RPG Reality of Dreams [M-LSV]

[demonchild781]

[COLOR=SeaGreen][FONT=Arial]Damion, thumbing through an old hard covered book, felt restless and bored. Though he should have focused more on the book in front of him, it just simply wasn't intersting enough. He slammed the book shut and shoved his chair back, nearly knocking it onto the floor. He briskly made his way to the study door and threw it open.

He turned sharply towards one of the guards. "You will go to my closest nobles and send them word that I require them to attend dinner this evening." Damion spat at the guard.

"Yes, my King." The guard bowed and hurried off.

Damion swirled around, nearly startling the other guard half to death. "You will fetch Ashrel."

"Ye...ye...yes, my...my King." The man attempted to bow, tremblig horribly.

"Now, damn it!" Damion barked, watching the guard jump and scurry down the corridor. A smiled creased the King's lips as he chuckled, re-entering the study.

The elebrately designed shelves were neatly stacked with various books and the walls decorated with paintings done by some of the greatest of painters. The floor tiled with expressive marble with sculptures of men and women scattered about, horses and tigers posed purposefully upon mantles and stands. Damion allowed a joyous smile float over him, marvling over what he had.

He sat down at his desk once more, throwing his boot-covered feet upon its top.

"My Lord?" Ashrel asked upon entering the room.

"Ah, my dear Ashrel." Damion smiled upon her arrival.

"Yes, the girls you sent for are in your chamber, my Lord." Ashrel replied.

"Reading my thoughts once again." Damion allowed his smile to continue as he got up and away from his desk. He stopped just before Ashrel, a smile still creased his lips. "I would like you to accompany me to dinner this evening. I will need you to keep a watchful eye over my nobles and their knights. Wouldn't want them to start a quierl during dinner. Dress in something nice, but comfortable." He reached forward and pulled a loose string from her shirt.

"Yes, my Lord." She bowed and left the room.

He watched her for a brief moment before starting down the other corridor. The massive hallway was decorated in the lastest fashions and showed off his power and wealth. He finally came upon his chamber, unlocking it, he walked in to see what had been brought to him.

"They're young," he growled.

The six girls were firmly pressed against the corners of the room, while a couple of his older slaves lay posed on his massive bed. He glared at all of them displeasingly.

"Are you not pleased, my Lord?" Amaya, a slave that had been with him since the beginning, slide from the bed and began to approach him. Her beautiful body hidden under a loose tunic and trousers.

He smiled at her as she came to stand before him. He reached out and slid his hand onto her face. Her delicate skin sliding effortlessly under his caress.

"You will be my companion this evening, my lovely and fair Amaya. Go dress yourself for this evening and fetch me a maid." He allowed his hand to slide from her as she made her way past him and through the door.

Damion looked over the group, going through his head what he would do with them.

"My King." The maid said as she entered, handing him a piece of paper containing the girls names.

Majesta Jade
Nadine Wreathen
Maaya Joston
Alen Noxton
Marie Michael
Riesa Trace
(OOC: Alen, Marie, Riesa are for any one to use at any time for any reason)

"Well at least some of you are of decent age." Damion mumbled out loud more to himself then anything else.

"What would you like me to do with them, my Lord?" The maid asked.

Damion looked up from the paper, "have them dressed and ready to serve the nobles and their knights. Make sure each one of them know how to mind or they'll go to the pit." Damion commanded as he left his chamber, tucking the paper within his trousers.

"My lord," some one rushed before the king, lowering herself quickly.

"What?" he spat.

"Some one walks up the steps to your majesty's castle door." The girl hid her face in her hair and on the floor.

"Fetch them at once and bring them to me." Damion shoved the girl back as he walked towards the kitchen. When he arrived he told his cooks what was to be prepared and the girls that were to serve it.

"My King," two guards came forth upon Damion's exiting of the kitchen.

Damion looked at the woman they held firmly in their grasp, a fire burning within her green eyes.

"This girl has been sent to you by the blacksmith. He says he tires of her and her disobeince. Says she has become a poor slave to him." The guard on the right proclaimed.

Damion stepped forward and grabbed the woman's face forcefully. She tried to pull from him, but he was stronger than she. She was a gorgeous creater, and fiesty. He looked her over quickly, she had been beatin and worked firmly. She would be a poor slave for noble company.

"What is your name?" He demanded.

"Sarah." She spat back.

"Well Sarah, it looks as if you've found yourself a new place of work." Damion smiled devishly at her. "Give her to the maid, she'll know what to do with her." Damion nodded his head for the guards to leave his sight.

They dragged Sarah, protesting some, towards Damion's chamber. He smiled to himself. Things were going well this evening. Now it was time for him to ready himself.

OOC: Welcome my followers. I hope we can make this RPG good and last a while. I will be doing a chapter system of sorts to keep it from dying hopefully. Have fun and if you have any questions or would like to discuss an idea with me just PM.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[Kairi]

[COLOR=DarkSlateGray][SIZE=1]Life was like any other day for Jacob; he had just finished picking the harvast for the coming fall. Carrots, Lettuce, Potatoes and other loads of fruits and vegatables overflowed his baskets as he placed them into storage within the house. His fathers sword hung above the blazing fireplace in the little cottage. Animal skin covered the floor, comforting Jacobs acking feet as he took his working shoes off.

A crackling sound could be heard from the pot boiling above the fire. A stew, mixed with deer meat, potatoes, cabbage and carrots was cooking. While it cooked, Jacob placed the rest of the harvest in the storage room which was attached to the house by a side door.

A good two hours later the stew was done, which was around noon time. Sitting alone at his table, he quietly ate his stew, taking pleasure and warmth with every satisfying bite.

After he had finished eating, he left the plate on the table and walked outside to the stable close to the cottage. Opening the gate, Oblivion, a large, brown haired horse with a single white line coming down his face, greeted him as he entered the stable. Oblivion was the only horse to remain after the last time Damion had saked him of his possessions, his most precious being his wife and child Raine.

''Ready to go into town boy?'' as he gently patting the horse on its side, rubbing his other hand up and down the horses white line, running inbetween its eyes.

