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| The Head of the Serpent; Rylianis + Shalerin (Invite Only) | |
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| Topic Started: Nov 21 2009, 11:14 AM (83 Views) | |
| Shalerin | Nov 21 2009, 11:14 AM Post #1 |
A Painter and a Pacifist
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Shalerin looked at the city of Ataxarch with nostalgia. Not for this particularly grim city-state especially, but for the concept of having a place to call home, authoritarian police state or no. The towers of Rui'd'ean were much like this, the self-exiled Princess of a dead kingdom thought to herself, almost being brought to tears when she reminded herself of the raped city. Then she remembered why she was here. A tip-off from a friendly Earl's spy network had led her here, to this city of recent economic revival. It had taken less time that she'd feared, but more time that she would've liked. Her white dress was laced with designs of arcane power in red silk lace. She had come, not as a pacifist, not today, and not for what was to come. This day, she came with only death to bring, and destruction to give. There would be no peace until the man who was quite possibly the head of the sinister Organization that was responsible for not only the deaths of many of her people and most of her family, but also the multiple assassination attempts on her own life lay either dead at her feet, or arrested and hanged for his crimes. Within the dragonforged armor of her ancestors, Shalerin's left hand clutched itself and unclutched in a methodical pattern, always on the rise of the third step of her left foot. The guardsmen, seeing her dress, were at once put at ease by the sight of a noble, the habitual deference given by the caste system still too hard to remove completely from any man these days, but also immediately put on high alert, as an enemy agent could quite easily hide behind the facade of a foreign diplomat. Assassins, too, did not need to always wear the garb of their trade to do their work. Shalerin herself had witnessed that fact oh too well since coming here. But now it would end. Casually, almost angrily, she approached a man guarding the entrance to what appeared to be the largest construct around. Typical of an evil Organization, to have the complete arrogancy to hide itself in the open like that. She would have been mildly impressed, had she not come here to deliberately blow it up. "Guardsman. I need to see the one who rules over this dominion." she said imperiously, already acting as if she no longer saw the man. The soldier's face hardened. "I'm sorry, but no one is permitted to hold an audience with Lord Rylianis unless authorized by the Department of Bureaucratic Affairs. If you wish, I can lead you to the appropriate offices so that you may fill out the preliminary forms, but -" the soldier began, almost by rote, but the tall woman waved him silent. "Is that so, then?....." she whispered in a deadly calm voice. The soldier nodded his head slowly, as if uncertain where this woman was going with her line of questioning. "Then you have made my task all the more difficult. Please, forgive me for what I am about to do. I shall pray for you." she said, disintigrating the man completely by having a massive column of energy erupt from under his feet. The beam streteched on infinitely, finally narrowing and eventually vanishing after two seconds. Another blast served to melt the gates off of their hinges. "Knock. Knock. Guess who's come to visit, Dark Prince? It's revenge, and she's been keeping your plate nice and cold for you all this time." she called out, grinning madly as she stepped across the fallen gates, blasting away soldiers left and right where she saw them. Some said revenge was a dish best served cold. Others said revenge was a bitch. They were both right. And Shalerin was the best bitchy chef of frozen confections Avalon's graveyards had ever seen. Edited by Shalerin, Nov 21 2009, 01:01 PM.
