RPG The Lion War Revolution

[Zidargh]

[size=1][color=darkblue]Well here it finally is, the beginning to the (Hopefully anticipated) [i]Lion War Revolution[/i] RPG. If any more members are interested and are willing to participate, the Recruitment thread is still open so I await any more participants. Just make sure that when I have noticed your application, you create a logical entrance.

I'd also like to thank all members who have signed-up to be a apart of this RPG, I found them all logical and were appropriate to the storyline. Let us begin ^_~.

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[b][i][center]''...and here we are.
The rebels.
Or so we're named.
Exiled for serving our Kingdoms.
No respect.
Nobody listens.
We only have one goal.
To live the triumph of what we overcome,
To reunite the belief as 'The Ramza Batallion'.''[/center][/i][/b]


It was a beautiful day at present. The entire world had not suffered from any dismal weather that may hinder attitudes of the populous, it was a new start to the Spring. Over the past years, the world had suffered enough rains that could cleanse the entire blood drenched fields as a consequence of [i]The Lion War[/i]. It was definitely a good omen as a sign of a successful harvest for the [b]Civil Grounds[/b]. Trade was almost guaranteed to thrive at date, there could be no scholar to question the beliefs of th world today. So it was with this, the world awakened to face another day under the rule of the [b]Kelost Empire[/b]. However, there were exceptions...

Within the surroundings of forests and other habitats to known animals, there sat the mediocre sized building that housed the allegiance of the [b]Ramza Battalion[/b]. Underneath this appearance of an 'isolated house' would exist the underground network of the [b]Ramza Batallion Headquarters[/b], the center of operations for the rebel group. However, the bustle of importance had not yet awakened, it was only breakfast time, the most important meal of the day. Of course the morale of the rebels had to be kept.

The cafeteria was full to the brim of every single rank that was on standby within the [b]Ramza Battalion[/b]. The cosy alcove that held the cafeteria was bestowed with a rustic decor to it. Large portraits that hung containing images of heroes who served their role in the [i]Lion War[/i] were placed all over the walls of the cafeteria, just to act as a reminder for why the rebels were here. Of course, the most valuable of all paintings was hung above the large fireplace. Underneath the Brass frame would be a small wooden plaque that took the role as a caption of the painting...

[center][i]Ramza Beoulve.
Aged thirty eight.
''You will always be remembered in our hearts and souls.''[/i][/center]

It wasn't much but it was a powerful sign of respect for the founder of the battalion.

Bold voices shook the halls of the cafeteria while they were put into a contrast as screeching laughter from the females pierced all th sound barriers within earshot. For having just awoken, the battalion was definitely lively. The kitchen housed the routine Chemists of the battalion, using their encountered Herbs, the Chemists could certainly create a wholesome dish. So within the dimly-lit cafeteria, it was certainly a succesful beginning to the day.

Leo stood in line patientley with his newly acquired, wooden tray. If there was anything that Leo could not live without, it would be seconds of every meal. Smiling at the portrait of the Ramza, Leo found he was halting the queue for breakfast. After many attained groans from men and women, Leo was pushed in front of a large man who seemed to have a combined structure of fat and muscle, definitely a person you would not like to meet at night in the Dockyards. From his strong exterior housed a kind hearted and soft minded soul, his name was not 'Mighty Bruce', nor 'Mad Max', but he was in fact known as 'Little Ted'.

Ted was the Head Chef of the Ramza Battalion, noone knew why he didn't join arms with his comrades on the battlefield, but if you ever questioned this wonder you'd always get the same cliche, ''Meals are the only source of morale in these days!'' This was normally followed by a husky hysterical laugh of which Ted generally fell over in the process.

''Morning Leo! What'd it be!?'' Called Ted even though there was only a meter long bar that seperated him and Leo. He was well reknown for his rational behaviour.

''Bah!'' Leo jumped aback at the sound of Ted's voice. ''Well what's this morning's special?''

''Well I was in the mood for burning things. So you've got what I call [i]Moogle's Delight[/i]!'' Ted grinned as he poured some grotesque looking slops into a ceramic bowl for Leo.

Looking at the produce in front of him, Leo stared dazed at what he was given. ''Um, thanks... I think.'' Leo said softly, still mesmerised as he walked out of the queue.

''You've gotta have ya vitamins kiddo!'' Ted screamed in laughter as he fell backward onto the floor, disturbing all the ceramics as they fell to the bar.

Leo searched for about five minutes to see if he could scrape away a surface to sit on for breakfast, however, it felt as if it was more of a struggle to be seated than polish a weapon. After sitting next to what seemed like a couple of Ninjas conversing across the table, Leo grabbed a spoon and began to play with his food. This was while he amused himself listening to recent battle tales and acquirements of what the ninjas stole from the Kosalt Empire. These old exaggerated stories were always followed by adoration from squires that longed to train for a certain class. Leo began to feel superior as he expanded his chest to try and cause his Lieutenant medal to catch attention, but this was in vein.

After finally building up the bravery to try the slops, Leo threw the spoon to the ground, lifted the bowl, and poured the 'Moogles' [i]Delight[/i]' down his throat. ''Not bad.'' He thought himself as he began to enjoy the fruity substance. After finishing off the breakfast, Leo sat at the bench fully nourished as he looked around to find anyone he knew specifically. Leo's social life always came first.
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OOC: So it begins. ^_~[/color][/size]

[Raiha]

[COLOR=royalblue][i]Vastus knew she was being watched, even though she was only traveling south....by herself...wearing the attire of a dancer. Maybe it was time to buy a cloak. The stares were starting to get annoying. A band of little girls charged past her. Nearly knocking her into a fruit vendor's stand. She took the oppertunity to skirt a corner, through an alley, and into the nearest dark pub type establishment. Once inside, she took a seat in the darkest corner, watching the traffic to and from the door. She pulled her scarf off and folded it around her left wrist. Someone walked in, a tall soldier with a girl hanging on his arm.

She rolled her eyes and looked down at the worn table top. The waitress came by and took her order. The funny look after she ordered white wine was less than reassuring. She sighed and waved her hand off, muttering something about a pint of beer. A few minutes later, she drank it slowly, eyes traveling around the room. Could she have missed it? No. Not yet.

He walked in. Tall as well, foreboding. She sat down in her chair, but he walked right over. She tightened her grip on the beaded dancing scarf. He sat down, ordered a beer, then watched her. He rested his hands on the table.[/i]

"You wern't that hard to follow...you know."

"Maybe I wanted you to follow me."

"Vastus."

"......"

"I have a job for you."

"I'm not interested."

"It's far south.....in Ramza."

"They actually need entertainment?"

"Everyone does these days."

"......what's the payment?"

"You'll see. I know you were going there anyways. I also know who you killed."

[i]She showed no emotion, but upon closer inspection, the veins in her hands were starting to stand out. She contemplated bowling the table over and trampling his face, but resisted the urge. A chance to get paid for going south wouldn't be as bad as she had feared.[/i][/COLOR]

[terra]

Rydia swallowed and kept her head up as she walked away from the ebullient ?Little Ted,? possibly one of the most interesting misnomers she?d heard so far. It wasn?t that she was [i]scared[/i] of the incredibly busy Ramza Battalion cafeteria, or anything. Of course not. She was just ? new. And, she reasoned with herself, it was always hard to start something new, particularly when it involved what seemed like thousands of other people who were all, well, warriors ?

Rydia shook her head clear of her thoughts and looked around for somewhere to sit. The place was incredibly busy, as usual. She wished fleetingly that she knew more people in this battalion, particularly more girls. Sometimes she felt like there was so much testosterone in the place that she might absorb some of it by accident. She glanced around and saw a table full of girls, who were giggling and screeching in tones that should?ve broken her glass of orange juice into pieces. Even Rydia did not want female company that badly.

Sighing, Rydia headed for a table that had just been abandoned by a group of ninjas who were still exchanging battle stories. There was still someone sitting there, but it was impossible to find a perfectly empty table anyway. Rydia compromised by sitting down as far away from him as possible.

She examined her bowl full of mush. Interesting. ? Was that ? an [i]ear[/i]?!

?It?s not that bad,? a voice came from across the table. ?Trust me.?

Rydia looked up at the other person occupying her table.