''Come on...'' as he lunged himself onto the horses back. Jacobed used no saddle nore rains on the horse, purely using the hair on the back of its neck to guide it. Ever since Oblivion was born, he and Jacob were always together, something which helped build upon such a friendship between the two.

Slowlying walking out of the stable, with a swift movement of Jacobs heel...Oblivion shot off with great speed down the dirt path towards the castle gates where the market place was within. [/SIZE] [/COLOR]

[...]

?Look, I?m telling you, it would be best now to set me free? I?m not exactly ready to just roll over and give up you know.? She said as they pretty much dragged her to the chambers. Her life was all about serving others? but it was [i]this[/i] kind of serving she would not tolerate. She made the blacksmith realize that.

?We do not have the authority to set you free.? The man said. She tried pulling out of there grasp, but it proved useless.

They got to the chambers and she stared at it? she tried not to gawk, but she had never seen something so huge? so ordained?.

?Ridiculous.? She mumbled, and one guard pushed her in the room, closing the doors behind her. She could hear the guards talking to someone about her. She stared to the side of her? and noticed the bed? she shuddered? she wouldn?t stand for it.

The doors opened again and a woman came in. Sarah ran to the doors, but they shut just moments of her getting to them. She heard a click and knew she was locked in.

?Don?t be afraid child, you?re not the first, and you definetely won?t be the last.? She said as she opened a huge dresser.

?Thank you for those comforting words.? She said as she rolled her eyes.

?They weren?t meant to comfort, they were meant to educate.?

?Well I?m sorry, I was never good in history lessons.?

The woman smiled. ?He likes them sharp?? she said.

?And I can give a damn. He?ll be dead by tonight if he tries anything.?

?I doubt that? he can prove to be irresistable at times.? She said smiling as she brought out some clothing. Sarah stared at it.

?Whoa, you?re CRAZY if you think I?m wearing that.?

?I do not make the rules, I follow them.? She said leaving the outfit on the bed.

Sarah shook her head, ?There?s nothing THERE!!? she said lifting it up.

?It?s either that or you wear nothing? make your choice.?

?Damn you woman?? she said folding her arms as she looked at it. The woman took her hand and smiled.

?You?ll get used to this life child?? she said as she brought her into a room and fixed her hair.

***

After she left Sarah stared at herself in the mirror. ?I look like a damned harlot.? She said. She wiped off all the make up and searched desperately for something else. She found a throw over night gown? it was a simple white one and she wore it. Her hair? she decided not to touch? it had been a long time since someone had done anything [i]right[/i] with it? and she decided to let things be.

[Retribution]

OOC: Yeah, I like where this is going. I amended my profile, in case anyone cares (xD). This should be good!

---

IC:

"Once more! Faster!" James, Rion's father, shouted at him. Rion was breathing long and deep through his nose, and gripped his rapier with his right hand tighter. He stepped forward quickly, and sent it through the cushioned target, in the bullseye for the millionth time. There were other punctures around the target, where he had penetrated inaccurately when he was younger... much younger.

"Father, I tire of this. May I duel you?" He asked curtiously.His father gave his a gentleman's bow.

"I accept your challege." He said, and put on his gear. His father was old now -- nearly 50 years old, but he proved to be quite the duelist. Rion smiled, and they both took their positions in the fighting area.

They both bowed to each other, then got their bodies into form, pointing their rapiers at one another. James tapped Rion's rapier to signify the start of the match, and lunged forward. Rion quickly parried the attack, and made a feignt for his father's stomach. James blocked once more, and spun Rion's rapier in a circle, and stepped back. But Rion allowed no time to pass, retracting his rapier quickly, and thrusting it at his father's head. The rapier penetrated the glass-head protector, and went just a few centimeters wide of James' head.

Rion bowed, and let go of his sword, allowing his father to take his visor off, and remove the sword. They both grinned fully at each other, and Rion gave a light laugh.

"That was excellent! I'm not sure if I can't teach you anything else. You truly [i]are[/i] my son."

"Thank you father, your words are too kind." He replied, and they both walked out of the garden, past the pair of guards who were on duty at the entrance to the garden, and into the mansion. His sister was at the south entrance to meet them.

"Rion, His majesty has requested your presence at a royal dinner tonight." she said in a dainty voice. She had just finished reading a collection of Plato's lectures in the study with Yora, his mother. Yora walked up behind her.

"I'd be delighted. Father, may I go?" he asked, knowing the answer would be yes. Asking for permission was just protocol, as they all knew what happened to the nobles who didn't show up for these events.

"Yes, you may. Go, ready yourself for it. I don't want you to look as you do now." James said. Rion noticed that no one else from his family was invited, which was strange. He shrugged off the thought, and walked into the changing room, selecting which suit he would don for the party. He finally decided upon his favorite red suit, with golden fringe. (see my profile picture)

By the time he had put it on, it was time for him to leave. He belted his prized rapier on his left hip, and slipped a dagger in his left sleeve. One could never be too prepared, he thought. He walked downstairs, and signaled for his carriage.

There were ten horses with knights mounted on them going before his carriage, and ten more mounted knights going after. All the horses were black, with his family emblem stamped on them. He got into the carriage, and sat down on his satin seat, feeling it pull off. His mother and father waved him good bye, and very shortly, he arrived at Daimon's castle.

A knight opened the door, and two of them stood at-arms to either side of the entrance. Several people noticed his entrance, as he was escorted in by two of his knights in black-and-gold armor into the castle.

[demonchild781]

[COLOR=SeaGreen]OOC: Let's try this again...my college server sux ass and kicked me off. Which it had a lovely habit of doing to me last night when I tried to post. *goes of swearing*

IC:

"Your majesty?" A guard dressed in dark green and silver armor approached Damion's side, a long spear held on his right side.

"What?" Damion questioned with little interest as he continued to look through the closet before him.

"The guests have begun to arrive, your majesty." The guard continued, his voice a little shakey.

"And..." Damion was growing annoyed.

"What would you like us to do with them?"

Damion stood up abruptly and turned his head sharply towards the guard, a scowl creased across his face. "Show them to the dinning hall." Damion spat. "Now be gone from my sight before I take my frustration out on you."

