up to him as a group of men walk in looking at Evitan. She smiles at him before she grabs him by the throat. "Where did you get that ring?" Evitan looks at her with his eyes widening and a tall, slender yet muscular demon grabs her hand and lifts her into the air. He has the head of a meerkat but very sharp looking fangs as he bears them at her and at the new group. "You are welcome to try and pick a fight in my tavern!" They go and have a seat. He tosses the girl over towards them too. He looks at them and looks at Evitan. He asks what brings him to the Tunnel Tavern. "A friend told me to come here and speak with Manuel about safe passage." The meerkat headed demon looks at Evitan curiously and asks who the friend is. Evitan responds, "His name is Lord Kiryn." The demon looks at Evitan's hand and notices a very familiar piece of jewelry and nods to him. "Come with me, friend of Kiryn." They head towards the back office and they walk right thru the wall as if it is an open door.

Inside, the meerkat demon looks at Evitan, "I am Manuel. This is my tavern and on the side I run, a transporting operation for clients who have helped out frequently in the past. When you see Kiryn again, tell him that I have that shipment he requested a few weeks ago. Now off you go..." Manuel places his hand on a drawing of a countryside view of the city as it once looked and the ground opens up to drop Evitan into a hole.

His body seems to drop thru a tunnel before he appears at the same point near the city like the drawing was done from. Looking around, he is in shock at that power and an excited "Wow!" leaves his lips." He makes his way to the city and the guards ask him what his business is in Xartias and he tells them that he has been sent to speak with Mularis. Looking at him, they send a runner ahead to let Mularis know as they leave Evitan outside the town gates.

~~~
Lucian looks at his younger sister and chuckles, "Very funny. Thanks to Kiryn, I no longer needed to talk to him. Instead I needed to speak with you about a very important matter that I need you to consider." Lucian walks inside so that they could have privacy to speak freely. As he walks in, Lucian is silent. Once the door closes, he would tell her that she will not need her armor until tomorrow, so she can put on normal clothes. He smirks and heads to sit down in "his chair" within her sitting room. "Send all of your maidens away if they are still here."

~~~
The servant keeps the door open yet Kiryn does not enter. "Is something wrong, my lord?" Kiryn smiles at the servant and shakes his head. One of Eliza's handmaiden wonders why the door is still open and comes to investigate. Upon seeing the young Warlord standing there, she bows to him and speaks, "One moment, my lord, allow me to inform my lady that you are here." Kiryn nods his head and tells the servant, "It is improper to enter a young lady's chamber without permission. The servant nods and leaves to tend to his errands. The handmaiden returns and opens the door, "My Lady wishes to see you now." Kiryn enters the room and the other handmaidens exit out except for the one who returned to the door. She closes the door and leads Kiryn over to where Eliza is currently laying down... the bathing room. She closes the door as she exits and smiles. The handmaiden locks the door leading into the actual bedchamber before she tends to the room and putting everything away from the trip.

Inside the bathing room, Kiryn sits down at a distance and asks her how she is doing. She tells him that she is fine now, but that she was really scared for herself and her handmaiden but moreso for Kiryn. He chuckles and asks why she was concerned for him and she tells him that she remembers when he almost lost control of the Battle Lust the last time. She pauses for a moment looking over at him before she continues, "It was nearly impossible for any of us to calm you down, but one of the elder Shyr Beis Mistresses appeared and started chanting in that arcane tongue and you regained control. They said that if you ever give in completely that you are liable to become something that is powerful and dangerous on a level that we have not seen in ages and it makes you a threat to all around you and even to yourself. I worry about you even though I know that you do not think about me." Kiryn looks up at her, "Do you think I would be here checking on you if I did not care, Eliza? You know that I cannot be with you and why. You know how I am and while you may not care or be excited by my wildness, your father is not." She looks at him and he tells her that he had better go as he does not wish to upset her. As he walks by, she rises with the suds from the bath barely covering anything. She tugs at him and Kiryn turns to look at her. "Don't go, Kiryn... just stay for a little while." She steps out of the bath and stand before him completely nude. Eliza looks down at herself slowly before she looks back up at Kiryn seductively. She stands on her tippy toes to kiss him on his neck as she starts to undo his light armor and Kiryn tries to fight it but the problem with having someone like Eliza, who is extremely skilled at seduction, be a former lover is that she knows exactly what to do to get what she wants from him...

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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:17 am

Once the status report is finished and the guards have no further need to be present in Alisander's office, the elder demon dismisses them with the added order to find Lucian and send him to take their place. He had a feeling that his son, and possibly others residing under his roof (namely his resident trouble making daughter) were up to no good, though he couldn't put his finger on it or come up with any possibilities as to what it could be. While waiting for Lucian to be summoned and sent his way, Alisander takes the momentary time of peace and quiet to do a bit of plotting of his own.

Liliana moves toward her chair as soon as Lucian takes his seat. Her nose wrinkles at the news that she wouldn't be needing her armor tonight after all but she makes no move to change. When her brother tells her to send away her maidens she looks to him with just a hint of the devilish grin she can feel bubbling beneath the surface. Two of her maidens respond to her call and emerge from her bedchamber. They glance back and forth between Lucian and Liliana with confused expressions before exiting the sitting room as ordered. They weren't used to being sent completely out of the room, generally being in the bedchamber while Lucian and their mistress spoke privately in the sitting room was enough space but this was obviously more important than normal conversation. After the two young women were gone, Liliana turns an expectant look to her older brother. "Alright Lucian, what is this important matter I need to consider? And how badly am I going to want to beat you after I hear it?"
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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:44 am

The guards bow and exit the office. Once outside, they figure that Lucian is probably with the army or overseeing the patrols and defenses. They split up to look for him as ordered.

Lucian sits and looks at her. He closes his eyes to ensure that they have privacy before he speaks, "Quite a bit actually. You are at the age of marriage and when you are of noble blood, your union is not for love, but for strategic advantage. I want to see to it that you have as close to love as possible... and if you can't then you'll at least have lust and power. We will not ally with the Manticore, sister. I will see to that. Besides, Kiryn also comes from one of the other Royal Houses of the Dark Kami... from Prince Quinto's bloodline." Lucian pauses purposefully to see if he can get his sister to think that he is trying to set her up with Kiryn knowing that a flurry of objections would come to her marrying his best friend whom she fights with at least once or twice per visit. After seeing her reaction, Lucian would continue after chuckling a bit, "He has a younger cousin, who is Quinto's heir and from what Kiryn tells me, a skilled strategist. He holds the title and station of Veilos Tyrn, the ruling Prince of the House of Veilos Syli. He is very intelligent and considering that he is both a Dark Kami and specifically Quinto's heir, I am sure that he is handsome." Lucian pauses for a moment again. He wanted time to discern her facial expressions and give her time to process it... before he told her the rest of the news.

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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Mon Dec 21, 2009 4:09 am

Alisander waits in his office thinking about how best to handle the unruly half of his progeny and refuse the Manticore offer without bloodshed.

The farthest thought from Liliana's mind as she listens to her brother speak is avoiding bloodshed. In fact, she currently busies her mind imagining different ways to spill every drop housed within Lucian and his man crush, Kiryn. Of course the first part of what he says does make it sound like he is gunning for her to pair up with his best friend, an arrangement Lilianan would die before agreeing to... though not necessarily for the reasons Lucian may think. "Over my dead body! You deserve to die simply for considering matching me up with that foul beast. I would never take my sister's sloppy seconds for even a guard, much less for a husband!" By this time the woman's cheeks are flushed with anger but her eyes begin to show the faintest tint of gold around the edges. Lucian's chuckling would silence her protests, for fear that he might utter that insufferable 'the lady doth protest too much' phrase which would force her to actually attack him. Once it becomes clear that Lucian does not intend to pair her with Kiryn but his younger cousin, Liliana seems to relax but only mildly so. The gold tint to her eyes begins to grow, until it's amount is almost equal to the dull crimson of her normal hue. "Quinto's heir? You're kidding right? Quinto didn't have an heir. Father would have your head for spreading such gossip about his fallen friend. You should be ashamed of yourself, even more so for pulling such a horrible prank on your favorite sister. Now enough playing around, tell me what you really came here to talk about." By the time she finished speaking the gold of her eyes would have all but receeded, convincing herself that Lucian had been merely joking would take away the last remnants of fear that had begun to build.
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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Mon Dec 21, 2009 5:54 am

Lucian chuckling intensifies at the swell of anger in his younger sister, but he falls silent as he remarks about thinking that he is joking. Lucian looks at her and shakes his head, "It is not a joke or prank, Liliana. Evitan has met him and he was accompanied by a Shyr Beis. Kiryn would not joke about Quinto, to the people he is a god to them. He created everything they love, so there is no way that Kiryn would ever sully his uncle's name. Kiryn just found out that he is the fallen Princess Likata's son. You should have seen the promise and hope in Kiryn's eyes and voice. They are really hoping that the new prince grows in power so that he can lead them back to where they once were. You want your freedom from Father's rules and his constant banter about you being more like Andrea... tch... well it comes with a price, little sister. Kiryn suggested and spoke to Father about the possibility of a union between our Houses. If Father approves, then you will become what the Dark Kami call the 'Vyr Tari of the Veilos Tyrn'. They do not marry persay, but you are bonded to the Prince as something more than just his Consort. You will be royalty in their eyes." Lucian smiles at the thought of his younger sister being a Princess. "The other matter is that you will meet him soon as he will be formally introduced to Father the day after tomorrow." Lucian purposefully omits the fact that Kiryn sent Evitan to find me and have me show up to the battle tomorrow, but that is so that she can form her own opinion of me when she meets me I suppose. I wonder if I will get a heads-up in all of this.

~~~
At Xartias, the gate opens and Evitan turns around to face it and when he does, he freezes in his tracks and just watches as a demon well over 6 feet tall with fire orange skin and aged white hair with a buff muscular build and wild hair braided into two curved ram's horns. He walks with two massive bone mace like rods strapped across his back. There are battle wounds across his massive form. He approaches in training armor and as he approaches, he towers over Evitan who cannot even seem to speak. The booming power of the behemoth's voice doesn't help matters either as he just stares at Mularis. Noticing the ring, he looks at him, "You wear the ring of a royal, where did you get it?" Evitan starts trying to coach him to repeat what Kiryn had said, "When you see Mularis, do not be frightened by him." Mularis figures it out and asks, "Did he send you with a message for me?" Evitan nods very slowly before retrieving the letter and extending it to him along with Kiryn's ring. Mularis takes the letter and leads him inside the village. The gate closes and Evitan looks around and he seems so sad. Mularis looks back at him and nods, "This is what over 20 years of attacks and wear will do when you don't have enough resources to continue to repair. With the two princes together now though, we will see improvement and we will rebuild." Evitan nods and tells Mularis that Kiryn wants him to survey the village and come up with a full plan for what Xartias would need to start to rebuild.

Being the personal apprentice and assistant to Alisander Corundum allows him to see the financing and building of villages and forces for a good number of years now. Given that form of experience, he becomes a logical person to ask for help in this matter. Mularis nods to him and starts reading the letter. Mularis grumbles, "How does that boy always find himself into these situations?" Mularis calls for one of his runners to find one of my Shyr Beis. The runner looks at him reservedly and reluctantly nods and takes off. No one wants to be sent to find a Shyr Beis as they spend most of their time avoiding them. Especially since they've been training more since my awakening. Evitan asks what a specific building is and Mularis sighs and tells him that that is the old Palace where Quinto lived and ruled. Now it's all rundown. Evitan decides not to ask the big man about anymore buildings as he would like to not get snapped in half. As things weren't tense enough, Evitan just when he hears a female voice speak from behind him and realizes that it is a Shyr Beis. Her words: "You summoned me, Mularis?" He nods and inquires, "Where is the Prince? I have a message from Kiryn for him." She closes her eyes and starts breathing slowly. "He is currently in battle. He is excited. He is warm and covered in blood. They will be returning soon. He is thinking of home." Her eyes open and Evitan is terrified of her but amazed by her insight and Mularis tells him that the Shyr Beis are in tune to their Prince and some of the stronger sisters can feel some of his emotions at times.