?Look, I finished mine,? he said, tipping his empty bowl for her to see. ?I?m alive.? He grinned.

Rydia smiled, trying to mask her shyness with politeness, and took a sip of the so-called Moogle?s Delight. She swallowed. And grimaced.

? ?Not that bad?? ? she questioned him, an eyebrow raised. The man laughed and held out his hand.

?I?m Leo,? he said, sliding over to sit across from her.

Shaking his hand, she replied, ?I?m Rydia.?

?New here?? Leo said. ?I haven?t seen you around.?

?Yeah, I just got here a couple of weeks ago, and I still feel like I haven?t quite settled in,? she answered. Just then, she caught sight of his Lieutenant?s medal and was shocked into a nervous silence. She was only a private ? Were privates even [i]allowed[/i] to talk to Lieutenants? ?

?Well, you?ll fall in soon enough,? Leo responded with a smile. ?It?s a welcoming place, really.?

Avoiding the ear in her bowl as she took another spoonful of her mush, Rydia hoped he spoke the truth.

[The Harlequin]

[font=gothic][color=indigo][I]The wind was bitterly cold, but Kattarin was well used to ignoring it. She stood exposed, low daylight arcing down from the heavens to kiss her pale brow, and the rays bounced unconceredly off, leaving her skin almost incandescent, even in morning's first struggles. The sun did nothing to warm her, but she truly doubted it would even were it midday. The vista in front of her was one of a windswept, high-grassed plain. She absently ran her long-fingered, thin hands, so well graced by breeding and training, over her wild hair, that so well mimicked the land in front of her. She turned back, the monastery she had spent the last few years rearing up in front of her, cold brown stone that was so much warmer than the surrounding world.

The well-mounted gate was still open, a single figure in a homespun, simple robe slowly walked out to meet her. She looked upon the man with whom she had shared her life with for so long, who had taken her away from her old drudgry sheathed in splendour, and was not sad. For he smiled at her, his older, world-wisened eyes, still dancing with that spark that had first shocked her so long ago, bade her all his love, and he felt no bitterness that she left him.

Truly told, she left for him. For their union, while sanctioned, could not yet be truly ratified. Not until she returned. A last pilgrimage, before a journey she had no idea how to face, one that she relished more than any other.

The man known as the Wyvern reached her, and placed a light, dexterous hand on her shoulder. The touch warmed her entire body, his eyes warmed her soul. He simply looked at her a moment, before he brought her close in a warm embrace. His arms never tremored, he never betrayed some last weakening doubt, for he knew none. He knew her, and trusted her integrity, in all matters. His journey had lead him to her, her journey must now lead back to him. All circles must be closed. Kattarin at last took a step back, let her enigmatic smile convey all words that didn't really need to be said anyway, and turned. They walked away from each other, a smile on each face, glowing confidence in each heart.

The Wyvern's road returned him to his eyrie, and a watchful tower in which to wait. Kattarin's road was forged over sweeping grasslands. Clouds brewed in the air over the horizon, the plain taking on a dark aspect that pleased her to no end. For even as her long, raven hair remained complacently chaotic, her life would reflect all aspects of existance, and leave her truly worthy of her paramour.

She walked calmly through the long vegetation, her destination borne of convenience rather than design. She went south, because north there only lay the roof of the world. Fate would decide whether that instinct or that happenstance would undo her. She would decide if that instinct or that happenstance truly finished her maturity.[/font][/color][/I]

[Desbreko]

[color=indigo][i]I could swear that's violating some sort of noise restriction,[/i] Arik thought as he waited in line for breakfast, trying not to cringe at the screeching coming from a nearby table.

"Hey, Whitey, soup's up!"

Arik smiled wryly at the nickname, and held out his bowl to be filled. "You know I hate that name," he said. "But thanks anyway for the breakfast...Teddy."

"Oooh, I'll get ya for that one!" Ted bellowed as Arik turned away to find somewhere to sit. The pickings were sparse this morning, but if at all possible, Arik wanted to sit far, far away from the screeching girls.

[i]A simple Mute spell--that's all it would take,[/i] he thought as he passed by the table and headed to the other side of the room. [i]Well, at least there's a table with only a couple people at it.[/i]

Sitting down without even a glance at the other two people, other than acknowledging that they were there, he began to eat his breakfast. Staring down into the bowl, he ate spoonful after spoonful with a constant rhythm, not even noticing the strange look he was being given from the girl at the other end of the table.

"Did you even notice what was in that?" The voice finally came, and Arik looked up.

"No, not really. Food is food; it keeps you going. Taste is merely a side effect."

"You really think that way?" the girl asked.

Arik shrugged. "I've tasted worse," he said before draining the last of the bowl.

"Not much fazes you, does it, Arik?" A new voice, this one from Lieutenant Leo Tantosen, sitting across from the girl.

"Ah, Lieutenant," Arik said as he did a small salute with his spoon, twirling it between his fingers as he would his staff. "Indeed, not much." With an abrupt change of subject, he said, "So who's the new girl? I haven't seen you around before."

"I'm Rydia, um...sir?"

Arik chuckled as he stood up to shake Rydia's hand. "Captain Arik Farrel--Arik will do fine, though." And, for the first time since he sat down, he cracked a smile. "Nice to meet you."

Leo again, with a reassuring voice and a grin to match. "See, friendly people."[/color]

[Zidargh]

[size=1][color=darkblue]Leo always had a sense of warmth in his heart whenever a successful conversation had occurred, in which this was often followed by a tingling sensation that often reminded him of another purpose for why he was here, it was still obvious that Leo longed for closure on Ramza's teachings.

Looking up from the fireplace to see a bold portrait of Ramza Beoulve, Leo picked up his bowl and spoon simultaneously to carry them over to the dirty ceramics and cutlery. Immediately Leo looked down towards Arik and Rydia who seemed to be conversing quietly in which they followed his gaze at both of them.

''Well Rydia, Arik. I guess I'm going to go outside for a bit, I have to make use of [i]free time[/i] these days, not like it comes round every often.'' Leo giggled after stating a subtle joke. Obviously the others did not understand it. ''If you need me I'll be in the woods, but I wont venture too far, I dont want to be caught in the wrath of the [i]Moogles[/i]. Oh and dont forget, in half an hour there's a military briefing, I presume I'll see you all there.''

Leo then walked off laughing as Arik and Rydia smiled wryly from the disbelief of Leo's humor. After placing the ceramics and cutlery into a bowl full of dirty slops, he then jogged out of the warm cafeteria into the nearest door which adjoined to the surrounding field.

The sun was glistening incredibly brightly this morning, or so Leo thought. And it was with this he took a deep breath to fulfill his desire for some fresh air with the scent of morning dew. The sun kissed fields swayed with the gentle breeze which allowed further vision of distant locations because of the sillhouetted contrast.

Looking towards the grasslands through the narrow gaps between the trees, Leo began to sign. ''Hmm, I guess we'll be out there today.'' With this Leo turned into a little alcove that was shaded from the overgrown canopy. Pine cones could always be smelt in weather such as this and nearby squirrels and other wildlife were not afraid to make contact with the larger creatures. This was unusual considering deer were to head for the nearest water supply which normally made the ground tremble and scare off the smaller wildlife.

After picking up some neatly cut logs, Leo headed over to an open, wooden box which acted as the foundation for the firewood stock pile. As uncomfortable as the wood became, Leo immediately threw the wood in the box and shut it harshly. Tapping on the box, Leo turned to find Rydia had made a seat within a longer patch of grass while Arik was heading towards him. Within speaking distance, the two began to converse.

''Looking forward to it Lieutenant?'' Arik placed his hand on his head to scratch off an annoying itch.

''Looking forward to what?'' Leo questioned in great curiosity, had it been something he missed?

''Well obviously we're going to be leaving here sometime today. I believe the campaign is bound to begin. '' Arik having fended off the itch, leant against the large box containg the wood stockpile.

''Oh, yeah. I was thinking the same thing. I suppose we dont have a choice, but its an adventure I suppose. That Rydia looks like she could become a great asset dont you think Captain?'' Leo turned towards Rydia was humming a gentle harmony while trying to catch a colourful butterfly.