"Yes, your majesty." The guard bowed quickly and hurried off.

"Fools," Damion cursed as he continued to search through the closet.

The lady that had lived her before had left many dresses behind and Damion was looking for just the right one. Pulling and discarding many as he went through them. He finally settled on a soft lavander dress with silver seems and see-through sleeves. It was delicate, but not too revealing. He smiled at it as he drapped it over his left forearm.

Damion made his way through the long corridors nearly naked, trying to avoid guests and his staff as he made his way towards his chamber. The maid that had tended to the girls early met him in the hallway just outside his chamber door.

"How did the girls fair, maid?" Damion questioned upon seeing the elderly woman.

"Not so well, my Lord." She replied. "They're not ready to be present at dinner in front of your nobles and their knights."

Damion scowled, not truly at her, but more in protest to the news. The elderly woman had never recieved any ill treatment towards her, especially from Damion. He respected the woman for her wisdom and loyality.

"They'll have to do." Damion replied, turning his attention towards his chamber door.

"She refused to wear the dress as you had stated, my Lord." The maid added upon noticing where his attention had been drawn.

"Of course," Damion nodded and turned to smile at her. The maid returned the smile before she left her King to do what he did best.

Damion stared at the door for a moment longer before unlocking it and entering. His grab for the dinner formal laid decoratively on his massive bed, its shades of green were eye catching along with the silver horse on its chest and two tigers on the sleeves. Damion brought his head up to take in the woman, Sarah's, sight.

Damion smiled at her as Sarah stood quietly next to the vanity. He laid the dress upon the bed and wandered over to the opposite side of the room. His nearly perfect body still dripped slightly with water from his previous bath as he searched for string to tie his black hair back. His white trousers clung lightly to the back of his legs as he searched through random drawers.

"Get dressed." His voice was neutral, not rough and violent, or soft and soothing. It was just his voice.

"What?" Sarah questioned.

"I found a dress that should suit you liking. But it on, you'll accompany Amaya and I to dinner." Damion stood up then, reaching back to tie back his hair.

OOC:
... you can refuse his request with a light beating or join him. Which ever you wish.[/COLOR]

[Redemption]

[COLOR=DarkRed][FONT=Trebuchet MS]Ashrel strode down the corridor, her cloak fluttering out behind her. Two maids followed her in silence. She turned sharply and entered her room in a stout fashion.

" I want my red leather Ishizu and Marou," she asked very sternly.
" Yes ma'am," the two maids murmured together and rushed off to get Ashrel's favourite piece of clothing. It was a red leather suit. Why she preferred it was because red leather didn't show blood and it was easily cleaned - plus it maked Ashrel look more menacing that her normal black leather attire.

Walking out onto her balcony, Ashrel watched the nobles arrive in their various states of transportation. Some on horseback, others driven by coach. It was a pitiful sight to see the ones that were driven by coach step out looking all high-and-mighty. A sneer crossed her face.

" Fools. How do they live day to day thinking that they are in charge of their lives and their futures?"

One young man caught her eye as he descended from the coach that escorted him to Damion's castle.

" Now he is an excellent specimen. Young, fit, eager to fight. A light swordsman - possibly a fencer from his stature. He would be an excellent addition to our elite forces."

" Um....ma'am?" came Ishizu's voice from behind her. Ashrel whirled around and stood before Ishizu and Marou. They held her red leather suit in their hands. Ashrel never beat her maids or had someone beat them. They were dear to her, oddly enough. Ashrel bowed her head slightly as the maids lay her red leather suit upon Ashrel's red cedar four-post bed. They backed out of Ashrel's room and returned to their quarters.

Ashrel closed the balcony doors easily and walked over to her bed. Slowly taking off her over-shirt and thin chain-mail underneath, the mirror behind her showed how many scars creased her back. The scars were from lashing - to keep herself humble in front of her Lord and to keep her obiedent. She inflicted these lashings herself, giving herself punishment whenever she felt she was being too immodest or self-righteous.

Taking off her flannel pants, Ashrel stood there naked, looking at herself in the mirror. She imagined that her Lord was standing behind her, stroking her muscular but feminine arms lovingly. She imaged feeling his breath upon her neck and shivered in nervousness. How she wished for Damion to just hold her and fondle her like he did his servant girls. But it was just a wish - a fantasy that would never come true.

Ashrel shook her head and cursed at herself for her momentary lack of composure. Very elegantly she slipped on her red leather suit. The corset improved her cleavage quite substantually but this was just normal procedure for Ashrel.

" MAROU!" Ashrel called. The smaller of the two maids rushed into Ashrel's room.
" Yes ma'am?" Marou asked timidly.
" Tie these laces up for me," Ashrel half-commanded, half-asked. Marou rushed up behind Ashrel and laced up her Lady's corset for her. Ashrel bowed her head slightly again and Marou left.

With a black cloak hanging off her shoulders, she looked the part of Damion's first-in-command. She would never let him down. Striding out of her room, Ashrel made her way to the feasting hall and oversaw the nobles come in and sit. Each one of them looked at her nervously, as if she was a goddess of death just waiting to punce on them. A small grin came to her lips. Maybe she was ..... and maybe she wasn't.[/COLOR][/FONT]

[lil kitsune boy]

Asher turned the corner running, bringing him to the gates of the town.

'Halt!' one of the guards called. Asher slowly turned, hoping they didn't recognize him.

'C-can I help you?' he said, panting.

'What were you running from?' the guard asked.

Asher paused, trying to think of something, 'Nothing, just in a hurry to get home. Just received word, my wife is having a baby!' He lied with a smile.

'That is good news!' the guard agreed with a smile, 'You should hurry home.'

Asher bolted, running as fast as he could.

[I]That was close.[/I]

A few moments later, four armed guards came running up to the gate.

'What's going on?' the gate guard asked.

'Have you seen anyone suspicious?' one asked.

'Nothing suspicious, sir.' the guard replied, 'Just a man looking to get home to his wife.'

'What did he look like?'

'About five and a half feet, strong but not large, long black hair and eyes of violet. He had no scars that I could see and was quite handsome.'

