Evermore

[ringmaster]

Remial was appaled as heentered the chamber of he Kings Second in command (lets call him a bishop)

First of all the room smelt of pure dwarf wax (which is a very nasty smell), not only that but he had the walls covered in theheads of various extinct animals

Remial bowed to the Second in command of dwarves and said " Sir my commander sends me with the wish of an alliance"

"Then why have you come to me with this problem it is a matter for the king and the king alone"

"But my lord I would not want to waste the time of the king. I thought I should come here and clear the idea with you first"

"Well ill say you have more sense than most but first i must know who is your commanding officer and why dont I know him."

"O My lord im sure you know OF him."

" Well then who is it"

"The hero of Amor...... Atlas"

"Come back to me tomorrow and i will see what i think of the idea"

 

[dramaking]

Atlas and Zhash made excellent time, and soon had arrived at the coast where a scruffy bargeman was.
They sent the horses back at that point and took the short canal ride the the Isla de Amor.


At that time the two servants of a rich nobleman reached a city a few mere miles from the outskirts of Avalon, the capital of Amor, there they purchased rich clothing, hired two manservants and rented rooms in Avalon.

Two men arrived in Avalon the next day, both were richly dressed and one had been there before.

His name was Athos Vendeiris and he was a swordsman, he had last arrived when he was nineteen and even then he had been a controversial figure.
A gambler, swordsman, womanizer, wit, and libertine he was the bane of all of the people who crossed him and the most charming man in the world to those he didn't.

This time he had brought a friend, a younger man,
rich, though he had less nobility in his blood than Athos (who claimed cousinship with the Duke Landreus)
and while Athos was a temermental fighter, he was an intellectual wit. He could charm any one and together they were a favorites with the court, especially the ladies.

There was some thing about the former's extreme confidence and knowledge of the world and the latter's innocent intelligence that won every one to them.

But that was merely the first day, what they were there for as completely different. And Avalon had much still to offer them...

 

[dramaking]

Exeter had called Vlasdimir to his chamber, he had a message to deliver that should only be heard by those who would accept, perfect that Vlasdimir was bound by the most solemn oaths in existence and so had no choice but to serve Exeter unto death.

"Vlasdimir my old friend, how are you?"

The voice replied, velvet against ice.

"What is it that you desire, master?"

"Well, if you want to be plain about it,
I wish for you to assassinate Atlas.
And I have a plan.

Send that, opportunist acquaintance of yours to Avalon.
I do not know where he will be, but I guarantee he will be there. Probably in the Tournament of Kings and certainly planning on assassinating the Guards of Avalon.
His job is to be the adder to slay the lion.
If he doesn't do it then you can.
But I warn you, Atlas is the only man who has ever beat me."

Vlasdimir passed the message on the Daethalion.

"You are to go as a nobleman and kill Atlas. Do not be caught. Simple for one such as you."

 

[Shadowseldil]

As the pale man trapsed along the corridors, he heard and ever familiar voice. "What is it you desire, master?"
Ah, he thought, Vlasdimir is in with him master. Perhaps I can learn more of this human.
The man hid seemlessly behind a tapestry and listened at the door. Much was said in low tones, but he was able to catch phrases. Tournament of Kings, Guards of Avalon, the adder to Daethalion?
The man audiably gasped, then he quickly checked to see that no one had heard. How was it that Exeter knew his name? Perhaps he had understimated this human. Measures would have to be taken. He could not allow himself to fall the same fate as--
Vlasdimir opened the doors of the chamer at that moment. He glanced down the hall in both directions, then closed the doors behind him. Then, in a quiet voice, he said: "You are foolhearty. I told you to remain unseen. If you keep at this, someone will see you."
The pale man stepped into the hallway to face the other. "If any should see me, I shall take the liberty to ensure that the point of my epee is the last thing they see." At this , he quietly drew his sword and pricked his left index finger again, producing the same small crimson spot. He continued to twist the point on his finger as he talked. " Asides, I was growing restless. I needed some challenge to keep me on my feet."
"Well, here is a challenge for you: an assassination. The Tornement of Kings on the island of Avalon. You are to enter as a nobleman. Your goal is to slay Atlas."
"Atlas," the pale figure hissed with a slight mingling of eagerness and apprehension. He pressed his weapon more firmly to his flesh, causeing a large spot to form under it.
"I care not whether you do it in the tournament or in his bedchamber, so long as the result is the death of Atlas. Do not be recognised. Simple for one such as you."
The pale man smiled, and the candlelight cast an eerie glow off of his long canine teeth. "Naturally, it will be easy. I have never lost a duel in my life, least of all to a human. It shall be done; I swear it by the name of Daethalion."