''We'll just have to find out I suppose.'' Arik grumbled as the itch had returned. Looking up, Leo squinted at the sight of the sun.[/color][/size]

[James]

[center][i]"Winds sweep over the rolling fields,
Finally the reckoning comes,
This is where Kelost yields."[/i][/center]

[color=#707875]Fortitude Forest had never been so disturbed by wind and rain, as it had been that night. The wind had turned the trees into flexible whips, which lashed each other violently for hours on end. And the rain had attacked the canopy with undying ferocity; the water droplets like bullets, piercing through the leaves and pummeling the soft dirt below.

Everything under the canopy knew of the storm. Its reach extended everywhere. Even the little treehouse -- hidden somewhere in the forest -- experienced the storm's ferocity. The bamboo struts that held the little house shook and rattled as the wind bore down on the canopy overhead. Despite the punishment that the house's thickly-matted straw-and-bamboo roof was taking, the interior was relatively quiet. It was a nice little place. It felt like home. A little kitchen, with table and chairs carved from wood. A little bathroom and a little bedroom. Even a balcony, jutting out from one side. It wasn't much, but it was comfortable. And for Clavat Bunel, it was truly his home.

Indeed, the loft was one of Clavat's few pleasures in life. For a year, he'd been working under the Ramza Batallion. And a year before, he'd been a bounty hunter. It wasn't an easy life. And, much to his father's dismay, he had become a known outlaw in the Kelost Empire. His father, Cerion-Gall Bunel, wasn't interested so much in his son's reputation. He was more interested in how his son's reputation may affect business in the Empire.

Despite his hardships, Clavat considered himself to be a well-rounded individual. He'd made his own home in the forest, he'd made good friends in the Batallion and most importantly, he was doing good work for the planet. And through it all, he'd not been tempted by quick wealth. He'd not succumbed to the gold trade as his father had. Clavat had refused his father's business and had left in the cover of night, without any forewarning. Cerion-Gall was surprised, but the surprise was soon overcome by indifference. Perhaps even happiness; now he had one less expense.

Clavat hadn't slept well that night. His dreams were vivid and powerful. They often spoke of great tragedy -- of everything he knew disappearing forever. Suddenly, he woke in a cold sweat. He rubbed his face and reluctantly dragged himself out of bed. At one end of Clavat's little bedroom was a door that led directly to the kitchen. On the other side, a pair of bamboo double doors opened out onto a small balcony. Even though it was raining outside, Clavat pushed the doors open and stepped onto the balcony.

The cool rain splashed against his face and the wind snaked through his hair. Almost instantly, he had forgotten the dream. He'd forgotten his troubles. And then he remembered that tomorrow, he needed to be at the batallion headquarters for an important meeting. At that very same moment, Clavat realized that he hadn't packed a single thing. He also wondered if his Chocobo (which was tied to the base of a tree underneath the house) would be able to make the journey, given that its feathers must have been soaking wet.

Clavat decided to go back to sleep. It was no good mulling over the negative things that might happen. Besides, Clavat needed sleep if he was going to be fresh for the meeting next morning.[/color]

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Note: Due to the lateness of my post, this event (my current post) takes place the night before the meeting. So when you guys have the meeting, you can include Clavat...because he'll have arrived by the time it starts. ~_^

[The Harlequin]

[font=gothic][color=indigo]Kattarin's walk was unhurried, a part of her never wanted to leave this sea of grass, a comforting eternity that left her so irrelevant, so free of all else, that it could be nothing other than total freedom. But her wishes went unheeded, and the softly swaying vegetation gave way to a wide, paved road, though it started again on the other side. But that rent in the immensity...Left her aching with some vast, inexpressible melancholy.

She sighed in sweet regret, her emotions clouding her mind, how strange that she abandoned years of discipline so easily. But this was life...emotion was part of it. She turned away from her thoughts, and started along the road, again going south. The sky was still dark, the clouds overhead the huge, billowing masses that stretched away to forever. Kattarin smiled at the sky, revelling in her unique lonliness, the knowledge that she was truly free still.

Her walk took only half an hour before darkness fell truly. She continued along heedless, her destination a newly found light somewhere along the path. Most likely some other erstwhile traveller, perhaps one to share a campsite with for a night. She debated the intelligence of walking into a stranger's arms at night without any prior knowledge, and decided that a little risk would be if not precedented, all things considered, at least understandable.

About fifty metres away from the flickering light, she stepped off the road, crawling through the grass until she could see the campsite's occupant.

A single woman reclined beside a low fire, her face luminous in the flames. Her expression was rather wistful, as if some long-treasured but sad memory crossed her mind at the moment. She dressed in leathers, and her long, almost white hair cascaded over her shoulders. Kattarin sidled back, retracing her path until she was again on the road. Boldly, she strode along, entering the radius of light without slowing her pace. The woman, startled, looked up, hands flashing down to a weapon belt Kattarin had missed in her observation. She relaxed instantly however, apparently unconcerned by a single unarmed female. She rose to her feet, crossing around the firepit slowly. Kattarin, despite her unthreatening stance and actions, kept herself tense, noting her trained reactions.

The woman stopped a pace away, examing Kattarin closely. Kattarin lifted her chin, unwilling to let herself seem weak this first day of freedom. The woman smiled slightly, and gestured to the flames behind her.[/I]

"Sit down. You won't get much further this night, not in this cold."

[I]Shocked by this hospitality, though half-hoping for it, she did so. Looking at her "host". The woman returned to her former position, eyeing Kattarin in what appeared to be amusement.[/I]

"You haven't been doing this long, have you?"

Kattarin: I've been in a monastery the past few years. Before that..I was a socialite's daughter.

"Sheltered child, walking around these grasslands at night."

Kattarin: You live here?

"Every now and then. It suits me. But why do you come here?"

Kattarin: My name is Kattarin Quisanth. I'm here because my monastery is north of here, and I leave for a journey that will prepare me for the final initation rites.

"Ah. You're with the Fades."

[I]It was said with almost venom.[/I]

Kattarin: You know them?

"Know them? I was one of them. I left on my journey, as did you, and found that I didn't want to return. They dragged me back, basically. I lasted a year before I escaped."

[I]Kattarin, shocked at both the information, and that her order would do such a thing, took a while to associate the information with a story she'd heard in early training, in those whispers that travelled after dark, away from authority.[/I]

Kattarin: You...you're the Night Hunter!

"You say it like it's an accusation. But yes, I believe they called me that. You, however, can call me Ayrael."

Kattarin: But...why? Why did you leave?

Ayrael: You haven't experienced true freedom yet girl. Give it a few months, and you'll understand. I somehow doubt you'll go back either.

Kattarin: But I..have someone waiting for me...The Wyvern.

Ayrael: Qyrain? You have [I]Qyrain[/I] waiting for you?

Kattarin: You know...what wrong with...that's his name?

Ayrael: Confused, aren't we. I know him, he's my brother. Yes, that is his name. As for what is wrong with him....Don't ask. Just let me say my opinion of him, always low, wasn't even lowered by the fact that it was him that dragged me back.

[I]She seemed likely to say more, but Kattarin motioned her to silence, shaking her head, trying to absorb all this information, the shock recognition from a complete, chance-met stranger. At last, she lay back, completely confused. Ayrael chucked metallically, and absently threw some more wood on the fire.[/I]

Ayrael: Sleep it off girl. It'll make more sense in the morning.

[i]Kattarin sat up, nodded, and pulled her bedroll out of her pack, and lay down, close to the fire. She closed her eyes, determinedly ignoring everything she'd heard. Was she really ready for this world, when one day out all her perceptions were being challenged?[/font][/color][/I]

[Raiha]

[COLOR=royalblue][i]His name was Bernen. A Mercenary, hired to find her and bring her to the Ramza territory. If he could not find her, he would die. And if he did find her, and she resisted, he would kill her. Were they really that hard pressed for entertainment?

She smiled to herself and adjusted her clothes. Her scarf was back where it belonged, around her back and elbows. He escorted her quietly and courteously.....obviously practicing the rules of chivalry for the time being. Vastus let him take her arm, feeling the gallantry at its finest. As they travelled, more than one odd look was thrown their way. Years of performing had tempered her features to remain calm.[/i]

Beren: How long have you been a dancer?

Vastus: Since I could lift the scarf.

Beren: ...family buisness?