'You fool!' one of the guards yelled, 'That was no ordinary man, that was the leader of the Rebellion against our great King!'

'W-what!?' the gate guard stammered, 'I... I have n-no excuse, I should have detained him, but he told me of his wife, that she was having a child and he needed to hurry.'

'Just the sort of thing to expect from a lying pig like that.'

'Please, he left but minutes ago.' the guard said, 'If you hurry, you can catch him.'

::In the forest::

'Whew! That was close.' Asher said to no one in particular as he climbed up into a branch to take a rest. Then, off in the distance, he heard the heavy clanking of armor.

'Damn,' he said, 'Why can't they take a hint? I don't want visitors.' he said to himself as the sound of the sodiers got closer. As the four soldiers passed under him, he swung down and dropkicked one in the chest. As they fell he pulled the sword from the man's belt and rolled into a crouching position.

'Asher Ravenblood.' the soldier said, 'You are under arrest for conspiracy to commit treason against your king, surrender or prepare to die.'

'[I]Your[/I] king.' he said, grinning and twirling the sword in his hand. 'Now let's dance, boyos.'

[Kairi]

[COLOR=DarkSlateGray][SIZE=1]''Excuse me...'' came Jacob, with Oblivion following behind him. ''Quite a lot of soldiers after a one man...wouldn't you say?'' All four soldiers turned there attention to the unarmed man before them, turning away from Asher.

''Be gone peasant; this doesn't concern you.'' growled one of the soldiers...pointing his blade towards Jacob.

''Forgive me sir...but I don't mean to intrude...I saw the young lad running out of the castle gates as I made my way to the market place. He seemed to be in trouble, so I followed him to this place.'' answered Jacob as he bowed to the soldier before him, showing respect.

''What is your name?'' replied another soldier, as the two one them surrounded him...as the other two kept an eye on the Rebellions Leader.

''My name is Jacob...that is all that you need to know...'' as Jacob raised his hands into the air; the soldiers persuing him step by step with weapons drawn.

''Wait...I know who you are...you're the fool who defied the king all those years ago.''

''Yes...i remember now...he's the man who's wife and daughter we saked...haha...what a small world.''

Asher looked at Jacob for only a moment and saw the gaze that Jacob was giving him...giving a slight nod. Immidiately Asher swung his sword at the other two soldier surrounding him as Jacob lunged his hands at one of the soldier grip around his sword, stopping his swing and kicked him in the midsection.

The other soldier came up from behind him swung downward towards Jacob's head. But he ducked out of the way easily as he pulled the other soldiers arms out, causing the other to slice right through them. Splattering blood all over the ground.

Loosing the grip of the sword as the soldier cried out in agony, Jacob wielded the sword. A short battle began between Jacob and the soldier, swinging and jabbing...trying to gain an upper hand on the other. The soldier began to tire, but Jacob was only toying with him.

Locking swords together, pressing against one another chests, Jacob gave the soldier a headbutt and and slashed at his throat as he drifted backwards. Asher had just finished off the other two when Jacob walked over to the soldier who's arms were now severed, quirlling on the ground as he came down with great force into his chest with the blade.

''Thank you...Jacob I believe is the name that I caught...'' beconed Asher as he walked up beside Jacob. Asher was much younger than Jacob, who's muscules and looks definitly showed age.

''Don't worry about it...'' as he threw the blade to the ground. ''Why were they after you?''

''My name is Asher; I'm the leader of the rebellion against the king...you fought honorably Jacob........'' as he placed a hand on his shoulder.

''Then be one your way then...reinforcements will come in time.'' as he moved back towards his horse, brushing away the young mans hand.

''Come with me...we could use such skill that you possess. No simple man could take out two of the kinds men unarmed. Fight with us...''

Jacob had gotten to Oblivion, and hoisted himself on top of his back. ''I have no use for a rebellion Asher...not now.''

''But why not....our people are being held under the rule of a killer, a man with an iron fist, pressed against the poor and weak. Are you a coward?'' suddenly Jacob jumped off his horse and looked Asher straight in the eye...toe to toe.

''I will not risk another outbreak of war, I know that man which you seek to overthrow. Simple words and outbreaks of violence wont help your cause...only to anger him. I know of your rebellion; I fought Damion when his fury first ravaged these lands, and I know what you attempt to stir; this isn't the way to go about it.''

Looking up into Jacob's big blue eyes...Asher could see the hurt and pain behind them...but he also saw...the rage of a tiger, wanting to be released.

''Please...fight with us Jacob...'' Asher uttered as Jacob once again turned his back, walking out of the forest...he didn't respond, as he just left Asher there in the forest as he made his way back up the dirt path towards the castle walls; towards the castle walls. [/SIZE] [/COLOR]

[...]

"Like Hell I will." she said not looking at him. He stared at her... no one dared to speak to him that way. He walked over to her and grabbed her face with his hand, making her look at him.

"You'll come if you want to live." he said throwing her on the bed. She laughed.

"Good... it will save the time when I deny you tonight." she said. Her hair was over her face. He stared at the disobedient creature before him and bent to her level. He pulled her by the hair and slapped her face. She flung backwards, hitting the cabinet.

To his surprise she laughed again.

"You'll have to try harder if you're trying to break me..." she said eerily. He stared at her as she knelt their in defiance. He walked over to her and pushed her hair out of her face. He stared in her eyes and saw... pain.... but a strong nature about her that puzzled him.

"I don't break easily." she said angrily, no higher than a whisper.

Blood trickled from her mouth as he looked at her... he stood up and looked down at her. He didn't.. want to strike her anymore. He gained no pleasure from it... her defiance angered him... but he found nothing to gain in beating her...

He walked away and finished dressing. She got up and wiped the blood from her mouth. "What? Is that it?" she said angrily.

He snapped his fingers and the woman from before came to his side. "Fix her wounds... don't let her leave until I come back." he said.

Sarah's eyes narrowed on him. "You won't be getting anything from me..." she said.

"We shall see." he responded as he left. The doors closed once more and clicked. She stared at the door and shook in anger.