~~~
About fifteen minutes later, a column of light appears in the courtyard up ahead and some of my servants and other Shyr Beis are waiting for us. The servants take the goods to the "storehouse" which is basically a small building that lost its previous use. I head into the main house where I am greeted by Leros. "Welcome back, my Prince." I nod to him respectfully, "Thank you, Master Leros. Have we heard from Kiryn regarding our diplomacy?" Mularis walks in behind me, "Prince Kiryn is not with them, my Prince. He is with the House of Corundum." I turn around and look at him, "What is he doing there? I wanted to go and speak with Lord Alisander myself." Mularis looks at me, "You will have that opportunity." He hands me the letter and I read it:

"Psyre,
The youngest daughter of Alisander Corundum, Eliza, had her caravan attacked this morning while we were headed to the negotiations. I sent half of my unit to deal with the negotiations while we went to battle. We were victorious, but we plan to retaliate. Meet us atthe village compound of Runik the Grey. We will solidify our alliance with the House of Corundum. There is an important matter that you will be discussing with Lord Alisander, but for now, prepare your personal force for battle, little cousin. Tomorrow, we send a message of our strength to those who think we are weak. Oh and there is someone I want you to meet tomorrow.

Kiryn"

I finish it and nod. Turning to Yenny, one of my personal Shyr Beis Mistresses, I inquire, "When does Zilana and her squad return?" Yenny tells me that they are not expected to return for another four days. I nod and tell Yenny to elect two Shyr Beis who will accompany me tomorrow. "Torizo..." The Phantom emerges from the shadows, "Yes, my Prince?" Evitan is finally acknowledged as being here when he eeks at the materialization of the Phantom. I turn and look at Mularis then notice that there is someone behind him. "Who is that?" Mularis steps to the side and I look at him with a smile. "It would seem you have found me." Mularis adds, "Prince Psyre, this is Evitan, apprentice of Lord Alisander Corundum. He brought Kiryn's message for you." I chuckle, "What a small world. I don't have time to speak now, but enjoy Xartias and when I return, you can tell me if I owe you any money." I grin and walk off with Torizo, the Shyr Beis, and Leros. It is time to formulate a plan for tomorrow it would seem. This is going to have to be a quick plan because I don't have time to gather the necessary amount of information plus I figure Kiryn has more information so he would take the lead role in this one and I will support him.

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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Mon Dec 21, 2009 10:55 pm

Liliana listens to her brother, her eyes showing more and more gold the longer he speaks until she can't stand to be sitting in her chair any longer. Hopping out of her chair she starts to pace around the sitting room, trying to avoid giving Lucian a clear view of her eyes with every move. When he finally stops speaking, the woman shakes her head and lets out a short burst of wry laughter. "Of course going straight from father's rules and banter to those of a complete stranger sounds like the perfect solution to you, Brother." Still pacing and avoiding his gaze, Liliana allows the worries and angering thoughts to solidify in her mind. First to come to full realization is what he said about the people of Kiryn's house not technically marrying. The idea that she would be a glorified whore without the mere security of a marriage contract or bond to protect her station sent chills up her spine. Even if she was forced to marry the Manticore heir it would at least come with an official pairing between the two of them. Liliana found it painful to think that her own brother, the only living family member she willingly claimed to love, would offer her up as a sacrificial concubine to some prince who came out of thin air. Does her own brother not care what this strange man could do to her should she every displease him? He would have nothing in place to stop him from whatever punishments, torture, or heinous acts he chose because she would never be his official wife. What could Lucian, and even Kiryn, get out of this deal that would be great enough for them to not only hand her over to this prince, but to place her at his mercy so readily? If Kiryn was in the process of mentioning this little plan to father, how would he react? Liliana has known for quite a while that her father yearns for the day when he can ship her off to a respectable husband and wash his hands of her, she couldn't honestly blame him after all the grief she has caused him over the years, but to give her away like nothing more than a trinket for this alleged heir of Quinto seems a bit harsh even for Alisander.

Moving to stand before the small table at the far end of the sitting room, Liliana studies herself in the mirror as her hands pour two glasses of the dark potent liquid she kept on hand. Even as she moves back toward Lucian to offer him one of the glasses, she laments being born a woman for probably the millionth time in her life. Had she been born a male she would never have to face something like this, she would be free to make her own decisions when it came to taking lovers, and if she was forced to marry a woman for the sake of alliances then she could still find ways to keep mistresses on the side that would actually please her. Men don't ever seem to be the ones used as convenient pawns in this game of alliances between noble houses.

Taking her seat once more, looking to her brother, Liliana poses a question before lifting her glass to her lips. "Why are you pushing for this union? Is there something in it for you or Kiryn, something beyond just creating a formal alliance between our two families?"
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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Tue Dec 22, 2009 3:08 am

Lucian remains silent watching his pacing sister with such hidden joy. He loves his middle sister dearly, but he can't deny that he finds some twisted pleasure in her mental torment during things like this. Once she poses her question to him, Lucian does not hesitate to respond. "He is young and Kiryn knows you, silly, so I highly doubt that he would sacrifice his own cousin if he did not see potential for a stable match. Liliana, like normal your anger clouds your ears. It is not so much what Kiryn or I get, but what you get out of this. Kiryn is offering for you to become the Prince's Tari, sister. In their ways, you would be his mate. It is above the station of a Consort and even above the station of an arranged wife. Given your lovable personality, unless he is a glutton for punishment, it will take time for you to appreciate each other so you should be mindful of that, sister. Also, think about this from his side, he has never met you and he is being promised to you, as you are being promised to him. Father served Quinto, it was not the other way around, so word of this heir's arrival will most likely bring with it the offer of young maidens. None of which compare to you." He falls silent for a moment as he admires his younger sister with a big brother smile.

He stands up and walks in front of her looking down into his sister's eyes. "I would never do something to hurt you. Time and time again, I have done what I felt was necessary to protect you and Kiryn already knows how much you mean to me. Despite their apparent short time together, Kiryn seems to possess a great fondness of his cousin as well. Just meet him with an open mind that you could be Princess of Xartias and their house should Father accept the offer. Now about tomorrow, make sure your armor is ready and your blades are sharp. Do not party hard tonight, Liliana, for tomorrow you will need all of your senses in full effect. Runik is rue this day for the rest of his short life."

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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Tue Dec 22, 2009 3:20 am

Once her brother begins to speak to her in earnest, leaving behind the laughter that had been shaking his voice, Liliana's fears were clamed enough so that her eyes returned to their usual muted scarlet. She knew deep down that her brother would never do anything to harm her, at least not knowingly, so she decided that giving him the benefit of the doubt was the best course of action at this time. With a slight nod, and a defeated sigh, she lifts her eyes to meet Lucian's. "Yes, Brother, I will do as you wish and give this cousin of Kiryn's an open minded chance. Forgive me for doubting you, even for the briefest of moments." Rather than risk getting sucked in to some sappy sibling moment, Liliana's hand darts into the folds of her gown to produce one of her many blades. "As for tomorrow, I'm already counting down the minutes. Your advice not to party should be reserved for you and Kiryn. I've always known better than to indulge the night before a battle. You and your friend are the ones who've had to stagger into your armor and pray that your mounts can keep you atop them... or that the ground they unseat you over is soft. Do not forget, dear brother, that I am the only one in this family to never lose my place on any mount. The one good thing about being born a woman is that I was blessed with thighs that can hold firm my mounted position."

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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Tue Dec 22, 2009 8:49 pm

Lucian chuckles at some of the memories of he and Kiryn being completely hammered drunk to the point that they couldn't even fly to battle and required mounts. His laughter intensifies when he remembers, his best friend falling off the mount like 3 times during one march, but as soon as it was time for battle, the drunkenness of the alcohol was almost instantly replaced by the battle lust. Lucian shakes his head at his sister's last comment. "That is very disgusting. I don't ever want to think about my little sister mounting anything." There is a knock at the door. "Master Lucian... your father wishes to see you." Lucian grumbles and tells her to stay out of trouble. "If you want to know more about your potential promised, you should talk to Kiryn... and I mean talk, Liliana. You don't have to attack him, every time he comes to visit." Lucian chuckles and exits the room following the guards up to Alisander's office.