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Shalerin Corus Haeli Nalevrin The Heirlooms of a Broken Crown Andumi's Army: A Character List "Death, or healing - I care not which you seek." - Shalerin | |
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| Rylianis | Nov 22 2009, 03:24 PM Post #2 |
Lord of the Realm
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Another quiet day in the office for the Lord of the Realm, or so it seemed at the time. He was half-way through writing down notes for a speech to be delivered to various merchant houses in Ataxarch (the subject being: "To avoid the appearance of collusion and price-fixing in the free market,") when a series of alarms and shouting began to sound from far below. He could barely hear it, but it sounded like the kind of emergency that involved marauding barbarians. As such, he decided to ignore it, and get on with the speech. A few moments later, however, a jolt shook the castle, his study, his desk and thus his quill, scratching the parchment and covering part of it in ink. Infuriated, but curious to see what was going on, he decided to use his scrying device to see what the matter was. I'm going to have to kill some people today, I think... He muttered darkly as he cycled through the various monitoring crystals which surveilled the castle - and there she was, the cause of this disturbance. His eyes opened wide in horror as he began to recognise this invader. He couldn't believe it - he absolutely refused to believe it, but everything from her armour, her fighting style, her magic... she even looks just like that Shalerin woman... but how!? I had that place razed to the ground, I would be surprised if even the corpses could fertilise that barren wasteland now! How is this even possible? And with her royal arms too? He stared at the crystal in wonder, as she tore apart most of his guards with magic, and cut through the rest. Further jolts rocked his room, as she destroyed more small buildings, and this snapped him out of his amazed trance. Sharp raps on the door, followed by a captain bursting inside, only served to irritate him further. The captain hurriedly informed him that the castle was under attack by a lone woman, who was quickly making her way through the complex, unimpeded by guards, traps, wards or doors. FOOL! He cut the captain's warning short by throwing his scrying device at him; the captain ducked and immediately resumed his salute. Do you think I'm UNAWARE of that fact? Do you think I've been idling here whilst she tears apart the foundations of this very castle?! FOOL! He threw something else which was on his desk at the captain, who once again ducked and resumed his salute. Trouble in paradise, m'lord? Lachlein de Meirh, the captain of his AIC special forces, peered his head through the door, smiling like a knave with a secret. The Stalker gave him an evil look, and stood up. Don't worry, sir, I've assembled two special forces and auxilliary guardsmen groups to hold her off while we escape. His tone had changed immediately from personable to official. We aren't going anywhere, Lachlein. The bitch can fight, but doesn't know what she's up against. I need one of those groups to keep her occupied whilst we move the civvies and sensitive materials out of the castle, as well as killing all the prisoners and warding the castle records. If this place falls, I don't want anyone knowing what happened inside it. Captain, you will instruct the remaining guards to evacuate the citizens and... no, I retract that order. Take the citizens into the jails underneath the southwest courtyard after executing the prisoners. Then, use the southwest tunnels to leave the castle and secure the city. The Stalker's mind was already working quickly, and he had formulated a plan to kill, capture or otherwise neutralise this threat. The captain bowed, and ran to give effect to the will of the Lord. We're going to fight the girl, hm? Well that's nice, actually, things were getting a bit stale here. I brought your things too. Lachlein walked into the room and threw him his collapseable bow, and his quiver. Lachlein was a lean, short elf, with silver hair and pale skin, dressed in the usual AIC uniform and armour. Wonderful. You're an asset to me. He shook the hand of Lachlein, and walked swiftly along the corridors and hallways of his keep, with other AIC agents joining him along the way. Now, Lachlein, bring your strongest group with me, and send the other group to draw her into the southwest courtyard. She won't try any great magic if she could kill hundreds of innocents in the process. We don't need grunts here, we need swift, agile tactics with a focus on protection from the arcane, you understand? Try to keep her occupied until I can get a clean shot on her. Lachlein nodded, and began issuing commands through his communication crystal, once again, to bring the will of the Lord to effect. As they approached the southwest courtyard, he expanded his longbow and nocked an arrow, his bodyguards also prepared to fight. She will regret having survived my onslaught the first time... Edited by Rylianis, Nov 22 2009, 03:24 PM.
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 "All the names of good and evil are parables: they do not declare, but only hint. Whoever among you seeks knowledge of them is a fool!" Friedrich Nietzsche Character Inventory - Character Journal Open RPs: Spoiler: click to toggle Currently Running RPs: Spoiler: click to toggle Previous and Inactive RPs: Spoiler: click to toggle  Used tissues, from Denthúl - Festival 09 Raffle Ticket2009 Raffle Consolation Prize  Albino Mouse A rare albino mouse. Though if there are so many given out as prizes this year, one must wonder why they're dubbed 'rare'. | |
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| Shalerin | Nov 23 2009, 11:03 AM Post #3 |
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A Painter and a Pacifist