Vastus: Family sold me into the buisness.

Beren: Oh.

[i]The continued. Several days later, they were closer to their destination, and Vastus was feeling slightly attatched to her travelling companion. Not healthy in the least. She pushed her feelings aside and kept moving.[/i][/COLOR]

[terra]

Rydia's thoughts were gentle as she finally caught the butterfly in between her fingers. Rydia smiled to feel the softness of its gossamer wings as they beat against her fingers.

She let the butterfly go in her surprise when a small white creature popped out from behind a tree. "Mogri?" she said.

"Kupo!" the little moogle hissed, and looked behind her with apprehension. Rydia glanced back as well, and saw Leo and Arik in conversation. Knowing how shy the moogles were, Rydia chuckled and reassured him, "Oh, don't worry about them."

The moogle didn't seem to take her words to heart, though, staying warily half-hidden behind the tree. "Kupo kuppopo," it said, and though Rydia didn't understand the words, she felt some undercurrent of alarm run through her. The tiny moogle looked agitated, as if it was trying to warn her of something. She didn't know exactly what moogles did in their spare time or what magical secrets they knew; they weren't what you'd call an open species. But though they were fiercely private, they were friendly with some humans, and Rydia had always felt a special kinship and trust for Mogri.

"What's wrong, Mogri?" she asked, lowering her voice unconsciously. "What is it?"

The moogle opened its mouth, but then cast a final frightening look towards her and disappeared behind the tree. Rydia heard footsteps and turned to see Leo and Arik just behind her.

"Are you ready for the military briefing?" Leo asked. "It's just about time."

Rydia sighed and stood. She desperately wanted to know what Mogri had been trying to warn her of, but by now she knew he was surely back in hiding in the forest. "Yes, let's go," she said.

[conpiracymonki]

[size=1][b]Two days ago...[/b]

The partially open inn door gave a little whine, and then swung open in a loud show of windy force. Gael allowed himself to be dragged out of his deep sleep of empty nothings and opened a weary eye to the warm candlelit downstairs bar-room. No-one; just the wind. He closed his slumber-interrupted eye again, turned a little in the cushioned far back corner of the room, and strained once more to drift off to his little land of fantasies.

The door slammed shut, and though this time he did not show any physical reaction to the sounds of the creaking hinge and the whip-like finale, Gael had surely heard its blurry echoing. Wherever his mind was at that moment of half-awakenness; somewhere in that plane of ethereality.

Within a short (yet seemingly long) time, Gael was fully unconcious. And in his mind, vivid and disturbing colourful images fluttered and flew around freely. His head began to fill itself with self-poisoning thoughts of venomous despair. Thoughts of screams and blood. He had been waiting his parents' arrival at the inn for days on end now; why had they not come yet? Illegible letters of excuse.. all sorts of explanations rushed through him. Pictures of a smiling couple.. what did his parents even look like?

Gael shot out of his 'bed', the cosy little beer-stained back-corner cushion, and frantically looked about his environment. As he gathered enough sense to realize where he was and what time of the early morning it was, he sat back down in his corner with a single thought in his mind.

Were they even going to arrive?[/size]

[Zidargh]

[size=1][color=darkblue] Before the trio set off past the stockpile and into the protruding door, Leo noticed Rydia staring at the ground very quietly in which this was obviously not like her at all. For however long they had known eachother, maybe four hours, Rydia was making her emotions more and more obvious after every second that had past. Arik looked up at Leo and gave a wryly smile that indicated that the awkward silence had to be broken.

''Oh. Are you okay Rydia?'' Leo asked gently as a tone of reassurance, but there was no reply. Rydia continued to stare at a single blade of grass due to the clashing of confusion and curiosity. However she immediately forgot these negative feelings as an object with a point poked her on a pressure point underneath the shoulder blade. However it was only a finger, but Rydia from shock thought otherwise.

''Ow! What was that for!?'' Rydia jumped up in the air in shock which had changed to anger as she landed when she immediately stared at the tall duo.

''Erm you've been standing there for the past two minutes. The meetings about to begin you know?'' Arik firmly stated sarcastically which appeared to be a necessity for Rydia to understand.

''Oh... OH! I'm sorry!'' Rydia screamed and smiled to try and forget what had just occurred. ''Let us get going!''

As the trio headed over to the rustic wooden door that seemed isolated from any wildlife whatsoever, Leo heard something stampeding through the woods. As Arik held the door open for Rydia to pass through, Leo had halted to find what was causing the hectic riot within the forest. However, Arik immediately found it was his place to head over to the Briefing Room and had already slammed the door behind him. After the distant rustling of shrubs had ended, Leo caught sight of a yellow bird charging towards him. This bird was carrying something, it looked like baggage of some sort.

As the bird neared and the leaves showered the grass, Leo noticed that the yellow animal was a Chocobo and a well known friend of his was riding with a face of anxiety. It was Clavat Bunel, Sergeant in the [b]Ramza Batallion[/b]. However, their friendship ignored the need for ranks. As Clavat neared Leo, the Chocobo halted, throwing Clavat off and onto Leo's feet. Immediately Leo picked Clavat off and allowed him to brush himself down.

''Sergeant Clavat Bunel, you're late!'' Leo stared down at Clavat in a stern of authority. This continued on for a few more seconds until the two broke into laughter, Leo in a bold laughter while from the exercise, Clavat have off a simultaneous huskey laugh.

''Oh hello Leo. I don't think it's appropriate for us to talk now, let's head to the meeting.'' Clavat signalled towards the door in which the two opened at a fast rate and ran through the dark tunnels of the headquarters.

As the duo neared the central room, they noticed that there was a large discussion already taking place, however it was only casual. The Briefing Room was of a similar appearance tp the cafeteria, however it was much larger. Lit, hanging candles gave off light that gave a sense of warmth and security, while large banners that were embroidered in red and gold notified anyone who entered that this room was of great importance. Rows upon rows of chairs had already been laid out and taken as the men of the Ramza Batallion sat and conversed. At the very back of the Briefing Room was a raised platform with a fixated pedestal for where the highest of ranks would bried the men. However there were more chairs in fewer numbers that seemed throne like for the higher of ranks to sit.

Two armed dragoons adjascent to either end of the large, open doorway stared outwards awaiting for Leo and Clavat to enter. There were only two seats left and one empty space behind the pedestal had not yet been filled. It seemed that everyone was awaiting the duo. Leo ran onto the raised platform and sat himself between to men of a much older age. This was while Clavat seated himself in front of the raised platform. Each seat was reserved for every rank, in which a plaque in all of the chairs was fitted to indicate who would sit. This room was more like a hall than anything else as seats of over 800 sky rocketed outwards from the platform, everyone taken.

As the duo seated themselves, the Dragoon guards closed the double doors and everything went quiet. Ever man and woman stared towards the pedestal, awaiting for the highest ranking officer to enter. Leo felt out of place as he was the youngest Lieutenant within the battalion. To his right was Bagalt Naval, a very respective officer who had been with the Ramza Battalion ever since he founding of it. And to his left was Sagen Twan, the most battle ready female officer that had ever existed in the batallion. Each were wearing respective robes which led to more of an outcast feel for Leo as he only wore his foundation of his battle gear.

After the examination, a hidden rustic door to the right of the platform quickly opened, shedding light from within the window infested room. The outline of light gaveway to a man who appeared to be in his late forties, with a mop of long blue hair that was tied into a pony tail with large platts, this was tied with a red ribbon. Each platt had been carefully made. Also on this man's figure was a large crimson robe that dragged along the floor as he walked engrossed into a small pile of papers that he was carrying. This man was the highest ranking officer, and the heir to Ramza's position, Talramto Konjani.

The entire room was quiet as if a [i]Mute[/i] spell had been cast upon the entire foundations. Leo being careless as he is stared out to pinpoint anyone he knew, he found Clavat still breathing heavily from the journey, Arik frowning in authority as he awaited the briefing while Rydia had already caught sight of his stare and smiled, Leo replied with a large smile until both of them turned as Talramto coughed to prepare for the speech. Looking out to the hallway focusing on every person in the hall moving along the rows over and over again, Talramto opened his mouth to begin to speak.