Upon reaching his father's office, Lucian walks inside. "You wish to see me, Father?"

~~~
Kiryn lands on the ground with Eliza on top of him and she giggles at him. "Oh... how I have missed you, Kiryn." He smiles at her and caresses her cheek. "You know we should not have done this." Eliza tells him that she doesn't care if her father doesn't approve. Kiryn tells her that he does. "I respect Master Alisander and this was not a sign of respect. You know that I care for you, but we cannot continue this, Eliza." She smiles at him, "I understand that you have some machination taking place with my father and brother and as such, you need to be on your best behavior, but you already know that you do not want to resist me, Kiryn, and because of that, you will not. The things that I do for and to you, you would miss them too much." Kiryn sighs, "How is it that I can crush enemy forces and warriors, but a petite woman has this sort of hold on me?" Eliza kisses him on the neck and smiles. "Since I can't have you tonight because my father will be watching, I had better get all of you that I can right now, huh?" She kisses him on his chest, then his stomach, then...

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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Tue Dec 22, 2009 10:00 pm

"Yet you've taken it upon yourself to choose my next mount." Liliana quips back at Lucian with a playful grin just as she hears the knock at the door. Once the words from the guard reach her ears, she turns a beaming 'Oooh, you're in trooouuble' smile toward her older brother. The woman was almost about to laugh at her brother's grumble when he mentioned that she should talk to Kiryn without attacking him, then it was her turn to grumble. "I'm sure he's already found someone to occupy his time, besides I can't help but attack him, he's an easy target. Now run along and play nice for father." Once he leaves, the maidservants return to their previous duties leaving Liliana free to contemplate the coming events as she sharpens her favorite blades before removing and oiling her armor.

Alisander looks up as Lucian enters his chambers. "Yes my son, have a seat." The older man speaks as his hand inconspicuously slips the plans he'd been working on under a stack of reports. "First I want you to tell me where the Emissary has run off to and why you suddenly disappeared after wanting so badly to sit in on the conclusion of my business with him. When you are finished with that you can begin to detail the events of today exactly as they happened." Leaning back in his chair, Alisander waits for his son to divulge the information requested.
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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Tue Dec 22, 2009 11:31 pm

Lucian obeys and sits down. He smiles at the question about the Emissary. "I should not have allowed my temper to burst out like that Father. To make amends and not damage your negotiations, I arranged for him to have a companion to speak with about things I felt would interest him. Andrea happened to be free and I honestly feel as though she is too casual and friendly with your apprentice. Kiryn told me that I should not isolate any enemy until he is an enemy." Lucian falls silent as he processes the other questions. "When I left, I went to check on Liliana to see how she was doing. I have just returned home and she and I always chat after I return from a battle. It allows her to experience battle vicariously thru me since you oppose her fighting so much. I am merely trying to obey your wishes, Father, and keep her under control." Lucian smiles at his father with a look that subtly screams complete and utter bullocks!

The smile fades as he begins to recall the events in his head and informs his father, "My army arrived in Borsh to accompany Eliza after her diplomatic meeting there. While we are riding home, my scouts fly back telling me that we are surrounded. Slowly, the enemy converged upon our position. Once they got too close, we took up a defensive position. They attacked and we held the perimeter as long as we needed. We broke two of their ranks, but were forced back into defensive positioning. We stayed pinned down until Kiryn and his Order arrived. They saved us and allowed us to counterattack. Once we had the opportunity, we broke them and scattered their force. We chased them down and captured some soldiers and a few of their troop leaders. You should have let me ride out to take revenge, Father. Why would you stop me?"

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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Wed Dec 23, 2009 12:06 am

Alisander's stony expression only breaks twice during Lucian's speaking time. Once when he speaks of checking on Liliana and again with his son's final question. The first break was simply a roll of the eyes and slight shake of the head. He knew better than to believe Lucian when it came to following his wishes concerning Liliana. The boy had always been her accomplice or partner in crime since she was old enough to walk, some things would never change in this house. The second break of his exterior was a sigh accompanied by a frown. The frown remained in place until the older man began to speak, addressing the last issue posed and working his way back to the beginning of the conversation.

"Because that is exactly what they would expect of us, Lucian. Swift and merciless retaliation, with no organized plan of attack or backup strategy. You cannot always charge into battle fueled only by your rage and bloodlust, my son. There are times when strategy and organization can turn the tide toward victory. They expect us to arrive sometime tonight with our personal forces. They will be ready for our current numbers, even with Kiryn's men on our side. Attacking without more of our allies would not be beneficial to our outcome, especially not if the House of Manticore is aware of Runik's actions. We must bide our time, wait for our scouts to return with information of Runik's defenses, and find a way to confirm Manticore's level of involvement. If the order to attack came from the Manticore House while their Emissary was here negotiating a marriage between their heir and your sister, then I suspect there is a bigger plan in motion. If Runik acted on his own he will not be granted Manticore support against our retaliation and therefore will undoubtedly fall under our might. You see my son, I am not stopping you from taking revenge, I am merely suggesting that you wait until you know just what you are flying into."

With the official conversation out of the way, Alisander offers his son a weak smile. "You should know better than to lie to your father by know, Lucian. You know as well as anyone who has ever spent time under this roof, that your sister cannot be kept under control. You and I working in tandem would barely contain her for any length of time. I know she plans to ride out with you whenever it happens, and I know that nothing I say or do will change her mind. The only way I could stop her would be to lock her in her room, but I suspect she had found a number of ways to get around that by now as well. I will pretend not to be aware of her intentions if, and ONLY if, you swear to me here and now on your very life that you and Kiryn both will make certain she suffers no serious injury. As frustrating and bothersome as she is, Liliana is still my daughter and to think of her being harmed causes me great pain. As does the thought of any of my children being hurt. If you can promise me this, Lucian, I will agree to not send a guard detail after you with the orders to drag her home kicking and screaming."

Alisander appears to be finished, and ready to return to what he was working on before Lucian arrived until he remembered the beginning of the young one's conversation. "Oh! Good thinking on having Andrea keep the Emissary company. I was not looking forward to spending another minute with that man right now."
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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Wed Dec 23, 2009 6:02 am

Lucian listens to his father's words carefully and it amazes how much Kiryn thinks like his father about waiting until they lower their guard. Even if they draw more numbers, they will not be alert and waiting for the attack like they would be if we attacked tonight. One thing that Lucian is very curious about if they were working on their own accord is why Runik the Grey would attack a caravan bearing the standard of the House of Corundum. Even if his forces are morons and don't know their heraldry, it's still a damn standard meaning a house or clan!

When the offer to allow Liliana to come to battle is given, Lucian actually gives it real thought. He is positive that she can handle herself and protect herself, but the fact that his father is making him swear upon this battle makes him nervous to a degree. Lucian is at his best when he is able to throw caution to the wind and fight. He leads his men from the front and they know that he will protect them, but if they fall, he will keep going in their absence. Now with his sister, this is totally different. He has always been slightly more cautious when she takes the field of battle with him generally trying to give her "command over the archers or magi" so that she is out of danger, but in recent times, she has pushed the envelope more and more to make her way to the actual battle fray. Lucian paces in his mind until he realizes two important facts. The first being that this is his sister and if she was to learn that Alisander gave him permission to take her along and he refused, she would be resentful to say the least and that is not something that Lucian wants to deal with. The second fact is that Kiryn's cousin will be coming to this battle and if Lucian hopes to ensure that she is not treated like a gilded bird then she will have to be seen in battle.

Speaking to his father, "She will be fine with me, Father. I will look after her as I always have. Is there anything else you wish to discuss or shall I see to the party tonight?"

If there was nothing else, Lucian would leave his father's office and go get Kiryn so they could start partying.

~~~
Eliza stands in front of Kiryn and fastens his robe for him. He tells her that he kind of needs his armor and she tells him that her handmaidens will be cleaning it for him tonight so that it is ready for tomorrow. He shakes his head, "I hate what you can do with your tongue. You mustn't..." She places her left index finger over his lips. "I would never, Kiryn. You had better get going." Her face pouts slightly as she stands before him in her gown. Kiryn looks down at her, "Do not fret, Eliza. As you said earlier, the things you do for me... you will have me again." Kiryn kisses her passionately before he vanishes from her room.

~~~
Kiryn would appear with his captain and ask him for a report. The captain tells him that all is moving well and that they dispatched scouts along with Master Lucian's scouts to launch their own investigation for appearances more than anything else. "I do not believe the Manticore are behind this, Tasar. It makes no sense for them to do it. If Runik is successful, the Manticore would have to attack him to show their loyalty to the House of Corundum. In such an attack, they lose their own troops plus their puppet. If he is successful, they stand to lose even more b/c he is their puppet. But why would he act on his own against a noble house? Judging by the size of his force that attacked, that was planned and troops were placed in position." Kiryn nods to his captain and tells him that that is what he is trying to figure out too. "My thought would be that he had planned to use Eliza as some form of a bargaining chip, but I'm not sure how since the House of Corundum has an army bigger than his unless he anticipated that they would not attack with her there and would pay a ransom, but even then... once they rescued her, there would be nothing stopping Lucian from annihilating them. Is the Inquisitor still with the captives?" The captain nods and tells Kiryn where they are being questioned. Kiryn avoids being seen by the Emissary as he makes his way over to them.

~~~
There is no party planned in Xartias. Instead, Evitan nods and bows formally to me, which causes me to smile even more before he walks out with Mularis. He decides that he will accompany Mularis on his rounds while making notes of different areas that he sees. Eventually, Mularis would take him to see a map of Xartias' current area. Mularis drops him off with the Historian's Office and Evitan is like a kid in a candy store with so much history of the village from conception to its glory days to where it is now. He feverishly reads and takes notes. I think he will come up with something very useful for us. I may be a skilled leader and strategist, but a civil engineer I am not, so I welcome the help... even I don't know that that is what he is doing.

Within the confines of my Strategy Room, Torizo provides me with a map of Runik's village. I look over it and Leros points out the gates and reinforced walls. "Do we know how many archers and long range magi he has?" Yenny nods, "Considering he's an ally of the Manticore, we keep tabs on them. The archers comprise only 10% of their forces. Magi are maybe another 5-10%. His army is mostly made up of light mount troops and ground forces." I look over at Yenny and nod to her with a stern look on my face. "So the likelihood of them holding out for a siege is unlikely. They will try to meet Kiryn and the Corundum forces on the field. They are an open village, so we will attack the main stronghold of the village itself as that should be where Runik will be. If he actually takes the field, then we will adjust." Torizo points at a series of buildings and speaks, "His mistress. The village food supplies. The village treasury. His prison for captives and slaves."