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((OOC: Sorry, I got a bit lazy with the combat. I'll leave the NPC control to you from hereon in, okay?)) On the outside, it appeared as if the half-elf woman was enjoying herself, slaughtering and destroying with a blend of the cold and systemic brought to life by the chaotic and impulsive. On the inside, however, she was crying. Crying that she would have to unleash such violence upon anyone, even the one who had caused her so much pain. In hindsight....perhaps marrying him wouldn't have been such a bad idea...if only I hadn't been so prideful back then! she thought in agony whilst busying herself by electrifying a metal concourse that held a contingency of heavy crossbowmen that had attempted to gain the high ground. They twitched admirably before falling in neat, geometric rows. Of course, the fact that she was blasting them into place had nothing to do with that. Of course not. That would be sadistic. And Shalerin was certainly not the evil and corrupted person that the bastard Dark Prince was. Deep within Shalerin's mind dwelt the possibility that perhaps she was becoming just as tainted as the one she had sworn to destroy. But that was an impossibility. Or, more correctly, an improbability. While resting in between the destruction of halls, she suddenly found herself under fire from crossbow and magic alike. She almost felt like cursing as she ducked for cover. Why didn't she have any defensive magics?! Oh, yes, that's right. She remembered now. It was because defensive magics were utterly useless to a woman who was prepared to die for her goals. Returning fire, she looked on, dismayed, as her spell seemed to be deflected by some sort of barrier field, arcing outwards and lancing off the over-long nose of a gargoyle quite nicely. The altered visage would later go on to be the inspiration for one of the greatest artists of Avalonian history. Assuming, of course, that the artists in question, now a child, survived the destruction of his home city. "Damn. I'll have to retreat to the southwest courtyard. Can't fight them in close quarters." she said. It was her one weakness when it came to combat, really. She'd only ever received the most basic of training in swordsmanship before the death of her kingdom, and so really she fought only by instinct, her magical training making up for the gaps in her offensive capabilities. No sooner had she arrived to the courtyard than she found herself surrounded by enemy forces. And among them was the man she had sworn to kill. "Dark Prince. Finally, I, Shalerin Nalevrin, have found you. I challenge you to single combat, to the death." she said courageously, risking it all on the bet that not even the Dark Prince was that devoid of honor. Of course, had she known more about the man who had once tried to marry her, then kill her, she would have known better. But this was the only way she could think of to live long enough when surrounded by this many foes. |
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Shalerin Corus Haeli Nalevrin The Heirlooms of a Broken Crown Andumi's Army: A Character List "Death, or healing - I care not which you seek." - Shalerin | |
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| Rylianis | Dec 4 2009, 01:09 AM Post #4 |
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Lord of the Realm
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The Stalker had heard her approach long before she had appeared in the courtyard. Yet another change of plan had caused him to recall his troops from the rooftops and corridors which framed the courtyard, and to surround the door which led to the central courtyard. It would be from this entrance which his enemy, this woman whose name he had cursed over and over for the past half-hour. Shalerin, Shalerin. I'll drag you down to Kaliyah, Shalerin. She'll know what to do with you... The Lord of the Realm had his men prepared and standing ready for her to appear. Crossbows, longbows and magic had all been prepared to annihilate her upon Rylianis' command. He thought it was a fine strategy, and as the commotion of warfare intensified and approached, he began to half-smile at the coming moment. He hadn't played it like a chess grandmaster, but he certainly did not lack in cunning, either. Screams continued to emanate from the central courtyard, startling his men. Steady lads. Steady... fire on my command, or if she tries to escape, but under no other circumstances. Not even if she tears apart the man next to you. The agents did not have time to react. She appeared, in a rush to move far from his second group, and halted once she noticed the myriad weapons pointed directly at her. His soldiers did just as they were ordered to do - their bodies stoically aligned and aimed at their uninvited guest, as their eyes bored into the particular part of her body they would annihilate, given the appropriate signal. They played their part for The Stalker, so that he was not under threat from her, but he did not want her dead. At the very least, he wanted her to suffer before her death - he wanted to have complete control over her, and demonstrate this control by taking everything from her but her life, and at the end of it all, that as well. For now, however, theatrics were required to bring this about. She had valiantly challenged him to single combat, and refusing her... well, it would not leave his soldiers (indeed, a large portion of his most elite agents) with a good impression. Lachlein laughed at this proposal, and asked whether or not he could tear her apart just for kicks. The Stalker, at least by appearance, was not in a joking mood. You storm into my castle, cause immeasurable damage to my property, take many innocent lives, those of my friends, my government, my PEOPLE, you destroy countless artifacts, histories, literature and other precious records of our culture, you desecrate my temples, shrines and crypt, and here you stand, before me, demanding that I demonstrate CHIVALRY to you, and give you the HONOUR of single combat!? You audacious, presumptuous, outrageous, filth-parade of a woman! After that, any former impression that his men enjoyed about this being some kind of leisure or joke - like hunting game, was now long gone. It was replaced by a tense silence, an uncomfortable mix of righteous anger, disgust, condemnation and a curious nobility, for to be pointing a crossbow at, or have in mind a spell to injure someone of such ill repute... indignation may have been the correct word. After