''I thankyou all for attending today's meeting, it maybe one in a long time for those assigned so listen carefully and appreciate what I have to say. Everyone atteneded punctually apart from a couple of exceptions.'' Talramto spoke loudly in a bold voice as Leo and Clavat stared at eachother and gulped. ''Today is the day that we begin our new campaign, [i]Operation Fate[/i]. As I hope we are all aware of, we are at war with the Kelost Empire. We have suffered enough from the exile and treachory of it's proceedings, therefore we take on the role of the offensive.

Today you will all be assigned to your roles, this base will only act as a mere form of communications and a sanctuary for casualties, if there be any, of course we hope there arent, yet they are bound to occur.

[i]Operation Fate[/i] will consist of its first stages which today you will only know about as we have yet to plan the future as it all depends on the progress. You are to split up into two sections by our counselling's decisions. This two segments are simply what we could technically name the [i]Offensive[/i] and [i]Defensive[/i]. The Defensive consist of positioning yourselves right in the area of the headquarters in case of the incident of infiltration and some will be placed on the borders to decrease the threat of the Empire.

The Offensive however is not split up into roles. Whomever is assigned on the Offensive will take on the role of journeying to the [b]Civil Grounds[/b] as it appears that many a village has been suffering looting and pillaging if they refuse to join with the Empire, it is your role to protect these roles temporarily and then help the villagers and townspeople to seek refuge in this area. It seems like a bold idea but it is our only hope to keep the purpose of our role in our hearts. Remember, these our only temporary roles, however it is the time to act. This war may last longer than the previous one, let us not shorten it by our defeat.

The time of the beginning of this campaign will take place at Dusk tomorrow, not immediately today as some rumors have occurred. I apologise for the short notice however it must be done. Gather whatever is needed for this beginning as our resource depot will not be sent for sometime. We already have renaissance and the first village to be visited is the village named [b]Bankai[/b], very near Wutai. The following officers will contain the lists with their roles and whom they will be taking with them. This should work efficient. These officers that will hold the lists are the ones seated on this platform behind me.

I wish you all good luck and I will see you very soon. Good day.''

Talramto turned silent, suffled his papers and bashed them against the pedestal to create a tidiness in the pile and then hastily set off into the room he appeared out of. A woman with the role of a Calculator gave out a sheet of paper to each officer including Leo in which discussions were abrupt and immediately occurred as some also immediately headed towards a trio of Calculators who acted as Data Handlers for assigning.

Leo looked into his paper hardly picking out the names only of whom he named, he'd find out who else he'd take lead of tomorrow at morning break. The paper was hand written in a very neat font as the names, rank, class and squadron for whom the officer was to take lead of. There were three names that once read, Leo gained a surge of adrenalin and relief as he found out whom he would be journeying with.

[u][b][center]Leo Tantosen ¦ Lieutenant ¦ Knight ¦ Lead of all squadrons[/u]

[i]Clavat Bunel...

Rydia Salayes...

Arik Farrel[/i][/center][/b]

It was made obvious that Leo coul not be bothered to trail off and read the other details so immediately he stood up and glanced at the huge queues of whom the Calculators doubted they could assign.

-----------------

OOC: Important post for whom is the Ramza Batallion at present. ^_~[/color][/size]

[terra]

Rydia filed out of the enormous Briefing Room with the rest of the masses. Just outside, one small man, a Calculator she assumed, was posting up lists of who would be part of which campaign. Rydia raised her eyebrows as almost every member of the Battalion who had not been given a list inside rushed to the lists to see where they were assigned, nearly trampling the poor Calculator in the process. She sighed, and contemplated pushing and shoving among them to see where she was assigned. Not worth it.

Rydia instead headed for the girls' dormitory, and was shortly aware of the occurrence of very high decibel levels behind her. It was the group of giggling girls, who were quickly becoming infamous among all the ranks for their high-pitched voices alone. Rydia smiled uncomfortably as they caught up to her, expecting them to pass her.

"Oh, [i]Rydia[/i], you're so [i]LUCKY[/i]!" gushed one of the blondes, whom Rydia dimly remembered was named Crimson, or something. No, Scarlet, that was it.

"Lucky?" Rydia said. "Why?"

"Didn't you [i]see[/i] the [i]lists[/i]???" Scarlet said, aghast. "How could you not have [i]looked[/i]?? Especially you, I can't [i]believe[/i] it!!"

Rydia's head was beginning to hurt from excessive italics. "Just what didn't I see?" she asked.

"Why, you're on the [i]offensive[/i], my dear girl!" Scarlet screeched. "And not only that -- with [i]Lieutenant Leo Tantosen[/i]!!!"

As if on cue, all of the giggling girls sighed.

Rydia looked at them and wondered if they weren't a little insane. "Leo?" she said. "Well, that's nice."

"[i]THAT'S NICE???[/i]" Scarlet said, almost outraged. Rydia tried to discreetly rub her forehead. "Leo is sooo cute! You're [i]sooo[/i] lucky. We all got put on the [i]defensive[/i]." Murmurs of affirmation and nods from the other girls. Rydia tried not to roll her eyes, seeing the perfect logic in keeping them all close to the Battallion headquarters. Any legion with them in it wouldn't have a chance of a sneak attack. Not to mention the rather larger problem that all the soldiers near them would go crazy.

Nonetheless, they were generally harmless. "I'm sorry," Rydia said sincerely. She tried to think of a reason not to return to the dorms with them. "I think I'll go check the lists for myself now, if you don't mind," she said, and started walking in the opposite direction of them. "You know, make sure it's not some wonderful dream," she added over her shoulder.

When she'd reached the lists the Calculator had posted, she had to scan for quite a while before finding her name. Indeed, there it was, under Leo's name. Rydia smiled.

[James]

[color=#707875]Clavat and Leo exited the busy hall together. They walked through the entrance corridor (past a group of giggling recruits) and stood in the large clearing in front of the HQ.

Leo noticed that Clavat seemed to be a little nervous. "Is something the matter?" he asked.

"Nah, I'm okay," said Clavat. "It's just that this whole mission is kinda sudden, you know? I only just got here, and in a few hours, I'll be setting off again."

Leo smiled. "Such is the life of a Batallion member," he said.

Clavat nodded absently. He looked around them and noticed that there were two large carriages sitting near the HQ entrance. Each carriage was elaborately carved from oak and covered in steel armor shards. A gruff-looking man was standing nearby, presiding over the whole operation. Several other staff were leading Chocobos out of an underground bunker, to attach them to the carriages. This was to be the Batallion's transport to Bankai.

"When we get there, to Bankai, do you think we'll face much opposition?" asked Clavat as he turned to Leo once more.

Leo rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "It's hard to say. The Empire posesses very powerful armies, but I doubt they'll have committed huge resources to Bankai. It's a small village, afterall."

Clavat felt somewhat reassured by this. "You know...we'll be passing my loft on the way there. Maybe I can host a little party for you guys on the way?"

Leo winked. "Yeah, that sounds like fun. It'll keep the troops' nerves calm, for sure."

It hadn't seemed like Clavat had been at the HQ for a long time. But already, the sun was beginning to set. Torches around the HQ were being lit and Batallion staff were beginning to make their way back inside the underground tunnels, for a final dinner before the big operation.

Clavat wandered through the hallway rather slowly. He wasn't keen on joining the rowdy dining hall too quickly. Before going there, he wanted to check on his room. The room was always used by Clavat when he stayed at the HQ. It was his second home. And when he finally came upon it, it looked no different to how he'd left it only a few short weeks ago. In one corner sat a small bed with a little clock on the headboard. A small dresser stood at the other end of the little room and a little table with a chair sat between the bed and the dresser. On the wall, a painting of Ramza Beoulve. It was only a small painting, but it was unique. It had been signed by Ramza himself. And years later, it was given to Clavat as a gift for his promotion. It was the single most valuable object that he owned and some of the younger recruits took time out of their schedules to visit his room and look upon it, whilst he was there.

Clavat walked over to the little ensuite that sat by his room and used [i]Fire[/i] to light a small torch on the wall. He removed his gloves and washed his hands in the oak basin. He stared at himself in the mirror momentarily and was somewhat surprised to see a young man staring back. Clavat didn't feel young anymore. He didn't have time to ponder the issue though, as the ensuite door creaked open slightly. It was Leo. He looked at Clavat earnestly.