Pausing for a moment, I place marker pieces over each of the buildings he points out. "Leros, I will need two pocket forces to fly to battle with me. They will hold their position until the signal is given at which time they will seize control of the food storage and sack the treasury. They will need a good number of warriors who can control void portals and such. I want it cleaned out quickly. Torizo, take his mistress. Once the sacking forces are finished, release the captives and slaves. That will cause enough of a distraction to limit their effectiveness and could also provide some minor reinforcements. I will take a personal force of 50 warriors and the two Shyr Beis that Yenny selects with me to join the fray. If they actually hole up inside, we eliminate the wall forces first then bombard the village from outside. No point in wasting lives. If Runik falls, they will break. Still, we should kill enough of them to ensure that tomorrow, a new Runik does not rise from the ashes of this one." They nod to me and I continue to look at the map as I study it for different attack patterns and ways to manipulate the enemy into moving into means most favorable for us. Leros heads out to select the force that will accompany me as well as the two raiding forces.

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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Thu Dec 24, 2009 3:00 am

Alisander accepts Lucian's promise to keep his younger sister safe before dismissing him to prepare for the party. When his son left the room and the door was securely shut behind him, the patriarch slipped the plans he had been working on out from under the pile of papers. There were a few moments of peaceful plotting before a knock at the door disturbed him. The scouts had returned with the information requested. From all accounts it appears that Runik acted of his own accord, a lapse of judgement he would soon regret however briefly he is allowed to live. After hearing the information needed, Alisander sends the scouts to rest before tonight's event so he can get back to his plan in peace.

Liliana passes the time making certain that her blades were sharp enough to split hairs and that her armor was well oiled, ready for the coming day. She knew there would be a party tonight but wasn't interested in attending. Sure, her father would probably order her to at least make an appearance but she refused to spend any more time than necessary engaging in what she felt was bordeline distasteful revelry. She knew that men returning home needed some form of jubilation, not to mention the fact that most wanted to celebrate their victory in the ambushed attack ealier in the day but Liliana felt in her heart that more time should pass between burying the dead and partying the night away... especially if another battle, a larger battle, was eminent on the horizon.
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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Thu Dec 24, 2009 3:54 am

With everything set up for the party, Lucian and Kiryn talk in private about tomorrow. While they are together, a shadow appears behind them, "From my Master..." The shadow vanishes and Kiryn chuckles. Lucian looks at him and Kiryn retrieves a sealed scroll and turns back around before they open it. It is a map. They review the plans for a while before Kiryn tucks the scroll away and Lucian asks what Kiryn learned. "What we already knew? The Manticore had no contact with Runik prior to the ambush. Apparently, they were after the gift that your sister was carrying... as well as her handmaiden to sell as a slave. It was not truly against Eliza..." Lucian nods and smirks, "Ok, so we'll kill them for trying to steal from us and endangering my sister... same outcome... battle! Let's drink and have fun tonight then slaughter foolish demons in battle tomorrow."

They get ready to go enjoy the party when one of Lucian's captains approaches him. "My Lord..." Lucian looks at him and speaks, "What is it?" He tells him that he has just received word that Liliana is still in her chambers. Lucian looks at him, "So my sister does not party tonight? Bah! The one time my father willingly allows her to go to battle and she doesn't show up to the pre-battle party. As much as I understand her, she makes absolutely no sense at all!" Kiryn chimes in, "Lucian... do remember that you haven't told her that Lord Alisander gave his blessing. That was sort of a surprise." Lucian retorts, "Bah! You and your logic! I'll just take one of her handmaidens to bed with one of the other maidens here! I've lost my mood to party. You're dismissed, Captain." The Captain apologizes for delivering ill news and walks off. Lucian looks at Kiryn, "I already know who will be waiting in your room tonight, so be smart and take one of her handmaidens to bed in an hour or so. Drink and enjoy the festivities as to not alert my father." Kiryn looks at Lucian with a grin and Lucian adds, "I care more about Liliana and Eliza's happiness than my father's approval. Now go have fun. No reason to dampen your spirit."

Lucian heads inside and spots his prey within seconds. Kiryn walks around and talks with the captains and commanders of both forces before he tells one of his lieutenants to deliver a message to Eliza's handmaiden who is in attendance. She looks at him and nods with my playful smile. When the music no more than fifteen to twenty minutes later, she walks over to Kiryn and asks if he would care to dance. They dance for a couple of songs as they drink together as well and Kiryn leans forward pretending to be drunk and kisses her so that all can see. The cheers roar like thunder before she leads the "drunk general" away to his room. As Lucian had expected, Eliza was waiting to help Kiryn "prepare" for the next day. What Kiryn did not expect is what came next...

The new dawn rises on the fateful day and its color seems to be drenched in red. A definite omen for the day that does not last for more than a half-hour, but is watched by so many interested parties as they rise from the evenings...

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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Thu Dec 24, 2009 3:09 pm

Through most of the night the sounds of the party drift into Liliana's room by way of the open balcony doors. For a while she stands at the railing letting the music wash over her. Long before the celebration winds down, the woman retires to her bed for a full night of peaceful, rejuvenating sleep.

Rising with the bloody dawn, Liliana watches the rich colors spread over the horizon, enjoying the short lived masterpiece before beginning her pre battle routine. The process, even when performed with one less handmaiden to help, takes a short amount of time. The missing handmaiden, who was smart enough to leave Lucian's bed in plenty of time to serve her mistress, made the mistake of whispering her tale to the others while thinking LIliana wasn't listening. Once the demoness catches wind of her handmaiden entertaining her brother, she sends the girl away to be thoroughly cleansed before she can return to her duties. The swift spark of anger that lights in her belly is not directed toward the servant, nor is it truly directed toward Lucian. The anger starts as irritation toward her brother for bedding yet another maid sworn to serve her above all (with the exception of their father, of course), but the battle hungry demoness twists and molds the emotion until it fuels and feeds the inferno already building against the enemy she will face with the coming day.

By the time her armor is set in place, covering her form like a second skin, and a garment initially meant to be a traveling dress (but that has been modified to hold her weapons and allow maximum movement) is slipped over her body to conceal the existence of battle attire, Liliana's mind is already dancing the fine line between reason and the frenzied lust that will win out the second she enters the fray. Her story is already prepared in the event that she meets her father's resistance, the modified traveling dress is meant to confirm this. Should she catch any flack from her father, or his guards for that matter, her response will be to cite an appointment made some time ago with one of her former tutors, a sort of refresher course in the healing abilities she foolishly forgot to practice regularly. This appointment would take in her in the opposite direction of the battle so she would ride out as if to head in that direction then turn and follow the troops once out of site of the villa.

Feeling confident in not only her cover story, but in her ability to perform well in the looming battle, Liliana exits her chambers to make her way through the villa in search of Lucian.

~~~

Alisander attended the party, but only for a short time before retiring to his chambers to finalize his plans. The plans weren't so much meant for the upcoming battle as they were to handle the delicate tightrope he and his entire house would be walking in the coming days. With the Emissary of Manticore still present in his house, an unofficial agreement made with the House of Quinto's heir, and his troops preparing to lay waste to a Manticore ally, Alisander would have to tread lightly in an official capacity to avoid setting off an all out war with the House of Manticore before Quinto's heir has a chance to gain some footing.

After a late night spent preparing a stack of contingency plans, and backups for each of those, to prepare for any outcome the older man could foresee at this time, Alisander slept fitfully until the breaking dawn. As head of the House of Corundum, the man could not let his people head off to battle without seeing them off so he rose from his bed, his attention turned to the prophetic sky, and dressed in his best robes. As he moves to exit his private chambers he wondered how Liliana had taken the news of his blessings for her to ride out with the army. The father in him wished he could have seen the delight that must have brightened her face. He intended to pull her aside for a quiet word before addressing the masses, he had sent many men to battle before, but this was the first time he had ever knowingly and willingly sent both of his middle children.

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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Fri Dec 25, 2009 2:49 am

Location: Xartias

Standing on my balcony, I watch as the light of the sky rises. I am by no means a morning person, but Yenny stirred in her sleep last night so I stayed up after looking after her. Strangely, I am not tired. That might be because of the bloodwyne I have been drinking. I had heard once that spirits do not require sleep, but until fully giving in to my spiritual nature, I do not think I would have been able to confirm that statement. Her sickness from last night comes much to Yenny's displeasure as I believe she had wanted last night to be our first night together. There are two of my Shyr Beis who have frequented my bed, but they generally travel with Zilana and neither are Mistresses yet. Yenny awakens as I smile at the bloody sky and levitate in the air off of my balcony to take in the pure essence of true battle's dawn. This would be an auspicious day it seems. I can not wait!

When it fades, I land and return inside to meditate on the battle for a while. This is my custom. My door opens as Kiera is brought on to speak with me. When she enters, Torizo, who actually seems to have grown tolerant of her though his shadow blade at her throat and finger over her lips that turns her flesh pale white might suggest otherwise, warns her not to disturb me. She kneels down in front of me and closes her eyes. With her presence here, I begin to more than visualize the victory, I begin to feel the battle and its ebbs and tides that move us towards victory. The ebbs I note to account for and the tides I grin at to think of ways to amplify them. Once I see victory with Kiryn standing over Runik's bisected body and his twin scimitars separated and covered in blood, my eyes open and look at Kiera. "Thank you, Kiera. I can see only victory this day." I rise to my feet and she remains knelt before me. Bowing to me in the traditional way, she asks to help prepare me for the coming battle...

~~~
Location: Corundum Villa

Kiryn awakens to two beautiful women cuddled up into his muscular arms. Kiryn, actually being more of an early riser and avid lover of sunrises, is awake meditating before dawn. When the dawn starts to break, he breaks from his meditation to watch it and wake his men to prepare for their trip to meet with the rest of Kiryn's corps. The telling dawn catches the Emissary's attention as well, but for the wrong reason as he sees Kiryn. Kiryn walks past the Emissary on his way to see Lucian. "If it will make you feel safer, we will leave in two to three hours to ensure that we do not kill you... besides, you can't fight anyway. I only kill warriors and you are not one. To your benefit, Emissary, it is not you in particular that I despise, so run back to your master and tell him that the Order of the Volos Castai sends their regards." Kiryn tells his men to continue to break camp and prepare for the return home as he keeps walking. The Emissary looks at him and shakes his head.