(((I know I took some liberties with Vlasdimir's communication, but I needed a little more to work with. Hope you don't mind, Drama.)))

 

[dramaking]

ooc: I don't have a problem, though I do prefer if you do kill him in the tournament as opposed to other places, though it is up to you and I shall not limit your character

 

[sampson x]

((Sorry, don't know what to write for Zhash, you just keep god-modding him untill there's something I actually have to do. I'll get Gavin Datmer's story going again, though)).

Gavin awoke with the sunrise. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Gavin trudged into the bathroom to wash up before breakfast. He felt rather cheery this morning; an idea had finally come to him during the night. He would be able to start on it immediately. He just hoped it would work.

 

[dramaking]

The morning of the third day ((Oh lord, this is reeking havoc on my date system))
Athos arose, it was late, and (*Insert Zhashban's Alias*) had arisen and gone already, probably to the Court of Stars, the court of minor and major nobles, as opposed to the Court of Suns where the King held court, the Court of the Sun was only open to those nobles that most held the kings fancy, where as the Court of Stars took any one who had money and a count, duke, or baron in their family tree.

Athos instructed his servant before he left.

"I am going to the bathes, and then to the Master's Courts (the illustrious dueling grounds ajoining the actual courts)
I will be gone all day, take all messages. And I will dine out, have things prepared for my return."

So saying he left, the bathes were emmence, designed in the days of great nobles, it was large formed of pillars of white marble. He entered and walked down the corriders down the halls.

The walkway went progressively lower, though it did not lose it's beautiful decorations. The rooms got progressively steamier as he progressed. And soon he had entered the deepest part of the bath house.

It was extremely deep, and it was impossible to find your way down without having either being led down, or knowing your way already.

When he had finished bathing he walked through the heated steam, it was impossible to see or hear.

Athos took a black robe off the hook and wrapped himself tightly in it, then he placed his fingers in the eyes of on of the mosaics and pulled.

Soon he was in a plain room with one person,
a woman.

She owned the bathhouse, and was arguably the most informed person in Avalon. Athos kept her regularly payed to inform him of anything and everything that occured.

"It's been a long time Athos, you and Roche kept things interesting around here."

"Roche and I had a bit of a...falling out, but I still desire information."

"Of course, you were always the best customer."

"Who are the favorites for the tournament? And has the King's situation changed?"

"Oh right to the point I see, well the favorite is by Captain Terris, but this year we have a mercenary called Devan who is the best we've seen in a while, that and the Viscount Chartemourn, more talent in a young kid than most ever have a chance of getting. He's cocky but he does back it up.
As for the King, well...things have changed. He died. His son has taken over, and he's many things. Brash, arrogant, rude, but he's also brilliant, and charasmatic. Bt if you're heard to speak out you are crushed beneath his system of court. He's changed the etiquette. It has all of the splendor it used to, before the wars. Is that all?"

"Yes. I think that will suffice, thank you."

So saying he left, after managing his way out he dressed, and fastened his hilt to his swordbelt.

After walking out he made his way to the Court of Stars, after navigating through countless minor nobility, and staying a bit to long near the daughter's of the major nobility.

As he walked he noticed *Insert Zhashban's Alias* surrounded by the most famous intellectuals and the sharpest wits in the courts,

ooc: Cue, one sampson, cue two Shadowseldil

 

[Shadowseldil]

((I too have no idea as to the time. Completely lost.)))