"Are you okay?" he asked quietly.

Clavat smiled. "I'm fine. Just...you know...sometimes you need to take a moment to absorb things," he said as he refitted his gloves.

Leo nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's always like that. We're locked in a very difficult struggle right now. It's only going to get more difficult...but I know we'll pull through."

"Yeah, we don't have much choice," said Clavat as he walked past Leo and sat on the bed in the corner.

Leo sat on the small wooden chair nearby and leant forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "That's right, Clavat. We don't have much choice."

Clavat looked away. He didn't meet Leo's gaze. Instead, he focused his attention on the portrait of Ramza.

"It's easy to think that we're fighting for a dead soldier sometimes," said Leo, gesturing toward the portrait. "But that's not really the case. We're fighting for our families here. We're fighting for freedom. I know [i]I[/i] don't want to live under the Empire's thumb until I die." Leo's voice contained a sense of determination when he said this. Even when talking to a friend, Leo couldn't help letting his leadership qualities ebb through.

Clavat finally turned to Leo once more. He smiled a weak smile. "I know, Leo. And it's okay, really. It's just that sometimes I miss certain things. I miss the life I once had..."

Leo sat down next to Clavat and put an arm around his shoulder. "Hey, it's alright," he said softly, "we all feel that way sometimes. It's not wrong to miss having the finer things in life, or to miss a more comfortable existence. I don't know of anyone here who wouldn't rather be somewhere else."

"No, I'd rather be here," said Clavat. "I'd rather be here with my friends. I just wish that things could be different...I wish that I could see my family again."

Leo smiled broadly. "Oh, you will see them again one day, comrade. I know you will."

Clavat stood up and shook Leo's hand. They both laughed heartily and walked out of the room together. Leo always knew what to say. And Clavat was eternally thankful.[/color]

[Desbreko]

[color=indigo]"Looks like we'll be traveling together. Quite a coincidence, only having met earlier today." Rydia jumped a bit at the voice behind her, turning to see Arik looking at the list over her shoulder.

"Huh?" She turned to look again at the list, and noticed Arik's name in the same column as her own. "Oh, so were are. But why is a priest on offensive duty?"

"Field medic," he replied. "I'll be keeping you and the rest of our group in fighting shape. Don't hesitate to ever call for help," he said with a wink, and then was off down the corridor. Rydia puzzled at this for a moment, before going back to other thoughts.

Returning to his quarters, Arik stepped into the room and closed the door, picking up the small box of matches on a nearby shelf. Stepping about the room, he lit several candles, providing illumination. In the far corner from the door was a bed, beside the head of which was a small desk and chair. At the foot of the bed was the sliding door of the room's closet, afforded him because of his rank as Captain. Across from the bed was a dresser, and alongside it spanning the wall all the way to the door were a few shelves. Still not exactly a large room, but it was home; the only home Arik had, aside from the Mages' Sactum.

Stepping over to the desk and sitting down, he opened up an unmarked, leather-bound book. It was his journal, which he had been keeping since he left the sactum. Picking a pen from one of the desk's droors, he began to write.

[i]Another campaign is about to begin, and I've been assigned to Lieutenant Leo Tantosen's group. I'm glad, as it's always better when you're with someone you know, especially as your senior officer. Tomorrow we will be leaving for the village of Bankai; hopefully everything will go smoothly, but only the future will tell.

A new girl in the battalion is also in our group, whom I met today at breakfast. We've only just met, but hopefully we can become friends; the more the merrier, as they say. She seems to still be settling in, so maybe I can help her feel welcome on the journey. Sigh...what a hopeless romantic I am. She's cute, but I should stay focused on our mission.

- Arik Farrel[/i]

Blowing gently on the ink before closing the journal, he returned the book to its place on the desk and got up from the chair. Blowing out the candles, he left the room. One more day before they were leaving, and his subconscious was telling him to make the most of it.[/color]

[The Harlequin]

[font=gothic][color=indigo][I]Kattarin was awoken in the morning by a rambunctious bustle that seemed completely out of character for someone who had made basically no noise all night. She sat up, feeling more at peace with the truths she had been gifted, though her faith in her desire to return was not yet shaken. She was, however, open to the idea that it may be possible for her to be so, and that the...Qyrain, may not be the person she knew so well. He was ever enigmatic, despite his apparently honest heart, and she never really felt she knew him that well.

Her eyes focused on Ayrael, who was crashing around somewhere, obscured by long grass, mixed in with the splashing of water. Kattarin rose slowly, walking through the grass, attempting to track Ayrael through the sound of her voice...

Calling it difficult would have been a lie.

Ayrael knelt beside a small stream, washing cooking utensils, with little success and little grace. Obviously never a domestic...Despite having had more than a score of servants assigned to her personally, it had still been insisted that Kattarin learn domestic duties, to aid her relationship with her future husband. She knelt down beside Ayrael, and took the items from her, giving them a much more thorough and quick clean.[/I]

Ayrael: I never did get the knack of that.

Kattarin: The trick is to scrub only the stuff that needs scrubbing, and simply rinse the rest. It's not the best way of doing it, but it is actually more efficient.

[I]Ayrael sniffed, obviously unconcerned with the intricacies of a common woman's life. She reclaimed her pan, pots, etc, and placed them in her pack. Kattarin noted she seemed ready to leave. She took it as a hint, and returned to her campsite, replacing her blanket in her pack, as that was the only thing she'd removed.

Ayrael stood unconceredly behind her, examing something in the distance.[/I]

Ayrael: I assume you're coming?

Kattarin: Where are you going?

Ayrael: I have no idea. But neither do you. And I've had enough of this desert of grass. A more civilised clime seems interesting enough, provided we can avoid whatever war the lowlanders have cooked up.

Kattarin: Lowlanders?

Ayrael: In case you haven't noticed, which you probably didn't or simply fail to remember, this plain is actually an isolated plateau.

Kattarin: Then why are there peaks surrounding us?

Ayrael: Because this was one of those peaks, that for some reason had the top taken off it.

Kattarin: Which is why it took me so long to breath properly...

Ayrael: Basically. We'd better hurry, we've got a steep climb down.

Kattarin: I was unconscious for most of it... Altitude sickness.

Ayrael: Well, you're in for a surprise.

[I]That ominous opinion uttered, Ayrael started off, letting her erstwhile companion follow at her leisure. Kattarin did so immediately.[/font][/color][/I]

[Patronus]

[size=1][color=000066][b]OOC: Here we go..

----

[i]Sean William walked down the dirt road path. Around the road were willow trees, each branch draping like Demeter's hair upon her shoulder. The sun sparkled like a candle in a dark room, coming through the willow branches.

On his back rested a scythe, sharp as a just-sharpened sword. The pole it rested upon was about the height of Sean himself, which was about six foot one. Too big to handle for some people. Not for him, though, for he had been training with it for some time now. You could say he knows how to handle it like Death.

Death was something he knew all to well, nevertheless. His brother died defending Ramza, when Sean had been no older then three. It was a hard blow to him, yet he had survived. That was what Sean did. Survived. Even when his powers were binded, he survived. But he didn't want to think of those times.

Blue hair draped in his face, as always, and was about shoulder length. Dressed in his dark blue battle atire, he looked like a general of an army. But Sean was not a general, for he had no dream of it. He was happy with what he was now, a Wizard for the Ramza Battalion. He had enrolled when he was twenty, and had been immediatly promoted from Mage to Wizard for his wisdom with spells. Spells, curses, charms---they were all childs play for him. Although many wizards could not handle the spells he did, he seemed uneffected by them.[/i]
---

OOC: I hope this is ok...tell me if it isn't, ok?

-L/Z[/b][/color][/size]

[terra]

I desperately need a break from my work, so I'm back.
---------------

Rydia shook her head as if trying to clear it. Suddenly everything seemed to be happening a bit fast. She had been here for two weeks with hardly anything happening to her, then within the space of one day she had met a few ... friends? ... and learned that she was to be on the offensive of something called Operation Fate. Not only that, they would be heading towards the Civil Grounds, where Mist had once stood ...

Abruptly, Rydia turned, feeling a sudden need for fresh air. She left the underground headquarters with a small nod to the guards and stepped out into the broad fields that surrounded the Battalion. She walked forward into the welcome emptiness of nature, desperate to get away from the busy military politics and be alone with her thoughts.