Lucian probably would've slept thru the dawn had Liliana's handmaiden not scurried off and woke him with a farewell kiss. He roars as he wakes up and walks out to his balcony. While most people take more somber reflection of the prophetic dawn, Lucian's blood begins to boil already. Feeling a presence appear near him, "Do you see this, Kiryn?" The figure joins him standing on the balcony, "The Blood Dawn... omen of a massacre. It would seem that we have the Blessing of the great spirits..." Lucian adds in, "Then I suppose we should not disappoint the Powers That Be, huh?" They both grin and prepare for battle. Kiryn returns to his room where Eliza and her handmaidens are waiting and Lucian summons his servants.

The Emissary is seen off by Andrea while Alisander is behind closed doors. She thanks him and tells him that she will speak to her father on his behalf and the Emissary tells her that he is deeply honored and most appreciative to have been able to spend such time with her. She smiles and his carriage takes off. She walks inside and her maid asks her, "Milady, are you really going to speak with your father on behalf of the Manticore?" Andrea laughs as they walk. "Not for Liliana. Of course not, but for Eliza. Kiryn has some scheme that he and Lucian are cooking up with my father to keep Liliana from marrying Lord Pilao, so I will suggest Eliza be offered in her place. The Emissary will carry poor word of the hellcat back to his master thus making Eliza the obvious selection."

~~~
Back in Xartias, my force is being gathered together in the Courtyard of the main house while I am in my chambers with Kiera. She bathes me to cleanse my body and warm my muscles, then massages my body with special oils from Diocchus to relax my mind and limber my body for battle. Next, my servants bring me my well cleaned and polished armor and undergarments for battle. Kiera still gets squeamish when she sees me in the nude, so she turns around while I put on my own underpants. Most of this I can do myself, but they don't let me. Kiera turns around and begins to chant "prayers of protection" over me as she attaches my greaves to my lower legs. "May these protect you from the wounding of fallen and dying enemies." Next are my light boots. "May these quicken your step when your feet leave the skies so that your enemies only know where you were and not where you are." This process continues as she arms me and I smile as she notices that I do not even have a helmet. I shake my head and she chants, "Then may the strength of your great mind be your helmet as it empowers to let no strike harm your greatest treasure." I bow to her and thank her. She bows in return and tells me to be careful. I respond before heading out of the door, "I'm really careful... but I'm always prepared. We need to have another of our talks when I return, Kiera. In the meantime, there is someone I would like you to keep company. His name is Evitan and he is from Arden. Your guard will remain with you, but you have some liberty while I am gone." She nods and replies, "Thank you, Veilos Tyrn. I will do as you ask." Walking out of the room, we head in different directions as she leaves to make herself presentable and I go to greet my forces for battle!

Outside in the Courtyard, I stand before three platoons of warriors and operatives. It excites me to see Shyr Beis and Veilys standing side by side within the ranks ready to march to battle with me. I address them briefly so that we may begin our approach.

"This will be short and sweet. Kiryn has called for us to join him in battle. Our enemy is Runik the Grey, a warlord puppet ally of the House of Manticore. I am ready to send a message to a certain warlord who has abandoned you for dead and forgotten. They are not your equals in battle. They are cowards who attack diplomatic women so they shall be slaughtered like the parasites that they are. You take the field of battle with your Prince today, so fight with honor and courage knowing that I am with you. There is only victory..." Leros and Monare look at each other with pride when they hear those words again in a voice close enough to run eerie chills down their spines, and they respond with booming vigor, "And Victory shall be yours!" The gathered platoons respond in unison after that prompt, "And Victory shall be yours!" My open palm rises towards the heavens as my platoon rises into the air to take flight towards Runik's village. Torizo looks at the other two along with one of my personal Shyr Beis operatives and they dash towards the gate and vanish from sight. They have their orders.

~~~
Once again at Corundum Villa, all is ready as Lucian's regiment is assembled outside next to Kiryn's company. The discipline shown by the Order of the Veilys warriors is well respected and followed by Lucian's forces. Their minds are focused only on the coming battle. Lucian and Kiryn stand before their forces as the third force awaits its commander for this battle. It is comprised of a Mounted Cavalry Troop of the magic wielding warriors that Lucian calls "The Setsuna Tribe". Now with with everything in order, they merely wait for Alisander's blessing and Liliana's arrival. While even without the former, they will leave for battle, it would please Lucian more to know that he has his father's approval. With it, they will leave for battle...

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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Fri Dec 25, 2009 4:23 am

Liliana makes it almost to the door before she hears her father's footsteps behind her. Turning to greet him with an innocently pleasant smile, she speaks in an overly saccharine voice. "Good morning, Father, I hope you slept well. I was just on my way out to wish Lucian a swift victory before riding to meet Master Adoy for a refresher course in the healing arts." Alisander looks to his middle daughter with a puzzled expression that quickly faded into a grin and was followed by a hearty laugh. "I am assuming that your brother failed to mention our agreement to you. I know you plan to ride out with Lucian and Kiryn. I gave my blessing to let you go if your brother promised that he would keep you safe. I figured he would have told you immediately." Liliana barely let her father finish before she was slamming her way through the doors leading out side where Lucian and his men were gathered.

Upon catching sight of her brother, Liliana launches herself into the air toward Lucian, one arm rared back ready to deliver a stunning blow to whatever part of his body she happened to meet first. Whether she lands the blow or misses, she would waste no time in hissing her thoughts low enough for his men to not catch but loud enough for him to get the point. "How dare you agree to keep me safe! I need no babysitter! You of all should know that I can take care of myself in battle... And just when were you going to tell me about your little arrangement with father?"

Alisander follows his daughter through the doors and stands by silently waiting for the two of them to finish their quarrel. When he sees a break in the argument, he would wish the gathered troops a swift victory, sure strikes, protective blessings, and end his words with the order to bring him the heart of the enemy.
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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Fri Dec 25, 2009 7:07 am

Outside, Lucian stands ready to receive their father but when Liliana comes up looking very upset, he smirks and looks over at Kiryn, who shakes his head to signal "I'm not getting involved in THAT!" Lucian looks forward and swats her her hand as she attacks. "We'll play later." She hisses and he chuckles, "You have his blessing, correct? Stop complaining. Besides, if SOMEONE had have decided to grace us with her presence, I would have told you last night. On top of that, I have always protected you in battle. Do not be a fool today, little sister. Keep your guard up and know when you must fall back and seek a more advantageous position. Do not let your pride in wanting to prove yourself get you or the Setsuna harmed or killed. They were the other part of your surprise. Now go prepare your warriors because Father is ready to speak."

Lucian waits for her to head over to her troop which are waiting on their mounts for her. The stable hand waiting with her mount. Once Alisander gives his blessing and asks for the heart of Runik, Lucian and Kiryn grin at each other. Lucian gives the signal to the army to head out. "Titano-zar, mount!" Lucian and his personal army mount their beasts. The heavy assault platoon warriors ride massive six legged, demonic beasts known as the Titanos. "Viperwolves, mount!" The next group is the light attack force riding beasts called Viperwolves, who attack best at night b/c of the natural camouflaging skin are much smaller, but also much faster. The beasts are fairly intelligent pack animals who are skilled at hunting and killing. With just his personal force remaining, Lucian looks at them, "Rage Drakes, let us tear them asunder!" They mount their terrifying demon mounts known for their fiery red hardened exoskeleton.

Kiryn smiles and speaks calmly, "Veilys, to the skies. We head to battle and to domination!" They snap to attention in unison with a salute and lift into the skies. Lucian leads the mounted march off the villa grounds and en route for Runik's village. It would only take a couple of hours light pace, but Lucian doesn't seem all that interested in keeping a slow pace. He is ready for battle!

Barring any interruptions, they would arrive within an hour and hold their position as Runik, having primarily ground infantry forces, comes out to meet the approaching army.

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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Sat Dec 26, 2009 11:40 pm

After Lucian had his say, Liliana set off to join her troops, still grumbling quietly to herself. While her brother was pretty much right in what he said, she wasn't going to admit out loud, nor would she admit it fully within her own mind. Instead she would put all thoughts not battle related out of her mind and focus on the task at hand. She could deal with her dear brother later. Approaching the stable hand holding the leather reigns of her personal mount, a horned steed the color of night with hair of smoke named Todol Madi, she held a steady hand before her to catch the mount's welcoming nuzzle. Todol had been born sickly and was moments away from being mercifully killed when a young Liliana happened to wander into the stable. As soon as she realized what was about to happen, she dashed between her father's beast tamer and the tiny foal. The standoff between the adult male and the young girl lasted until her father was summoned to the stable. After explaining to her father that the only way she was going to allow the foal to die was if the death weapon went through her first, Alisander had agreed to let his precocious child keep the beast as her own. He assumed the poor thing would eventually succumb to whatever his ailment or that his daughter would come to see that the animal could not be saved. Both young beings surprised the man and proved him wrong. Over the years they emerged as the strongest linked mount and rider pair he had ever seen. Liliana refused to travel anywhere without Todol beneath her and the steed would seldom allow anyone else touch him other than his rider.

Taking the leather leads from the stable hand with a soft word of thanks, Liliana expertly propels her body onto the broad back of the animal with a swift, smooth swing. Here she listens to her father's address and her brother's orders for the rest of the army to mount. Since her troops were already mounted and ready all she had to do was give the signal to ride out after Lucian's and Kiryn's men. "Setsuna, fall in." Her order to her men was more somber than the ones her brother and his friend delivered but the troop following the command didn't seem the leas bit surprised. Liliana never barked orders, not even during the most grueling training exercises. It was almost as if the more battle hungry she became, the calmer her exterior. Her training partners had often remarked that her fighting style while not mounted looked more like dancing than fighting... a fact that usually distracted them and caused her to emerge victorious. Even the movements of her arms when fighting in the mounted style had a certain graceful air about them. She may not have the power to make her blades sing but she sure could make them dance.