"I told you child.... you need to just let him have what he wants... there's no point in fighting him." she said putting a cold rag on her face. Fortunately there were no bruises...

"And I told you I don't do well in lessons." she said walking to the vanity, fixing herself. She didn't want the woman fixing her... she didn't want anyone touching her....

[Rei_Man]

Joel sat at the desk in his quarters, slouched over his desk, when a knock came at the door. He instantly straightened up, but refused to turn around to meet the visitor.

"Sir Vuleire?"

"Yes." He responded, irritation in his voice. This soldier had visited his chamber countless times, yet the fool still had to confirm his identity. "What is it?"

"The royal banquet is about to begin. All knights of the king are required to attend."

Joel frowned, still with his back to the visitor. "I am busy. Please leave."

"You are a knight, correct?" The visitor replied, with a hint of sarcasm.... or arrogance.... in his voice.

Joel was infuriated, and toyed with the idea of charging the soldier with insubordination. In the end, as it was by the king's order, he decided not to bother. Still, the idea was quite appealing.

He sighed and lifted himself out of his seat, bowing quickly to the lowly soldier. "Very well, I shall attend."

He stepped towards the door, but the soldier refused to move out of his way. "All knights are also required to wear [I]armour[/I] at this occasion, sir. I'm afraid you will have to change out of your..." The soldier glanced down at Joel's rather overdone outfit and struggled to hold back a laugh. "....robes."

Joel glared at the man for a few short seconds, then stood silently. To Joel's annoyance, the soldier did exactly the same. "Well, if you wouldn't mind waiting outside."

The soldier bowed sloppily, then turned to leave, closing the heavy wooden door behind him. Joel could have sworn he heard a burst of laughter from the corridor, but he really wasn't in the mood to check.

He opened his wardrobe and dragged out the ceremonial armour set. He let it fall to the floor with a heavy thud, then started to undress, muttering to himself in disapproval.

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

Joel stepped out into the corridor, fiddling with the latches on his chestplate. The soldier, who had been leaning against the wall half-asleep, stood to attention and waved his hand in the direction of the banquet hall.

"This way, sir."

Joel mumbled something quietly, drawing a sharp glare from his subordinate. The soldier quickly realised his mistake, and stood completely upright in a failed attempt to hide it - forcing Joel to smile.

"Lead on."

[Retribution]

OOC: I'm going to have more people come into the dining hall. I suppose some will be NPCs. And Asher can make 'the sign' any signal... Rion will catch on. (read my post to see what I mean) And yeah, I added in some action. yay!

---

IC:
"Such horrid manners from a King. I've never seen something like this before." Rion said to himself. His knight on his right side nodded in agreement, and kept walking behind him.

"His majesty requests that you go to the dining hall." A butler said to him. It looked like he came out of nowhere, but Rion followed. He was eventually led into a grand hall, adorned with rich metals and cloth. He took a seat at the large table where his name was. The piece of paper said "Rion Marquise."

"You may leave me now." He said quietly to his two knights. It meant that they were to stand outside the hall at the door at-arms. They were a body guarding force of sorts, but they knew Rion could take several skilled men at once in combat.

He sat in his seat, alone in the vast hall, and his thoughts turned back to the revolution. His right hand man and partner in rebellion, Asher, had not talked to him for a while. Was he alright? When would the plan be put into action. Of course, the signal would be given... but the last time they talked, the rebellion was only in the planning stages. Would it pull through?

But he was roused from his thoughts when other guests began to arrive. A fully-armored knight, as well as other nobles and their wives. The women taking a seat glanced at him, and blushed. When their husband asked what the problem was, Rion looked back at his dinner plate, hoping they wouldn't tell.

The knight sat across from him, and Rion was intrigued.

"If I may ask, how long have you been training to become a knight?"

"Several years. And my name is Sir Joel. What is yours?"

"I am Rion Marquise, son of James Marquise. Glad to have met you."

"Same to you, sir. It looks like you've stirred up trouble already... a dashing young man as yourself." Joel let out a slight snicker, and Rion couldn't help but laught at the joke. But the funniest thing was, the joke was a warning for Rion.

"Excuse me, sir, I would ask you not to look at my wife again." A noble with several badges on his vest spat at him. Rion knew better than to defend himself.

"I'm quite sorry sir. I did not know it would cause trouble. My sincerest apologies." He stood up from his chair, and bowed.

"I desire no apology! I challenge you to a duel!" The man was obviously looking for a fight. Rion would gladly rise to the challenge.

"I accept your challenge, sir." He said, and they both bowed to each other. Then, drawing their rapiers, they took up their sides, and started the fight. The nobleman tapped Rion's sword, and thus began the combat.

The man thrusted his rapier at Rion's abdomen, which he quickly parried away. He returned an attack, but it was pushed away just as easily. They exchanged several blows in such a fashion, before Rion broket he trend. He twirled his rapier in a small circle, jolted his rapier forward towards the man's left leg, but pulled it back before impact. The man had already moved to parry the faked attack, when Rion stabbed him through the heart. He quickly withdrew his rapier from the man's body, and pulled a white cloth from his pocket.

Several people gasped at the death blow, as the nobleman fell down to the ground, with his blood pooling around him. Rion used the cloth to clean the blade of his rapier.

"My sincerest apologies, madame." He said to the man's wife, who was weeping uncontrollably.

"Now knights, clean this up, and take this man away. I do not wish his majesty to see such a sight at his own banquet." His knights came in from the other room, and mopped up the blood on the ground so that it looked like it had never been bled-upon before. They they hoisted his body into one of their arms, and carried him away.

Rion sheathed his sword, and sat back down in his seat, looking at Joel.

"I'm sorry about that. Do you think that I will be punished?" he asked the knight with slight worry in his voice. It [i]had[/i] been a just cause.

"I'm sure his majesty will forgive you. In any event, here he comes now." Rion looked up, and saw the the hall had been filled, with people in nearly every seat. Daimon was entering the room in his royal procession. The entire hall stood up immediately, waiting for him to speak and sit down.