Rydia sighed and sunk down into the grass on her knees. The Village of Mist ... Rydia had been avoiding the thought of her home village, first by running from Kelost's troops, then by battling whomever or whatever she had encountered, and finally by joining the Ramza Battalion. Of course, she knew the Battalion would be no escape from her past. She should've, and had, predicted that one day she might visit other villages who were being pressed upon by the Empire, just like hers ... But if her village elders had considered this cause worthwhile enough to die for, she, too, would do battle to the death. Although their deaths had been nearly pointless ...

Rydia stood up again. If she were going on the Offensive, her Summoning skills might finally come in handy. She hadn't been able to practice any spells for a couple of weeks, as it was hardly appropriate to call upon Bahamut or Titan while you were in a hidden underground base. In fact, she suspected that she'd been accepted into Ramza more on the basis of her rather mediocre skills wielding her staff, as nobody had ever actually seen her Summon anything yet. Could she even Summon anymore? She shook off the thought. Of course she could. She was from Mist.

She flicked briefly through the spells that she could do in her mind. What the hell could she practice? Practically nothing, unless she wanted a Tidal Wave to pour over the headquarters.

Rydia rolled her eyes as she settled on a Summon -- this would hardly be practice. Nonetheless ... She rolled her hands through the air with a practiced grace, lifting them gently to the sky, murmuring a few inaudible words. "[i]Mogri[/i]," she whispered.

After a few moments, she frowned. Nothing had happened.

She repeated the motions, this time speaking a little bit louder. After a little bit of waiting, the little white moogle sped out from behind the trees and stood in front of her, whimpering.

"Mogri, why didn't you come the first time?" Rydia said, slightly exasperated. "You can't just ignore--"

"Kupo, kuuupopo," the moogle interrupted her, sounding just as exasperated.

Rydia narrowed her eyes. His purpose was clear. "I'm going, Mogri. I have to. This is my job now. You don't think it's a worthy cause, trying to save other people's lives?" She spoke to convince herself as much as to convince him.

Mogri looked unhappy and spoke again.

"Are you trying to warn me that something bad will happen? Then just tell me [i]what[/i]!" Rydia said. Mogri merely stood, silent.

Rydia jerked her head away from him, refusing to look at him anymore. "Just leave," she said. "You're being no help if you're just going to stay as mysterious as that."

Mogri backed away slowly, looking upset. Then he turned tail and fled back into the forest from which he had came.

Rydia ran a hand through her hair uneasily. Mogri's second attempt at warning her was not comforting for the upcoming journey.

[Raiha]

[COLOR=royalblue][i]Vastus looked down over the hills. He had said they were almost there. She was frightened. But not too afraid. This wasn't her homeland, no calm quiet streams, no cool interiors of monastaries, but she wouldn't hide behind Beren. She squared her shoulders and continued moving. They saw something coming towards them.

Beren murmered into their ears.[/i]

Beren: Three humanoids, probably sent from Ramza.

Vastus: For what reason?

Beren: Probably not us. We're just pawns.

Vastus: ...I hate this timing.

Beren: Don't bother.

[i]He drew his blade quietly and let it rest in his palm. She tightened her grip on her scarf, feeling the knife in her spine sheath.[/i][/COLOR]

[Mei]

[color=green]Finally, a time to post!

[i]The sun shown brightly down upon the village of Wutai that day. Amai was heading back to her home, back the Wutai..back to her father. The wind was blowing gently, as the young girl walked through the fields. Small animals followed her, for she had made friends with them over the years.[/i]

"I mustn't be afraid of returning, I've done it plently of times before...why does this time seem so [i]different[/i], so strange?"

[i]Amai reached the top of a hill overlooking Wutai. The wind blew stronger upon it, blowing her dark blue hair wildly. Taking a deep breath, she trudged slowly down the lush hillside reluctantly.[/i]

[b]The Village of Wutai.[/b]

[i]Amai marched into town, deceitfully holding her head high. Many looked upon her, some snickered, while other seemed to silently cheer. Amai returning to Wutai was a rare thing, and the fact that she disregarded her father's desires, which was strictly forbidden in Wutai, made it extremly dishonorable.[/i]

"Ah, good ol' Wutai, how glad I am to be home!"[i]
Amai bellowed sarcastically.[/i]

[i]Suddenly, a debilitated and obviously senile woman came hobbling up to Amai. She swung her short arms around Amai as well as she could, then looked up to her.[/i]

"Oh Amai, where have you been!? It seems so long since you last came to visit!" [i]The old woman bawled.[/i]

"Fernice you old bag, it's only been about [b]6[/b] months! I guess time passes slowly when you get old, [i]Amai announced,[/i] though I thought it was the other way around..."

[i]Fernice fumed at this, for as most woman, she hated to admit her age.[/i]

"How dare you child, never speak like that to me again! Now before I beat your head in, you best come with me, I've got something to tell you about."

[i]Amai laughed at this, then decided to head off with Fernice, curious as to what she had to say[/i]

"Alright then Granny, let's get going! Off to...eh, let's go to [i]your[/i] house."[/color]

[Desbreko]

[color=indigo]Hearing sounds of dinner coming from the cafeteria down the hall, Arik decided he should probably get down there a little earlier this time in order to get a decent table. Waiting through the line, he got his dinner, and then surveyed the room for possible places to sit. Finally, he was waved over to a table by Leo, who has just sat down himself. Across from him at the table was another man, one Arik didn't recognize. [i]Maybe he's part of Leo's group,[/i] Arik thought as he made his way to the table and sat down on Leo's side.

Leo smiled as he introduced his friends, confirming Arik's thought. "Arik, this is Sergeant Clavat Bunel, a friend that's also in our group. Clavat, this is Captain Arik Farrel, someone I met a few months ago. He'll be heading up the healing part of our group."

The two shook hands across the table, and Clavat began, "Nice to mee--" before he was cut off by a piercing laugh that echoed around the cafeteria. "What was [i]that?[/i]" he then said, cringing.

Leo pointed at the group of girls in line getting their dinner, and then said, "Oh, no -- they're heading our way. Try not to--" a gasp from one of the girls as she sat down at the table next to Leo's, and then a scream from all four. Apparently, they had spotted the Lieutenant.

"That's [i]it,[/i]" said Arik. "I can't stand this anymore! Mute!" The spell encompassed the entire table, instantly silencing the girls. A cheer went up from the entire room.

Clavat laughed. "Well, you certainly have a way with people."

Arik stood up and took a bow, causing more cheers, before sitting down again and grinning. "Last night before we leave; have to make it interesting somehow," he said. The group laughed, watching as the flustered girls tried in vain to speak.[/color]

[The Harlequin]

[font=gothic][color=indigo]OOC: I want that spell...

IC: [i]Kattarin scrambled, rather than climbed, down the side of the mountain, the veritable escarpment not helped by the sheer amount of scree dislodged with each desperate flailing. The rather sharp pieces a long way below her didn't do a lot for her confidence. Nor did Ayrael, who climbed easily without a care in the world, letting go of the rock and balancing on merely her feet on several occasions. She shuddered each time, her grip tightening on the rock, often to the detriment of her handhold. The first time she cracked the rock she held, she nearly fell, and was saved only by the fact that, at the last moment, she realised she was still attached with her other hand. In the fright of the moment, you tend to forget important details like that.... Normally to the detriment of your survival....

Kattarin, of course, was then stuck contemplating just how detrimental everything was to everything else, and wondered just how this constant entropy allowed existance to continue at all. She decided, as yet another piece of stone collapsed under her feet, that she should concentrate on climbing down, and worry about philosophies that might annoy some higher power later.

About ten minutes later, they reached a wide ledge, complete with rather welcoming looking cave. Kattarin immediately walked towards it, not stopping to consider the liklihood that some kind of crag dwelling creature had made it a rather convenient home.

Of course, she was unpleasantly surprised.