A splendorous ship, gilded with bright flags, pulled into the harbor. On deck (much to the chagrin to the sailors), was a tall, dark man in a sky blue vest and a silvery-white cape which fluttered majestically in the sea breeze. He grinned. He knew that every eye in the harbor was on him, and that knowledge that every soul was ignorant of why he was really there gave him pleasure.
"Sir," came a burly voice from behind. It was the captain. "We'll be docking soon, and it may be rough. You may want to get below deck."
"I," he said in a deep, rich voice, as if the earth itself were speaking, "will worry about myself if you will worry about the ship. Remember I am paying well for this."
"Aye, sir"
The ship rocked, joustled, and bumped while it was docked until it was anchored and moored. All the while, the man never lost his balence.
While the gangplank was being lowered, he looked over the city. Atlantis, the city of kings. Pity it was run by men. Well, in time that could be changed. But there were other matters at hand. Atlantis needed to be revived, but not under Atlas. Sometime, Exeter would need to be dealt with. No human should hold his people in sway.
A cough behind him brought him back to the moment. He turned, and, as he did, he took a jingling pouch from his belt. "Here, and make certain the crew is well payed." He did not care. After all, it was not like it was his money. He thanked the crew and descended into the town.
It did not take much palm grease to learn not only where he could regester for the tournament, but also who to bribe to rearrange the schedule.
"Well," said the latter as he pocketed a healthy quantity of gold, "Who do you want to fight?"
"I want you to hold that until after the first round. He will be going by an alias, but I will know his look. After I have seen him and know his name, I will have you rearrange the combat schedule."
"Do you want any 'help'?"
"Never. I do not need help, nor would I be so dishonorable. Just make certain that I fight the man I want."
"Don't worry. It will be done to your liking."

 

[boxers]

ooc:hey drama can you give me some kind of direction your wanting me to take with scott.

 

[WhiteLily]

ooc: One more week guys! I can get on on Saturday. But then Sunday morning my dad and I are leaving for camp. So I'll be gone for another week. Feel free to god-mod Sierra and Kelli. That goes for anyone by the way

 

[sampson x]

Obacai, as Zhashban now called himself, had risen early to situate himself into the flow of the city before having to really perform. He soon realized the ancientness of the city along with its power. Structures that even the richest of Yitai wouldn't dare try to build could be found in abundance on the streets of Avalon. The marketplace bustled with activity; more money seemed to be exchanged in one block on Avalon than the entirity of the Yitain market.

It was not long before Obacai remembered he was to go to the Court of Stars to mingle with the high class and begin making a name for himself. Obacai couldn't help but emit a small sigh before entering the enormous purple and white marble entrance to the court.

Upon entering, Obacai was immediately drawn to a group when he overheard a discussion on the possible development of a new bow for the ever growing sport of archery. Making his way to the group, Obacai continued to listen in on the conversation and soon realized that even Avalonian courtiers were not as well versed in the art of projectiles as the Yitains. Obacai contented himself to listening to the claims and logical arguments put forth by the courtiers until he felt that the group was coming to a general agreement on the construction of this new bow and arrow, as the need for a matching arrow seemed to arise during the conversation.

At this point, Obacai stepped forward and began pointing out flaws in the design and explaining how these problems might be fixed. The courtiers were immediately intrigued by this nobleman's knowledge in physics, mathematics, carpentry, and projectiles. It was not long before the topic of archery was dropped and replaced by far greater topics. The courtiers continued to be amazed by his wit and charm as he began to give advice in astronomy, weather forecasting, government, and even the art of courting women. This last topic attracted the greatest audience, especially the courtier's daughters who soon became more interested in this new, available man than what he had to say.