[Dragons_Bait15]

Nadi looked at her outfit with a scowl and sighed; as a page passed she pretended to be joyous over the new outfit. Although the other girls were a bit nervous she didn?t mind being a severing girl as long as the King would stay away from her. She had heard another girl making a big scene about the dress. Better this then nothing Nadi shrugs. She hears excited voices behind her and looks over her shoulder, ?'Asher Ravenblood was in the castle.? The trademark squeal of young maids makes her and the other girls wince. ?Ooo...He?s the leader of the rebel force.? ?I hear he?s handsome.? Nadi turns and looks at them with a faint smile. ?No. He appeared at my father?s house one day while I was serving in my father?s study. He is a short, stubby man with almost no hair.? She fakes a disappointed sigh and continues weaving the story, ?He is nothing to look at I tell you. Just an old man.? She looks thoughtful and sets her hand on each maid?s shoulders in turn, ?He came before the rebelling and all so it?s a wonder how he gets around anymore.? She smiles at them and turns back to the other girls, hiding two silk gauze kerchiefs and a fake ruby pin in her pocket, who was brought in with her. At least get them off the track if Ravenblood actually got into the palace. A shiver runs up her spine when she remembers the emptiness in the other girl?s eyes when the king had made an appearance.

Riesa stands near Nadi as they waited for orders, ?I wonder what it will be like. I mean to have all those people looking at you.? She fidgets under a noble?s glance Nadi looks at her and smile, ?I don?t know.? She says with a shrug, ?I don?t know.?

[...]

Sarah stared at the door... she was getting desperate. She ran to the door and tried breaking the knob. She used a hair pin that had been holding her hair up and picked at the lock, but it wouldn't budge. Her hair fell to her shoulders as she pulled wildly at the door knob itself.

Suddenly the door flew open and she was knocked over. He looked down at her and smiled. She cursed under her breath and stood up. He walked over to her and put his hand on her face.

"If I knew you were that eager, I would have made some time." he said. She pushed him away from her and walked away, trying to fix the nightgown she had on. She didn't want to give him any sort of satisfaction of seeing anything.

He walked over to her and smelled her hair. She spun around fiercely and was about to jab the hair pin into his skull, but he caught her hand as she attempted to do so.

"I only forgot my band, but rest assured, I'll come back for you." he said smiling. He grabbed a piece of clothing and tied it around his waist. She stared at him... so much hatred in her eyes. He pulled her close to him and kissed her. She tried kicking him in the groin, but he pushed her away before she could.

"Wait for me..." he said. She spat on the ground near his feet. He turned around and left. Sarah stared at the door... she hated him... she looked to the side of her and saw her hair pin on the ground. The thought of driving it into her own chest... flashed through her mind. But it left as soon as it came. She was a fighter... and she never... thought of giving up... the only way she'd lose her life tonight was if someone took it from her...

She was so tired.... she looked at the bed... and instinctively went to go sleep... but thought better of it.

"He'll think I was waiting for him... that bastard." she said. She pulled a pillow from the bed and laid on the floor. She would never touch that bed... never... she went to sleep, repeating these words to herself... as if... she was convincing herself... but one way or another... she had a feeling she'd be taken tonight.

[Aiyanna]

[COLOR=Indigo]OOC: Sorry I'm late. I've been goin through some stuff lately. I will try to get into the flow, though I think that maybe I am posting a bit late...who knows?


Amaya had obeyed her King's orders immediately, and had gone back to her room to find a suitable dress. She didn't have too many, but she thought she knew the perfect one. A slight smile had spread across her lips when Damion had chosen her, though she had tried not to give any other sign of satisfaction.

She had a mostly plain room, with basic furnishings such as a bed, a sturdy table, two chairs and a wardrobe for her cloths. She also had a wash-tub and a mirror.
Walking smoothly over to her wardrob, she flung the doors open and started her search for the perfect dress. She didn't want something to flaunt herself, as she hated when women did that, but teasing wasn't something that she would go out of her way to avoid. She especially wanted to please her king.
She finally decided on a dark forest green dress that brought out the hues in her eyes. It had a nice cut to it, one that she though her King would appreciate, because it emphasized the shape of her waist and hips, not to mention her breasts. The neckline swooped only enough that it gave a modest baring of chest, and it had a little bit of embroidered leaves and vines creeping up the half-sleeves and playing around the hems. She wore soft slipper-like shoes and did her hair up in a knot, with chestnut curls hanging down to frame her pretty face. She was overall satisified when she stepped in front of the mirror to inspect the affect. Hopefully, King Damion would like it.

The maid she had chosen was waiting outside her door for her, and Amaya smiled at her as they both exchanged slight curtsies. Then she walked towards King Damions chambers, hoping that she hadn't chosen something he wouldn't like. She only wanted to please her king, and was faithful to him.[/COLOR]

[Sinistra]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][FONT=Palatino Linotype]Maaya sat in the corridor that she had been ushered to, and was waiting by sitting patiently on the bed. She looked around to see candlebras standing in the corners of the room, flame flickering from them, and a small armoire with a strange box on top of it. A mirror and table sat in the far corner near the door.

The same old woman walked in and locked the door behind her.

"You must be Maaya." She said in a rather raspy tone.
"Yes, ma'am. I am Maaya Joston." The young girl replied with a shaky tone and bowed her head slightly, allowing some of that raven black hair to fall around her face. "I apologize if my tone seems a little awkward. I am still trying to adjust to the new surroundings, it makes me just a little nervous."
"Well, as I told that other girl...Sarah, I think her name was...that you should not be afraid, you are not the first and will not be the last."
"So am I to do whatever you say?" Maaya looked up at the old woman and noticed the wrinkles on the face that came with the wisdom that she seemed to possess with old age.
"No, the King is to do whatever he wants with you. I am only here to prepare you for tonight's feast."
"Is it a special occasion?" Maaya asked in a childish tone.
"It is your arrival, along with the other five." The old woman replied as she pulled out some sort of red cloth and set it next to Maaya.
"What am I to do with this?" Maaya asked as she picked at it with her fingertips, realizing that much wouldn't be left for the imagination.
"You're to wear it, my child." The old woman said with a smirk, seeing Maaya's slight disgust.
"Please ma'am, if I may just wear the clothing I have on-"
"No, you are to wear this, it is the King's command."