The chitinous exoskeleton rattled at her, giving her her first warning. Vaguely humanoid in shape, it waved a vicious looking claw at her a moment, then sidled forward. Kattarin's instincts and training took over, and she stepped forward, skipping off her left foot and bringing her right crashing around with an inner crescent. She continued with the movement, into a left-leg spinning back kick. The first move knocked the claw out of the way, and with a loud scraping noise appeared to do some damage, for the limb hung limp at an odd angle, but the second kick did nothing but strike solid exoskeleton.

Kattarin was staggered away, and she fought to regain equilibrium before the creature could pounce on her. Ayrael stepped forward, and stabbed the thing in one of its glinting eyes with a small blade. It squawked, and danced madly around, until Ayrael gave it a solid shove, upon which it careened off the cliff face. Kattarin gave her a look of gratitude, Ayrael rolled her eyes.[/I]

Ayrael: I suppose we'd better rest here for an hour or so.

Kattarin: How about a day?

Ayrael: Depends on how much I feel like humouring you. And, that last stunt considered, just how much I'll have to explain to you.[/font][/color]

[Zidargh]

[size=1][color=darkblue] Leo finished up his meal in no time whatsoever as he found it his role to give his closer friends a [i]prep talk[/i] before they go into battle. it was a first time for Rydia and Leo had already glanced at her sullen tone these hours as it seemed like something was on her mind. Constantly glaring back at the temporarily muted girls, Leo noticed that for the first time, the girl who sat herself next to him began to stare daggers at him. Leo was in no way too sure of himself yet he felt a little insulted by the attitude this girl had taken.

''Rydia, Clavat and Arik, meet me by the stockpile up on the surface, I need to talk to all three of you.'' Leo stated this in his first severe tone as he had no suffered the blow from shock of what was about to come, simultaneously all three nodded.

Leo picked up his ceramic plate and then pushed his bench back as he stood up and headed over to the cleansing area. Little Ted was off duty now as for some reason he tended to sleep early on the contrary to his size. As Leo walked through the tunnels he headed up to his dormitory. The candles had already blown out and the Chief Commander was already resting, it was obvious as the main Brifing Room was locked, and possibly it would not be unlocked for a while.

After creakily opening the oak door, Leo stood in awe as he found that all his clothes and gear had already been packed for him. There they were left, lying on the bed with the oak posts and headboard besides a steel locker that stood adjacent to a mirror surrounded desk. Running over to the bag, Leo opened it aggressively, it seemed that the servants had already taken the liberty of packing for him, after all, Leo did have a reputation for being lothargic.

There was nothing else in Leo's room, he only spent a few hours sleeping anyway and this made up the only reason for why he would be in his room, he was a little restless. No portraits of Ramza Beoulve, no letters hung on a board with a pair of faded lips staring him in the eye, so with this, Leo slammed his door shut and ran outside the isolated door. Being set on a hill, the headquarters alqays witnessed a crimson sky stretching out through the world, however, carriages with Chocobos sleeping blocked out most of the sun's rays.

Sitting on the stockpile box, Leo overheard soldiers inspecting the supplies, however, after a slam of doors opening, Leo overheard three pairs of footsteps simultaneously walking out. It appeared that Clavat, Arik and Rydia actually took notice of what Leo had to say. Feeling more sociable, Leo patted on the incredibly large wooden box to signal the trio to sit down. After smiling, they all did and the speech began.

''So what is it you have to say Leo?'' Clavat asked while staring out to the forest.

''Well all I really had to say is that I appreciate the fact that I met you all. I may only of spoken to two of you this morning, but I do feel a bond being created, let's work hard to lengthen it eh?'' Leo looked at Arik and Rydia who grinned towards him, hence allowing Leo to continue. ''Dusk is a very good chance for us to prove ourselves you know? Personally I dont want to go, but its been boring here, Bankai sounds like it is in peril so lets do our best and look out for each other. I know I told you it was hard to say if there would be resistance Clavat, but if there is let us all look out for each other. Arik you better have my back.''

Leo then giggled while Arik looked sternly back towards him. ''That is all, dismissed.''

And that was it, the four of them all walked off laughing at Leo's attempt to be a sneior and they then all left the outside to turn towards slumber. Leo left the trio to their biddings while he then opened and closed his door behind him. Throwing the bag of clothes off of his bed, Leo pulled back the covers and stared at his dual katanas that were placed below him. These were his only form of defense, with a very small dosage of [i]Ice[/i], Leo put out the candles and shut his eyes to drift off to sleep...

All of a sudden, a massive bang on the door was placed on Leo's door causing him to wake up in shock. After gathering himself, Leo heard that these several bangings were being placed all along the hallway. ''It was morning already?'' Leo asked himself with a sleepy voice.

Looking up on the ceiling to see an open window, it appeared that a morning vapour of dew had signalled that it was Dusk. Having jumped out of bed, Leo picked up his weapons and placed the two katanas in their own seperate sheaths, this was after flinging his bag of gear over his shoulder. Then charging out of his door, Leo met a huge line that was seperated into two. It seemed that the carriages were transporting everyone to their positions. However, in the offensive line, it was made clear that the carriages would only act as transports for a short while, the rest would have to be walked as the carriages would need to be escorted.

This huge line trailed upstairs and downstairs as everyone proceeded to the outaside of the headquarters. Being pushed by a senior officer, Leo was informed that he had to load his gear first and then wait for his squadron to arrive in front of him. Leo had never actually done this before but after hesitatingly agreeing Leo, stood watching at the ranks that formed before him and other officers beside him.[/color][/size]

[Mei]

[color=green]OOC: Thanks to permission from Zidargh, I've changed
my character class to a Samurai, considering I'd much rather fight
with a blade, and it just fits much better.^^()

IC:[i]--Day before Ramza Batallion leaves--[/i]

[b]Fernice's House[/b]

[i]Fernice lead Amai into the small dwelling hastily, sitting her down at a table, which sat in the middle of the small room that made up almost the entire house. Fernice ran quickly to get the tea that was steaming off the stove, then poured some in two tiny cups. She sat them down on the table, then plopped herself down in a chair.[/i]

"Tea?"

"Sure, why not?"

[i]Fernice slipped a cup over to Amai, then looked up to her solemnly. She opened her mouth to speak, but hesitated. Taking a deep breath, Fernice finally spoke.[/i]

"Amai, you've known since a child about the great Lion War, correct? You also know about the Ramza Battalion, the rebels against the
Kelost Empire?" uttered Fernice.

[i]Amai nodded at this obvious query.[/i]

"Of course I do, like you said, I've known about it since I was a child. Why do you bring it up?" Amai asked.

"Rumor has it that the Ramza Battalion is going to start a revolt,
another war...a revolution. They say they're starting soon, and a
group will be heading to Bankai."

[i]Amai turned her head, caught up in thought. [size=1]The Ramza
Battalion, overthrowing of the Kelost Empire, a revolution?[/size]
Amai thought about the few who had left Wutai years ago, just to
join the battalion. Amai had considered this herself, but..[/i]

[i]Suddenly, Fernice interupted her train of thought.[/i]

"Amai, dear, I'd like you to stay here with me tonight. I don't want you to be out there...not while this is going on. Please, if not for your own safety, then for this dear old woman's nerves.."

[i]Amai let out a deep sigh, then turned to Fernice and put her hand
on her shoulder.[/i]

"Of course, anything for you Granny."[/color]

[James]

[color=#707875]Clavat removed the sword from its hiding place in his room and held it up to the light. It shimmered a brilliant silver. Its handle was carved from treated oak, like so much else in the world. Clavat had originally owned a steel-handled sword, which had been given to him by his father as a gift for his fencing triumphs in the Empire. But it was the one posession that Clavat didn't want to take on this journey. He still owned it, but not because he had any affection for it. Rather, Clavat owned it as a way of remembering his father, or more accurately, to remember his misdeeds.

Clavat didn't have much time to collect his thoughts that morning. The entire HQ was rumbling with talk of the upcoming battles. Clavat was excited about the journey, but he was disappointed that he had to leave the HQ so soon. He desperately wanted to experience some genuine peace and quiet. But of course, such things are rare during a time of war.

By the time Clavat had finished packing, a large group of warriors had already left. They had travelled out on the first two caravans, with heavier weaponry. Clavat and his comrades were up next. Their caravans had been packed, their Chocobos fed and their weapons prepared. Clavat took one last look at his cosy little room and shut the door. He wouldn't be seeing it again for a while.[/color]