As they marched, Liliana remained focused, playing the possible battle outcomes in her mind until she was confident that every avenue had been considered. After the hour and change ride, upon catching first sight of Runik's forces march out to intercept their advance, the demoness's eyes zero in on the front lines to watch for Lucian's signal.
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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Sun Dec 27, 2009 1:37 am

Kiryn looks around the surrounding area before he looks at the sky. "Where is he?" Kiryn looks down to Lucian and nods to him. Lucian holds his position for a moment as he gives his mount a brief talk. Now ready for battle, Lucian gives the signal for the heavy assault force to begin its march towards the enemy. The magi focus on the enemy front line and deep ranks. Lucian tells Liliana to hold her position, she would charge with his forces. The Light Assault forces start to drop back and move to the outside eastward of Lucian's position towards Kiryn. Liliana is west of Lucian's position. The light assault cavalry is given simple orders. Once they engage the heavy assaulters, they are to cut a diagonal path straight thru the enemy ranks. The confusion behind them is expected to unsettle Runik's forces. Kiryn and his force waits in the skies observing and occasionally launching a volley down at Runik's army. Kiryn feels a new energy surge closer to the village and Kiryn grins. "Lucian, we're good." Lucian grins and drops his visor that is a full mask with shielded eye slots for him to see out of. It is painted into a tribal design to match some of the designs on his armor. The heavy assault force engages with the infantry force and as they perform their initial charge where they trample the first few ranks, the Light Assault Force adjusts their trajectory and begins their charge deeper. Lucian looks over at Liliana and tells her to enjoy herself before looking at her forces to give a silent order to make sure that she is kept safe. "Rage Drakes... slaughter them all!" Lucian and his forces dash for battle as Kiryn moves into attack range to target the magi and archers. Once they are in range, Kiryn coordinates the attacks... the chanting begins.

With the army out at battle, void portals begin opening all around the two target locations on opposing sides of the village. Torizo is moving through the halls of Runik's 2 story house searching for the mistress of Runik the Grey.

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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Sun Dec 27, 2009 4:13 am

After noticing Lucian's signal to hold position until he and his men make their charge, Liliana leans forward to lay her chest along the thick muscular neck of her mount to put her head in line with the steed's perked up ears. Her voice is no more than a calm whisper into the yokai's ear as she repeats the chant to boil his demon blood. "Mos modaer, mesi thaer, myl codi, maedia caes." Her eyes remain fixed on her brother, waiting for the go ahead, but her words continue to stream directly to the mind of her mount. "Mos modaer, mesi thaer, myl codi, maedia caes." With every repetition the beast's body shudders and he begins to snort anxiously. "Mos modaer, mesi thaer, myl codi, maedia caes." Near the end of her chant, Todol begins to beat his front hooves alternately against the ground, sending up a small dust cloud with every stomp. "Mos modaer, mesi thaer, myl codi, maedia caes." Her troops would recognize this act of psyching up her mount, activating the synchronization of their battle minds.

Finally the signal comes from Lucian and his statement is returned with her wishing him enough kills to cover him in blood. With that said and her own visor lowered, which was obviously fashioned after Lucian's in an attempt to emulate her big brother while still made to be clearly feminine and somewhat gilded, her attention returns to Todol for another moment to give him his charging order of, "Bolysia shor shi os! Tasi Cas!" Rising back up to full riding position, she raises her largest blade, the curved broad blade favored by desert clans, and releases the stored energy within the blade which causes it to take on an eerie glow the color of a flaming dawn. Once the troops around her see this glow their own blades rise into the air and follow suit. A wave of various shades spread through the mounted section under the demoness's control, each color differing based on their strongest magical affinity. After a glance over her shoulder to make sure everyone is primed and ready, her unnaturally calm voice rises high and clear to every ear, "Setsuna... let your blades dance!"

Todol shoots from the pack like an overly eager filly at his first derby and imprints the mark of his hooves deep into the dirt and sand underfoot. The steady pounding of the rest of her men charging alongside fills Liliana's ears, blocking out the tattoo being beaten by her heart. Her blade stays poised in the air as they swiftly cover the ground distancing them from the enemy, until she is close enough to make out the quick flash of fear in the eyes of those who oppose her. They say the first cut is always the deepest, that is so with the first meeting of Liliana's blade against the armor and flesh of her target. Her personal battle strategy has always been, and will always be, to savagely cut her way through the first line of adversaries hoping to kill with single blows then wait for their numbers to dwindle slightly before dismounting to engage in hand to hand so she can play with each foe before sending him to his maker. It has worked for her quite well up to this point so why fix what isn't broken?
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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Sun Dec 27, 2009 6:11 am

Torizo comes upon a group of guards trying to quietly smuggle a woman out of the side entrance. He ignores them and slips into the room they left out staying concealed within the shadows. Inside the room, there are two guards and a woman waiting anxiously. She does not notice the blur move past her two guards, but she does notice both of them fall and pools of red oozing from beneath them. She looks at him and shadows envelop her before she can scream. Torizo binds her and uses a nerve pinch to render her unconscious. Moving out of the room and down the hall, Torizo starts his ways down towards the prison to start eliminating guards down there. He vanishes and returns to the surface to find out how the sacking of treasury is going and there are scattered bodies outside. The Phantom awaits the signal that the Treasury has been cleaned out. The food storehouse is secure by our forces.

Lucian and his Rage Drakes charge directly into the fray while the Light Assault force is running zig-zags thru Runik's ranks on mounts fast enough to keep them from being engaged. Kiryn's brethren have their attacks charged and ready to unleash. When Kiryn gives the command, it is like watching a massive salvo from an artillery battery as Runik's ranged forces are obliterated. His mounted troops are crushed by the heavy assaulters and Lucian's Rage Drake Cavalry. Runik seeing things not going well decides to fall back, so I suppose I won't be able to just sit this one after all.

Kiryn and the Order keep Runik from retreating into the village with a explosive volley to dig into the rear ranks of his forces. Kiryn heads into battle with his force and keeps some distance away from Lucian since those two start to enter a battle rage when they are close to one another and both need to keep an eye on Liliana. Still, they enter the fray and start pushing deeper and deeper inside. Looking at the two Shyr Beis with me, I inquire, "Should we make our appearance yet or wait until things really heat up with the freeing of the prisoners? The femme fatales tell me that they will be free soon enough and Runik will be doomed. I am actually enjoying watching my cousin engage the enemy troops.It is really something just how powerful Kiryn truly is and just how deadly. Still not time yet...

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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Sun Dec 27, 2009 3:51 pm

Liliana gives herself over to the thrill of battle as she breaks through the front lines. Those unfortunate men that find themselves on her right meet the heavy swing of her magic enforced blade, if the delivered blow isn't enough to kill them alone the surge of pure energy that comes with it will finish the job. Those on her left face the shorter, more mundane, blade of her offhand attack. With the exception of a few lucky neck swipes, the forces on the left will be merely injured and slowed for the demoness to finish off when she's really ready to play. As both hands are busily wielding blades, the woman holds tight to her mount with the strength of her thighs and the firm planting of her feet. Todol, having been well trained to accommodate this position, barrels through any enemies that stand in his way and use his massive bulk to block and protect his rider from as many attacks as possible.

Once the mounted woman and her following troops are fully surrounded by their savage opponents the fun can truly begin. Remaining mounted for a little while longer, Liliana begins to send the last of the energy stored in her larger blade to clear the immediate area around her mount. This clears a landing pad for her to slide to the ground where she gives Todol a smack on the rump with the hilt of her sword. The heavy beast follows this order and turns to head back to the point where his charge began, trampling all adversaries in his path. The rest of the Setsuna stay on their mounts until their stored magic is expended.

With her feet planted firmly on the ground, the woman motions for all foes within range to come closer as the sound created by the steady chant coming from her lips is lost in the symphony of the raging battle. "Bol Shyrys vael sia thaer." By the time the enemy forces appear to have closed in on the poor lonely woman, her form is covered in a dark bulb of shadows... one that could easily appear to be some defensive shield. Just before she releases the attack, her scarlet lips curve just under the edge of her mask. "Fools." She mutters as the shadow blossoms and swirls in all directions to tear, cut, and rend their armor and flesh like a thousand heated blades would slice through a wall of butter. The ones who fall are sent to their fate with a shake of her head while those who found themselves somewhat protected by their departed comrades taking the full brunt receive the pleasure of hearing the woman speak. "Didn't anyone ever teach you not to trust a beckoning woman?" Lunging forward, Liliana would now go about having her up close and personal fun finishing off the injured idiots.
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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Sun Dec 27, 2009 6:11 pm

The sack is complete and one of the operatives appears next to me as we materialize on the wall. "My Prince, it has been cleaned out. Your orders. Raid the armory next for whatever is left and arm the prisoners as they come out to play. I'll give Torizo the signal." I float into the air a bit while the operative giving the report vanishes to clear out their waiting force. My mind begins to focus on the treasury building. I remove all outside care since the Shyr Beis are looking after me and give all my focus to the connection between my right hand and the treasury. With a exclamation of ki, a "blast of telekinetic energy" rips thru the treasury building and with a thunderous boom, it collapses on itself. Knowing that to be a signal if he ever got one, Torizo dashes thru the prison and unlocks all of the cells with his shadow magic before causing the shadows to eerily utter the words, "Take your revenge!" Once all the cells are open, Torizo vanishes. He appears at my side, "It is done, my Prince. Your reinforcements have their freedom and are on their way." Nodding to the Phantom, I smile and turn to the Shyr Beis. A void pocket opens near my position and my platoon appears. "End this." The forces rush into the fray as the gate to the village is torn apart into pieces which is telekinetically launched at an incredible speed at the rear ranks. The prisoners rush forward and I feel my mind tingle a bit.

Kiryn feels the same tingle which draws his attention to the gate. There is a man there that walks with a purpose towards the battle, he looks up at Kiryn before a blade materializes in his hand. It is broad in width and curved with one edge heavily serrated and the more curvaceous edge very sharp looking and there is obvious energy resonating all around it. I am intrigued by this one.

The soldiers around Liliana send attackers to keep her fighting while they move to surround and trap her. They will receive a big reward if they capture her. Kiryn's attention is stolen when he notices that Liliana is allowing herself to be surrounded. "Bah! So reckless. She is definitely Lucian's sister. This is definitely going to be an interesting day." Kiryn starts to move towards her to help her until he spots Runik. Kiryn dives for Lucian's position to free him up from his current fighting so that they may eliminate Runik.

Lucian himself flips off of his drake as it pounces on a enemy soldier and bites down on his throat ripping flesh away. Lucian draws two unique pole weapons. They are basically long rods with blades on the end... basically they are mini pole blades. He forms an X in front of his chest and releases two energy arcs as he swings them out at the attackers. Lucian lands and there is obvious trepidation amongst the enemy soldiers closest to him.