[I]'I was taught to obey.'[/I] Maaya tried to repeat herself. [I]'I was taught to obey...'[/I]

"Fine." Maaya said with a soft voice. "If it is the King's wishes."
"Your hair." The old woman sat down beside Maaya and ran her bony fingers through the long tresses.
"What is wrong with my hair, ma'am?" Maaya sighed.
"Nothing, I'm just going to put it up and out of your pretty little face." She replied, that smirk still there.
"V-very well." Maaya began to shake slightly.

The old woman let go of Maaya's hair and walked over to a small jewelry box that stood above the small wooden armoire where that appalling "dress" came from. She pulled out a long red ribbon. It looked new to Maaya and she remembered her own that she had tied around her left wrist.

"Now hold still, my child, this should only take a moment or two." She said as her hands went to work. Maaya felt her hair being pulled up gently and two long strands on the edges of her forehead fell to her sides. The ribbon was wrapped quickly around the ponytail that had formed in a sloppy, yet seductive manner. "There. Now, get dressed. A guard will be here to escort you to the dinner."
"Thank you, ma'am." Maaya bowed her head once more and the woman left. "Now what am I to do with this...thing?" She picked up the nearly transparent cloth and slipped it on over the clothes she had on then.

Maaya ran over to the armoire and searched frantically through the other clothes. A mid-calf length, silky white dress hung at the end. Maaya smiled, pulled it out and threw it on. A perfect fit.

A few minutes later, Maaya was fully dressed. To not totally disobey the King, she wore the garment that was given to her over the dress. It looked nice to Maaya, and she enjoyed what she had done. The white dress was covered by the gauzy thin red cloth and looked rather nicely. The red cloth had sleeves that hooked around each of Maaya's thumbs and it extended to her knees. "There!" She smiled. "All I have to do is wait." She walked over to a chair that accompanied the desk, sat down, and began to sing lightly.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[demonchild781]

OOC: well people...sorry this taking so long but for whatever reason OB does not like me and I can't seem to post. I do have this huge plan/idea in my head but every time I go to post it...I lose it. *swears over and over again* So bear with me for a little longer and I'll get it up I promise.

[Redemption]

[COLOR=DarkRed][FONT=Trebuchet MS]Ashrel watched this young man's display of swordsmanship against this noble. A wicked smile came to her lips as she watched the dead noble's body being dragged away, his widow howling in distress.

" Pathetic woman..." she said coldly.

Damion entered the banquet hall. Everyone rose and bowed to the king, some more resistant to than others. Her keen military eyes didn't waver for a second. As the hall sat after Damion's seating, Ashrel prowled behind all the nobles and their companies.

Each time she passed one noble, she felt them sigh with relief - for they all knew that Ashrel, the lady in red, had the power to kill anyone on the spot without any queries from her king. Plus, they weren't used to having a woman with so much power over them. How she proved them wrong in her early days as first-in-command.

Ashrel strode behind the young fencer. The knight behind him could feel her presence and shivered.
" Do you wish our presence Lady Ashrel?" the knight asked sternly. Ashrel's eyes glinted with a hint of madness.
" I just wanted to congratulate this young man here for his show of swordsmanship," Ashrel purred. Both the young man and the knight melted at the sound of her smooth, enticing feminine voice. It was the perfect weapon against any and all males, except for her King of course.

The young man turned around in his seat.
" Who may you be, fair lady?" he asked, scanning her body with his eyes. Ashrel just smiled.
" I am Lady Ashrel, first-in-command after the King himself," she purred.
" Rion Marquise fair Lady Ashrel," he said as he kissed her hand politely. Ashrel smiled. Her eyes boared into Rion's, making him feel that she could see into his very soul. Thinking of what secrets she may find, Rion looked away quickly. Ashrel laughed to herself.
" I'd be careful around here if I were you Rion. You just might find yourself in bed with one of the King's mistresses if you do not contain those dashing looks of yours," Ashrel said smoothly before striding off, again to prowl the nobles.

Rion looked shocked at Ashrel as she left. Joel sniggered.
" You will have to watch yourself Rion. Ashrel is a woman not to be messed with. She may be the King's first-in-command, but she is also his favourite companion in all military matters. He is displeased when a man shows interest in her."
" Then why does he not bed her?" Rion asked.
" He has no desire too."
" Why?"
" You ask too many questions Rion. It is a known fact around the castle that Ashrel only has eyes for the King. However, she does like to tempt any males that seem interested in her to show affection, just to anger the King and get attention from him."

[b]OOC: I hope this is ok Demonchild[/b][/COLOR][/FONT]

[Retribution]

"But the King isn't here. So how could she get attention from him. I can only think if someone where to tell him of what happened." Rion said in an inquiring tone, watching Lady Ashrel walk back to the other nobles.

"I have no idea, Rion. Just be careful... some say she is a cruel woman."

"Oh, I know so, Sir Joel. The woman must be cruel to love his majesty. Both must be sickly sadistic. However, she does [i]look[/i] wonderful."

"Looks can be decieving, as I'm sure you already know." he said firmly.

"Indeed they are," Rion answered positively, then perking up to see that wine had been placed on their table. Rion picked up a glass of it, and swirled it around. He smelled the aroma, as he had been taught, then took a small sip of it to taste it.

"The king knows what good wine is, that's certain!" Joel exclaimed as he polished off the rest of his glass in instants. [i]He must have a strong stomach to down an entire glass of wine in seconds.[/i] Rion thought to himself. Joel obviously picked up on his thought, and gave him a full smile, confirming his ideas.

He laughed, and looked around at the nobles. He could pick out several women gazing at him longingly, but he broke eye contact, hoping that there would be no further engagements. Spilling innocent blood over such a trivial matter was ludicrous. A noble next to him gave him a light nudge with his shoulder.

"I'm under the impression you're quite the lady's man..." he said to him.

"So I hear... however, I do no wish to jump to such arrogant conclusions." he replied, trying to end the conversation with him as quickly as possible.