catching his breath, the Lord of the Realm continued. Dark Prince? Is that your name for me? Shalerin, you are young. You do not understand great politics. Did you think I came all the way there for the fairytale marriage? Your wilfulness and stubbornness doomed your family and your kingdom. Either you married me and your lands would be mine by divine and sovereign right, or they would be destroyed and mine anyway. That, Shalerin, is war. It's in all these men, it's in me. You, on the other hand, are a murderer. Your rampage cared not for rules or honour, just revenge. Fine. I shall give you what you ask for, if that is still what you want. His hands, which had previously been behind his back, flicked forward - activating the hidden blade on his right arm. Its blade had been blackened to keep it concealed in darkness and against some light, but it managed to catch a gleam of light on its edge - a weapon as surgical and precise as it was vicious. You will, however, understand two things. One: Beneath this courtyard is a jail full of the remaining civilians in the keep. Beneath that is a storage hall, full of government records. One errant whisper of arcane power and the entire chamber will become engulfed in fire and then cave in upon itself, bringing the jails and us into a cavernous pit of fire. Fight fairly. The good thing about the discipline which The Stalker could inspire is that none of his men even flinched at that prospect. All eyes, bows and wands on their target. Secondly - this will not be what you expect. Your young, vainglorious heart will assume that goodness and the purity of your cause will prevail - despite how hard you've been at work, trying to sully and blacken it with murder and senseless violence. You won't get the opportunity for brave, final words, you will probably be unconscious or choking on your own blood. I am going to tear you apart in front of all these people you don't know and won't miss you at all. They're going to congratulate me for weeks afterwards for the fine performance I put on. Frankly, it's a shame, considering your potential, but I'll kill you if that's what you want. He stepped forward, his eyes never leaving hers... That is what you want, right? |
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"All the names of good and evil are parables: they do not declare, but only hint. Whoever among you seeks knowledge of them is a fool!" Friedrich Nietzsche Character Inventory - Character Journal Open RPs: Spoiler: click to toggle Currently Running RPs: Spoiler: click to toggle Previous and Inactive RPs: Spoiler: click to toggle Used tissues, from Denthúl - Festival 09 Raffle Ticket2009 Raffle Consolation Prize Albino Mouse A rare albino mouse. Though if there are so many given out as prizes this year, one must wonder why they're dubbed 'rare'. | |
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| Shalerin | Dec 4 2009, 12:32 PM Post #5 |
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A Painter and a Pacifist
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Shalerin gaped at the man. Sure, he was handsome, even now, but....any attraction his looks would have made on Shalerin were ruined by the vicious words he spoke. This man scared the shit out of her. Suddenly death didn't seem so appealing, especially now that he had reviled her in front of all of his pawns, thereby ruining any chance she had of turning them to her cause once she'd defeated Rylianis in her daydreamed fantasy battle. As he stepped forward, she involuntarily took a step back, frightened out of her wits by the fear he was instilling into her. Her battle rage and bloodlust, such as it was, instantly was destroyed at the thought of she, herself, being the exact evil she had dreamed of defeating for so long. "N-No....I...I didn't....I never...how...I thought...." she stuttered, unable to form a complete sentence. She couldn't feel her arms anymore. For some reason, her limbs felt leaden. Her spellbook like an oppressive chain. She had not the skill to best this man in hand-to-hand combat; she knew it, and most likely, so did he. She would not die like this, defamed and reviled by men she did not know, while her greatest fear and foe stood over her and crowed his victory, hailed as a hero. Spirits of my ancestors...Forgive me. I am too much a coward to die this way, after all. I must break my pledge to you. Please understand, mother, father...sister. My brother, wherever you are...do not hate me for what I must do. With a strangely echoing clang of metal striking stone with a deadening clash, the Fangs found themselves discarded. Soon, her spellbook followed. Shalerin's face had returned to its usual shy self, tears already streaming down from her face with frustration and terror. "No...Lord Rylianis. I....I understand the consequences of my actions, now. I should never have broken my vow of pacifism to chase after you with revenge in my heart. I..... she paused, struggling to say the next sentence that would seal her fate forever. "I hereby yield all lands and titles held by the me, the Queen of Rui'dean, Shalerin Corus Haeli Nalevrin, as blood payment for my crimes against your sovereign lands, including even my own flesh. My life is in your hands, now. Please, judge me for my crimes." Falling to her knees, she gave obeisance to the man she had hated for so long now, the man who with a few words and completely shattered her entire reason for fighting. Now she feared death once again, if only because they could not defend themselves from those who spoke ill of them. She would not tarnish and let her family name die with her, the last heir. Her line had to continue, by any means necessary. And that meant being alive long enough to actually have a new heir to replace her. Her tears fell heavily to the stone floor as her hair fell around her face. Suddenly she looked much smaller than she was, a mere fraction of the deadly mage she had been just a short time ago. |
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Shalerin Corus Haeli Nalevrin The Heirlooms of a Broken Crown Andumi's Army: A Character List "Death, or healing - I care not which you seek." - Shalerin | |
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9:33 AM Mar 20