Seeing as those two are fine, I check on the third of the allied commanders in this battle to see how she is fairing in all of this. She has such passion and anger in her fighting, yet it is beautiful and graceful. Still, she isn't paying attention to the fact that she is allowing too many to surround her while her troops are fighting. "Darda, Pira, let's go. I'm tired of standing up here." As soon as I am within range, Spirit Half Moon Strikes would be unleash to try and keep th circle from closing her off from her attacking forces. Now when I land, this is going to be so much fun!

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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Mon Dec 28, 2009 1:38 am

Just when her plan was beginning to work perfectly... the enemies were continuing to advance, protecting themselves with shields thinking they wouldn't fall for another dark cutting attack, assuming that she would be naive enough to allow herself to be trapped or that she wasn't aware they were cutting her off from her own forces... everything was going according to plan and she was beginning to have trouble forcing the satisfied smile away from her lips. That is until she caught the arrival of spirit half moon strikes sweeping over the foes behind her. Lucian did not possess that ability... but Kiryn does. Whirling on her heel, ready to give the buffoon a piece of her mind, Liliana scans the sky above her for her brother's friend ready to launch an orb of moderate dark energy his way for interfering with her enjoyment. "Curse you, Kir...." The words die on her lips, even as the dark orb begins it's intended course, when she realizes that the trio of beings does not include the man she was ready to verbally eviscerate. "... that is sooo not Kiryn." Thankfully the launched orb was not meant to actually harm anyone, but to sail close enough to make him nervous for a second. Liliana assumes that these three mean her no harm since the attack seemed to be meant to aid her so she adjusts her plan and uses the path cleared to her advantage.

Maneuvering herself into the cleared area and closer to her troops, making sure that the three in the sky above her are not in the fairly wide target area, the demoness raises both blades to the expanse above and calls out with all the might of her voice. "Mia os Caer, val pyrn os paerelol!" Invoking the darkest energy known to her, Liliana calls forth bolts of pure destruction to rain down on the area where her foes had been closing in before her. The series of moderate sized bolts is soon followed by one that can only be described as the mother of all energy bolts honing in on the largest concentration of soldiers in the middle of the advance. Now having succeeded in giving herself a bit of breathing room, she turns to wait for the man and his two female companions to join her on the ground. Should she have the chance to speak first, her scarlet smile would part and allow a snarky phrase to pass. "Don't you just hate it when they all horn in like that?"
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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Mon Dec 28, 2009 2:28 am

I prepare to make my landing and Pira stops me. "Not there, my Prince." Pointing to the edge of the opening, she tells me to strike there and trusting her, I change the trajectory of my descent. The female demoness dashes backwards and the skies darken above her former position. The area is bombarded by a dark energy bolt storm. I land in a crouch with my palm on the ground, "Visphōṭa pāma!" The two Shyr Beis stand in front of me and a violent burst of spiritual energy explodes behind me knocking those trying to escape the impending doom deeper into the impact zone as a very large bolt of dark energy obliterates that section of the battlefield.

At the same time that is happening, the overwhelming mass and might of the allied army overwhelms Runik's forces and Lucian reaches Runik as the captives and soldiers surround him. Kiryn looks at Runik and his eyes glow before Runik is frozen stiff. "I can't move." Lucian looks at Kiryn and chuckles. The soldiers celebrate the victory as the last remnants are forced to surrender. Everyone knew this battle would be over quickly. Runik is seized and taken into the village. This was going to be a public evisceration. Lucian and Kiryn are talking and after a specific question, Kiryn nods. Lucian in turn nods approvingly. Kiryn calls out, "To the village."

Back over to this wild and reckless warrior demoness and I, when she makes her comment, I glance back at the carnage behind us. "I'm pretty sure they hate more than we do. Oooh, that one is still twitching." Darda remarks, "The Veilos Tasar..." Sighing, I nod, "I know. Let's go. You fight well, demoness. I wouldn't really call what you did a strategy, but it worked and that is important in battle." Pira chants, "The Veilos Tasar... go!" A column of energy covers myself and the two Shyr Beis and we vanish from my position in front of Liliana. We appear in the midst of our forces with Kiryn and the main demon commander while four demon soldiers are carrying Runik the Grey. "Public execution?" Kiryn puts his arm around my neck to pull me in close and I look at him, "You know... I had actually managed to not get bloody in this battle and you had to mess that all up." Kiryn chuckles and says, "Good strategy, cousin! Psyre, Veilos Tyrn of Xartias, this is Lord Lucian Corundum, Commander of the Corundum Cavalries." I bow my head respectfully and remark, "I am honored to have fought in battle with you, Commander Lucian." Lucian chuckles, "Why aren't you formal? The honor is mine, Prince of the Veil-os Sy-li." Kiryn nods approvingly at Lucian's pronunciation of our name. Once the army makes it inside, the villagers gather in the village center to receive their fate.

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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Mon Dec 28, 2009 3:29 am

In a completely uncharacteristic move, Liliana remains silent as the man and his two female companions speak, though she does nod slowly to concede his point about the fallen hating it more than they do and let off a slight shrug when he mentions one still twitching. She'd seen enough wounded warriors twitch their death throes to know that a coup de grace would be wasted on the poor shuddering corpse. He was already too far gone to have any awareness left. Her healing tutor would take this opportunity to point out that the man's twitches were merely the last remnants of impulses being sent through his muscles by his central nervous system and that all pertinent systems that make a man alive were already too damaged to show just cause for a mercy kill.

When one of the females mentions the words 'Veilos Tasar', Liliana's eye perk up behind her mask but she does not inquire if these people are part of Kiryn's associates. The thought of his cousin, the one Lucian had mentioned the day before, did not even cross her mind. The only words she utters to the man is a simple thank you when he gives her the partial compliment on her battle actions. Before she can even decide if she wants to speak further, the man and his females call a portal of sorts and leave her standing there alone. "Well that was a rude exit, they must be with Kiryn." Shaking off the offense, the demoness turns to make her way over to join the rest of her troops while signaling for Todol to join her. From there the entire Setsuna Tribe would ride forward to meet Lucian's men.

Once they reach the village, Liliana dismounts and tells Todol to stay with the troops and their mounts while she breaks away to join the other allied commanders. As she walks up behind her older brother her helmet is removed so she can shake her long tresses free of their confines. Addressing her brother, Liliana would give him a gentle poke, and make sure no one else is currently speaking, before asking what she's missed so far.
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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Mon Dec 28, 2009 4:07 am

Runik is tied to a wooden post on the platform where he would normally address the villagers. They watch as Runik's eyes give away much. When Liliana arrives, Lucian remarks that she is just in time actually. Lucian asks Kiryn if I should do the honors and Kiryn shakes his head and tells Lucian that it is only proper that Lucian be the one. Lucian walks up on to the platform and speaks to the villagers first:

"Villagers, I have no intentions of slaughtering you. All those I came for are joining the Great Sea of Spirits as I speak to you. I have come for him though. He made a transgression against the House of Corundum for which you are about to see the reprisal. When we leave your village, we leave it to you to do with as you please. I have no intentions of being your new lord. You are free. To those who were prisoners, you can remain here. There's a pretty big house that can be turned into an inn to house you. Runik, this is going to be excruciatingly painful. I want you to feel every second of it." Lucian cuts open his shirt and slowly starts to carve out an opening into his chest. Runik's muffled screams fill the silent village center. If Lucian was in the Earth Realm right now, he might make one hell of a surgeon with the precision that he shows with his incisions. Runik starts to pass out and Kiryn snaps his fingers which wakes him right back up for more pain. Tears of pain flow down Runik's face and finally Lucian ends his pain and rips out his heart. One of the soldiers brings a small chest for Lucian to place the heart in. How funny... they bring him a chest for him to put a heart in. He is given a "towel" to clean his hands with and Lucian tells the villagers to carry on with their lives. "You... come with me." He points to a young maiden who looks at some young man before an older man presumably her father pushes her forward to obey.

Kiryn and I are standing with each other and I inquire telepathically, "What was that sensation we got when that man walked out and how did he just create a sword like that out of thin air? I want to meet him, Kiryn. I am intrigued by him." Kiryn turns to two of his warriors and send them to make it happen. Continuing our telepathic conversation, Kiryn asks, "What took you so long? It's not like you to be late to a battle." I grin at him, "Their treasury is empty and their food storehouse is a little lighter. Also, Runik's Mistress just saw him get his heart cut out of his chest. Lastly, someone had to free the prisoners." Kiryn looks at me and asks, "Were you going to let your Tasar know that you were doing all of this?" I smirk, "I just did. Otherwise, we would be discussing it when we return home. Speaking of which, I have some fun to tend to. Apparently they only live up to their names in battle." Kiryn's facial expression changes...

Lucian walks up to Liliana and smirks, "Nice helmet, little sister. It looks rather familiar in your unique little way." He chuckles at her and he motions for her to come with him to talk to Kiryn. Walking up behind Kiryn, Lucian says, "Nothing like a quick, bloody battle to get things started, eh, Kiryn?!" Kiryn smiles and nods, "None better." Lucian looks at Kiryn then at me and my two Shyr Beis bodyguards before turning to Liliana and asking, "Have you all met yet?"

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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Mon Dec 28, 2009 4:37 am

Liliana watches the heart removal with a slight smirk on her delicate face, her father will be overjoyed to hear how quickly victory was won. Though she did wonder what he planned to do with the heart of Runik... but after a few disturbing possibilities pop into her head she decides that she's better off not knowing. She was all for bathing in the blood of your enemy, even tasting it if some just so happens to land on your lips, but eating their heart seems a bit too far even for her. She would gladly stick to expertly prepared food to raw blood pumping muscles. Then again her father could be really creepy and display the wretched thing so everyone could plainly see what fate awaits any who dare cross a Corundum, that idea didn't really sound all that bad once she gave it some thought. Of course with Liliana begin a girl all of her daydreaming and deep thinking take place during the formal talking parts and the ceremonious removal of the organ... she wasn't much for ceremony after all, more interested in real action rather than posed.