That was when Obacai noticed Athos walking the court. Not certain whether or not Athos would want to be seen with him, Obacai continued to speak for a time before excusing himself on the reason that his throat had become hoarse from speaking and that he would need a drink. Weaving his way toward the drink bar, Obacai found it difficult to make a direct course anywhere without being called by one intellectual or another. He entertained these by answering their questions; more than once he found himself being introduced to a daughter or niece whose attention he had caught earlier.

Some time later, Obacai finally made it to the drink bar. He was not a heavy drinker, but poured himself a small glass of wine more for the show of it than anything. As he drank, Obacai searched the room for Athos, whom he wished to talk to.

 

[Shadowseldil]

The Registrational lobby was teeming with excitement. Many nobles were signing up to take place in lesser tournaments, since most did not qualify for the Tournament of Kings. Most were men, few were dwarves, none were elves. It was a sad time. Atlantis must be revived. It is the only way to save his people.
"Excuse me," said a soft, polite voice behind him. He turned to see a small woman behind him. Her eyes were soft and shining. He smiled lightly.
"Can I help you, milady?" he said nobly.
She giggled softly. "Actually, I was to ask you the same. Is there something you need?"
"I have come to regester in the Tournament of Kings. I was hoping to prove myself as the greatest swordsman of the land."
"Well, the registration is at that counter there. I hope you qualify, though. They're pretty strict about who can register."
"I think I qualify. Perhaps you and I could meet up afterward and discuss it."
The lady smiled, "I would like that. My name is Merideth."
"Call me Maxim."
"Well, Maxim, I have to be here until just before sunset. I'd love to meet you at the Shining Schimtar. It's two blocks down."
"I think I can find it."
"Until then, Maxim."
"Namárië."
Merideth started, blushed, then turned quickly and walked into the crowd.

"Name, please?" said a dull-looking man in a dull voice.
"Maxim Essë"
"Providence?" in the same voice.
"Garodak, beyond the Ragnor Mountains."
The bored-looking man suddenly looked unbored. "Really, we don't have any record of regions up there. What is the name of your region?"
"Furu, and the city is Osto."
"Mm. Well, uh, is there anyway you can prove your, uh, nobility?"
The man rolled up his left sleeve to reveal a gauntlet. It looked like vines woven together, but more beautiful for one, and golden for another. "Young man," he said in a majestic voice, "Do you think a commoner would have these?"
The receptionist whistled at the armlets, and quickly rifled through papers. "My apologies, lord Essë. I will have you registered immediately. Once we take care of the registration fee, that is."
"Of course. Here." Lord Essë set a pouch on the table. "This will be more than enough to cover any fees. Just put the remainder in the prize money. I will likely have it returned to me that way, and if I do not, I did not deserve it."
"Yes, sir," said the young man, as he saw and heard the quantity of gold inside. "These are very valuable coins, you know."
"Yes, I am well aware," he said with a diobolical grin. "I expect nothing but the best when I travel."
Before he left, he found Merideth. "Merideth, do me a favor, please. I am looking for a friend. He stands about yea tall, with (((I really have no idea what Atlas looks like, so I guess unless Drama tells me otherwise, I'ma gonna makeitupa.))) bright eyes and black hair. He has a certain look of royalty about him."
"Is he going to re regestering for the Tournament of Kings also?"
"Yes, he will be. It has been so long since he has seen me and I want to surprise him. Just find out where he is staying for me, please?"
"Of course, Maxim, and mum's the word about you. I'll keep it a surprise."
"Thank you, Merideth. Until tonight?"
"Until tonight."

 

[dramaking]

ooc: I feel I should say this, as this is medieval you really probably don't know what Atlas looks like.
Besides the fact he has cut his hair and shaved his beard and there are countless six foot one's with bright eyes and black hair. You won't be able to find him in the tournament, but if you must, I can narrow it down to the Viscount and the mercenary who look most like him. It would be to easy for him to just see him and fight him.