After the heart is removed from one chest and placed in another, har har, Liliana is graced with her brother's attention. At the remark about her helmet she looks from hers to his and nods with a grin. "I'm sure it does. I guess you could say I was inspired when I had it made." After they move over to Kiryn and the man from the battle field standing with him, the demoness nods before answering Lucian's question. "Yes, briefly. I mistook him for That one...", indicating Kiryn, "... when he cleared out some of the forces closing in on me." Then turning her attention to the still strange man to her. "Sorry about the orb, by the way, that was for when I still thought you were Kiryn, and I'm sorry I didn't quite catch your name before you disappeared. I am Liliana Corundum." With the self introduction she extends a friendly hand to the new ally.
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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Mon Dec 28, 2009 5:22 am

When the hands moves towards me, Darda reaches for her Leiga. "Grab it and I'll use it on you. Do not be rude." While I am speaking there is a smile on my face before I turn to look at Darda with an icy glare. Pira smiles at Liliana, "Forgive her, my lady. Darda is very protective of him. I am Pira, his other bodyguard. It is a deep... pleasure to meet you." I nod with a smile at Pira and remark as I glance at Liliana again, "Corundum?" I turn to look at Lucian and Kiryn speaks, "Darda, ci air mari shor ti. Jhylari cor Valys." When Kiryn assures Darda that I am safe here, he tells her to locate Torizo, my Phantom. "As you command, Veilos Tasar." She vanishes in a beam of energy. "Liliana, is Lord Alisander's second daughter and Lucian's younger sister. She is the Noble Leader of the Setsuna Cavalry that you saw ride with her." I inquire telepathically, "So I am discussing an alliance between the House of Corundum and the Veilos Syli Regime? Oh yeah, House of Veilos Syli doesn't fit as well to me since we are branching as Veilos Syli Regime. It makes us sound more powerful and authoritative, which will we need to gain stronger allies." Kiryn looks over at me and nods acceptingly. "It is a pleasure and an honor to meet you." Once I have spoken, Kiryn provides my introduction, "Lady Corundum, allow me to present Psyre, the Veilos Tyrn of Xartias and ruling Prince of the Veilos Syli Regime. Also, my younger cousin and with your father's blessing, your future dul'ha, the masculine form of Tari in our Ancient Tongue. Psyre, I have entered into negotiations with her father for her to become your Tari and Princess of Xartias."

I stand here for a moment b/c I'm waiting for the punchline of this joke. When it does not come, I look at him and say, "My what? I don't even know her. Do Leros and Monare know of this decision, Kiryn? Bah!" I start to walk away as Pira tries to keep me calm since Liliana is kinda still standing there. I look at Kiryn and the Dark Kami accent, which sounds like Akasha's Egyptian-English from Queen of the Damned, comes thru clearly, "Tari, Kiryn?! Tari! Even my father did not have a Tari. Why not bestow Tylys upon her? I understand that my father and theirs were bonded close like you and that one seemed to be, but why her to be not just my Tylys, but a Tari? There is none other than her if she is my Tari. A stranger?! Why do you ask this of me, cousin?"

At this very moment, Lucian realizes that he is probably at a VERY unsafe proximity to his sister who is probably about to have a much worse reaction than my own. Hoping that she is watching and angry at me, Lucian tries to quietly slip away before he can get the same treatment as Kiryn... or worse. And the fireworks begin!

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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Mon Dec 28, 2009 6:01 am

The extended hand is withdrawn the instant Liliana sees the other woman reach for her weapon while her free hand instinctively falls to the hilt of the stiletto hidden within one of the folds of her traveling gown. She does not draw the blade, merely rests her hand there just in case the need to defend herself arises. When the other companion of the stranger speaks apologetically for the overly protective one, Liliana's hand relaxes and falls to her side as she nods her head slowly. "That is understandable, and it is a pleasure to meet you as well, Pira." With that disaster averted, the demoness turns her attention back to the man as he speaks to Kiryn after the mean chick is dismissed. As her position is explained, while she still has no clue who he is, Liliana waits patiently for the tide to turn and his identity to be revealed. Once that happens she finds herself wishing it never had. The moment his name and title leave Kiryn's lips, Liliana's demeanor changes. The rim of her irises flash gold for the instant before Psyre makes his feelings about the supposed arrangement known.

Precisely at the moment when it becomes clear that Liliana was not the only one ambushed with this proposal and obviously not happy with the prospect, she rounds on her brother... effectively ignoring the heated exchange between the two cousins. "Lucian Corundum! The two of you set this up didn't you?" Now her hand not only returns to the hilt of the stiletto but draws it from the fold of the gown to point it menacingly toward her brother's throat as any hint of gold in her eyes fades away to make room for the bloody crimson color that signifies nothing short of murderous intent. "As if it was not bad enough that you wanted to force me into this forsaken arrangement with a man I never met, or that you and your co-conspirator concocted this happenstance battlefield meeting, but you couldn't even be bothered to clue the poor sap in first! You wait until father hears about this... and about his vehement opposition to it! This will be the last time you dabble in inter House negotiations!"

Turning away from her brother, blade still in hand and long locks whipping behind her, Liliana begins to stomp her way back to Todol with the intention of riding straight home now that Lucian and his scheming has ruined any good mood the battle created.
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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Mon Dec 28, 2009 6:43 am

When Liliana draws her dagger, Lucian silently curses Kiryn for this plan. Lucian pretty much knew he was screwed at the sight of my reaction which came as a complete shock to him as well. When she mentions telling their father and storming off, Lucian can see the red tint to her eyes. Putting his own personal safety at risk given her current mood but for the betterment of relations between the two houses and to protect his sister from her pride while Kiryn is most likely trying to salvage things on his end, Lucian steps in front of her. "Liliana, wait. Both of you have ever right to be upset, but there was a reason for this being a surprise. You two got held no animosity when you were just strangers. We wanted you two to meet without concern for politics or arrangements. I did not know that Kiryn had not told him yet. Do not take his reaction to heart, sister. I can understand his sentiment far better than you can because when Father first proposed the concept of union to me for a complete stranger, I had a similar reaction. Thankfully, I only speak the common tongue so it doesn't seem as bad. Before you leave and hold an ill judgment, later on after things have calmed down, talk to him and find out for yourself if he is someone that you can like. Love in arranged unions like these is generally a gift that comes with patience or so Mother told me when she was trying to convince not to shun marriage forever. If Father meets him and likes him, you already know that you will be united with him." Lucian sighs and looks at her to await her response.

Lucian's page "retrieves" the worried peasant girl and takes her inside Runik's former house where some of the officers are mingling for drinks and dealing with post-battle reports and such.

Across the way, Kiryn and Pira have me cornered and Kiryn rests his hands on my shoulder, "Psyre, still your temper. The House of Corundum was the most trusted ally of the House of Volos Korol when Quinto reigned over it. Alisander, one of his closest friends and chief advisor on matters of finance. Leros and Monare have been discussing matches for you and Liliana is probably the best one there. She is rash and wild and you probably don't want her handling your diplomacy, but she is passionate and powerful and beautiful and she loves life and excitement. She is the type of match you want. She is a very smart demoness too, so she will suit you well. You are the Veilos Tyrn, Psyre. You will need to produce an heir if our bloodline and this regime is to continue and grow back to where we once were. You once told me that you would do what needed to be done in order to ensure the prosperity of our people meaning Xartias and the Dark Kami. Well, little cousin, this is part of your duty and that is why I ask this of you. Alisander could have Xartias restored in a day with his connections. It does not matter your relationship with her, but realize that we are not in the upper position yet, so to provide security, taking her as your Tari, is the necessary option, but we will have an alliance with the House of Corundum. The arrangement is not finalized yet, you must solidify that tonight or tomorrow when we return to Villa Corundum. If you truly want what is best for our people, you will do this for them." I look at him then look at Pira, who nods to me. "You are Chief of my Advisors, High Commander of our army, and my blood. I will trust in your wisdom, Cousin. The interesting man is coming, handle that for me. Pira, stay with Kiryn." Pira looks at me and says inquisitively, "But Tyrn...?" I vanish in a shimmer and Kiryn looks at her and Pira smiles and points past Kiryn.

My body shimmers into view in front of Liliana and Lucian if she hasn't left him yet. If he is there, I would address him first, "Commander Lucian, might I have a word alone with my Ksamatā?" If Lucian is not there or after he leaves, I would stop her to talk. "How about we try that again?"

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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Tue Dec 29, 2009 12:31 am

Liliana stops to let Lucian speak his peace, but she is clearly not happy about doing so. When he finishes and waits for her response, she shakes her head and lowers her eyes, which have now returned to their normal muted hue, in defeat. "You may understand his feelings about this matter better than I, but you are oblivious to mine, dear brother. Whether it is the heir of Volos Korol or of Manticore that I am offered up to, my future remains the same." Saying nothing more, the demoness holds her position, silently consenting to Lucian's idea of waiting and giving the meeting another chance.

When Psyre suddenly appears before them, Liliana lifts her eyes to scan the face of the man she could possibly be tied to for the rest of her days. After Lucian nods to the man to allow him a private word with Liliana, and sends her a look that warns her against trying to harm him, Liliana would wait until he is well out of earshot before answering Psyre's question. "Alright, let's start over, but first... what does Ksamata mean?"
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Subject: Re: Love at First Sight... Not Exactly Tue Dec 29, 2009 12:57 am

Standing here, I had not thought this past the whole "Can we start over?" line, so when she agrees, I pause for a moment like "oh crap, what now?" Thankfully she asks me a question first. "Ksamatā is from our Ancestral Tongue and it is a term used for a potential mate that has been chosen, but not confirmed. I don't want you to think that I don't like you or have something against you because I don't but I am not a fan of being forced into union b/c of my title and station. Still, the negotiations have been entered and I will not go against the will of my people. I can tell you that I will not harm you or beat you... well, unless you attack me first. I am not that type of person. Kiryn says that you are wild and headstrong and I have no intentions of trying to tame you into someone boring. I... (flustered exhale) ... I want you to be you." I do not know what else to say to her at this moment, so I fall silent.

Lucian and Kiryn meet up and look at each other. Lucian punches him in the chest and shakes his head, "That one has a temper on him. Are you sure that they are not going to kill each other?" Kiryn looks at Lucian and says, "Not after that. His Dark Kami Fury is starting to show thru now. I will need to inform our elders so that can make plans to suppress or control it. Give them their privacy, Lucian. You have a maiden to tend to and I have business walking my way. The interesting man walks up and says, "You wanted to talk about something?" Lucian smiles at Kiryn and walks inside to find the Maiden. Kiryn nods to him and they walk and talk with Pira trailing Kiryn quietly.

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