 

[sampson x]

((Hey, Boxers, I think Drama didn't see your post, but he told me that you should probably eventually make your way to Byros province where my char, Gavin, is. That way we can get them back to get ready for the attack on Amoria. Don't forget to continue recruiting for your knighthood. Hope I'm not crossing the line, Drama))

 

[dramaking]

ooc: Thanks sampson I'll post soon...trying to think about my next move

 

[WhiteLily]

ooc: Finally there is somewhere I can get on, but, I have nothing to post! Grrr... This is fuzzlestrating.

 

[dramaking]

ooc: I apologize for the short post

ic:

Athos had followed Obacai to the bar, he had made it clear so far that Obacai had travelled with him, and so continued this,

"Hello again, I see you have baffled the great minds of Avalon already, as I had said you wield a wit greater than all but the king. I noticed the ladies around you, did any catch you eye?"

He said this to be heard by all around as much as to be heard by Obacai. It was his own "subtle" way of announcing his entrance.

He had been a favorite of the court and was giving Obacai a formal recognision.

 

[sampson x]

Obacai followed Athos' lead once he caught on that they were basically to make a scene of themselves, "Oh, you say too much, Athos. I should be the one praising you! But as for the fine ladies of the court, I must say there are a few that caught my fancy, some I thought might even be fit for you!" With this, Obacai jabbed Athos with his elbow playfully, "I believe that the fair daughter of Count Hobarte would be quite a lovely match for yourself."

Obacai made sure not actually speak on his feelings toward any of the girls himself, for though he enjoyed their company and could play the part, he was not entirely in the hunt for a fine lady.

 

[dramaking]

Athos smiled at the speed of his friends wit, he was exaggerating with his statements but it was not that great of one.

"Perhaps my friend, perhaps. It was very good to see you. I apologize for my ubruptness but I am needed at the Registration office for the tournament. Perhaps you would do me the honor of dinner? I shall invite young countess if you bring a companion of your own."

This last comment he knew may be a bit cold, but Athos needed Obacai to fall into the position of a courtier and that was a nessecity. Besides the young man needed to get out occassionally.

The office was extremely full, he quietly gauged the skill level of each man that passed him. Only about five struck him as a challenge. As he reached the bored-looking man he stopped.

"I am enlisting in the Tournament of Kings my dear sir."

"What Province?"

"Iraseil, though my family hails from Byros."

The bored-looking man dropped his boredom in exchange for aggravation

"From where do you hail your nobility?"

"My cousin is the late Duke of Byros, Landreus the Orator. My own family married into the nobility of Iraseil, I share blood by marriage to Queen Jamirene."

The once bored now aggravated man suddenly looked frightened

"Your not, Master Vendeiris? Oh I am most sorry my lord, most sorry indeed of course..."

"Don't let it happen again."

So saying dropped two extremely large bags of gold on the table.

"That should cover my entry, and what is not needed you may keep. But I may need some, er services..."

"Of course sir, of course whatever you need, I am you humple servant sir...."

So saying Athos left for his dinner with the charming
Marie Hobarte

 

[Shadowseldil]

Daethalion sat under a large tree on the shore. He gazed out to the sea, so vast and menacing it looked. He shuttered; things he could not control made him nervous, but the thrill of them made living worth while. Some day, the sea itself would bow to his whim. He would learn to control it somehow, not so he could control it, but just to be able to do it.
His epee rested comfortably in his hand as naturally as one of his fingers. He looked at the small dot of crimson on his left index finger. He frowned; the spot was almost faded. He cletched the sword and drove its point over the point on his finger. He smiled grimly. Yes, it hurt, but this pain was the only pain he felt. Ever since he honed and mastered his skill with the epee, not another weapon has ever touched him. In some ways, the pain felt, good.
He took the point out of his finger. The speck of scarlet returned, full flush. He rubbed the blood with his thumb, but the point grew no bigger. He sighed. Life was growing somewhat meaningless for him. What was the point of going forward? Where was the challenge? Well, there was always the sea.
Nevermind that. He had other things to worry about. There was Atlas, then, Atlantis. Once the great realm was revived, free from the power of men, the world would be his to do as he pleased. Perhaps then he could find meaning.