"Yes, but Lady Ashrel, as well as other ladies in the hall have noticed you. Watch out -- you'll have several challenges coming your way after the dinner. By the way, my name is Jonathan."

"And mine is Rion Marquise. Pleased to meet you." he lied, and looked up at the King's podium. Lady Ashrel was looking sternly around the hall at everyone, probably deciding whom to kill, and whom to toy with as she had done with Rion. Daimon looked at his wine disgustedly, and shouted at the servant who had given it to him.

"He's never thankful for anything... is he?" Jonathan asked.

"So it would seem." Rion replied curtly. The King looked as if he was going to make a speech soon.

[demonchild781]

[COLOR=SeaGreen][FONT=Arial]OOC: Ok let's try this again.

Damion shoved his chair back and raised his wine glass high to bring every ones attention to him. Amaya sat perfectly composed in her chair next to Damion, sipping delicately at her own wine. Once Damion had their attention he began.

"I am sorry to have kept you all waiting, I had some pry business to attend to. I wanted to make this was one of my best dinners for you, my nobles and knights." Damion allowed a wide smile to follow his slight pause. "I now bring to you my newest additions to my harem and the richest of food." Damion bollowed to allow the servers to hear his request.

Before any one had time to breath, various servers and scantly-clad dressed girls came racing from the kitchen and began to dance about the various tables. His guests were in shock of the large platters that were placed before each of them and the various appetizers that were placed on each table. The air filled with the rich scent of expressive labor and delicate foods. Damion smiled at their approval.

"Before we all begin to feast upon what I have set before you," Damion begged for every one to bring their attention back to him. "I would like to congradulate our dear Sir Marquise for his victory against the late Duke. Seeing that the Duke should have kept up his skills and not have challenged a man of such high reguard in the first place." Damion through his cup high into the air. "You will have first choice in any of my ladies, expect for," and he paused for a moment to bring every ones attention to Amaya who sat so perfectly in her chair. "The lady to my right." Damion smiled as Amaya lowered her head gently.

"Now." Damion bellowed louldy. "Tonight's--." And before the king could finish his sentence a loud crash echoed through the room and all were drawn to the kitchen doors.

Damion scowled at the sight of one of the new girls laying sprawled face down on the floor. The platter she had been carrying flung across the recently polished floor. The room filled with hushed whispers and gasps. Damion looked to the guards that stood by each door and motioned for them to take her out. As they did so, other servers rushed to clean the mess.

"Terribly sorry my ladies and gentlemen." Damion brought his attention back to his guests. "We have new members on the staff and aren't quite use to being in front of so many fine and noble people like yourself." Damion lowered his head in apology. "As for tonight's entertainment. I have arranged for singing and dancing by some of my best performers in the center court. There will be plenty of wine, ladies and men," he smiled and nodded to some of the young women without a lord, "and desserts to feast upon. I hope you all will join me. Now you must excuse me, I must deal with my small problem." He smiled courtly as he backed away from his table. "You may all begin."

And with that he started towards the kitchen doors, calling Ashrel to his side.

"Yes, my Lord?" Ashrel nodded when she reached his side.

"Watch over my guests and when every one is done usher them to center court." Damion snarled.

She nodded again, smiling because she knew what that rage meant, and went about her business.

Damion broke through the kitchen doors and stormed to the back where the guards had thrown the young girl. She was one of the new ones.

"Out of my way!" he barked at his guards as he rushed forward to take the girl by the throat. "How dare you make me look like a fool!" He screamed at her, slamming her against a wall. "I will not tolerate such disobedience and you will not live very long if you continue to do so." He threw her to his left, her body flying into a wall and crumbling to the floor.

The girl began to weep as she crawled into a ball.

"Shut her up and take her to one of the quarters." Damion screamed at one of the guards as he tried to regain his composer.

"Yes, your majesty." The guards replied as they scooped up the girl.

Damion tugged on the bottom of his shirt and re-tied his sash before venturing back into the dinning hall. He sat calmly in his chair and turned to Amaya.

"How did they behave while I was gone?" He said very sweetly into her ear.

"The servers did very well after your leave. Some of the new girls trembled a bit though." She whispered back as Damion place his large, firm hand on her leg.

"Good. Have you been enjoying your meal?" Damion turned back to the table and began to eat.

"Very much so my Lord." Amaya replied.

Damion nodded to the guests that sat at his table as he began to eat his own dinner. He laughed, joked and talked with the noblest most loyal to him, and the only ones allowed to sit at his table with him. [/FONT] [/COLOR]

[Kairi]

[COLOR=DarkSlateGray][SIZE=1]''Thank you very much my lord...the apples are marvelous.'' replied to one of the serves girls in the market place.

''You're welcome...and dont call me that. I am no lord...but enjoy.'' as Jacob continued to walk down the streets of the market place. He had tied out Oblivion outside one of the local bars that resided in the town as Jacob went exploring.

Jacob loved to walk through the streets...just taking in the sight of people at work, living out their lives to the fullest that they possibly could. Some of the soldiers were in a buzz, whispering to each other about something.

[I]No doubt the escape of the rebellion leader Asher. [/I] he thought to himself as he took his attention away from them and up further down the road. A select few civilians were making there way through the castle gates...as Jacob looked harder, he say servants of Damion fantically getting some sort of entertainment ready within.

Taking a last bite of his apple, Jacob gave the rest to a little boy sitting on the side of the road. [I]Interesting...[/I]

As he approached the gate, two guards blocked his way from entering.

''Do you have an invitation?'' snarled one of the men.

''Um...no...I don't...but I am a loyalist to the king himself; isn't that enough.''

''No...it is not! Who are you?'' as the other pointed his blade at Jacob's throat.''

''Aye...I would be a noblemen...a long retired soldier of Damions Army. See...I am branded with his mark.'' as he lifted up his shirt and exposed a burn mark ingraved with Damions symbol on his side. Little did they know that is was from his days of torture all those years ago.

''You don't dress like a noblemen my lord.'' both soldier backed away...taking a look at him.

''Aye...I don't like thee attention if you know what I mean. I like to walk the streets without being bothered...''

Jacob gave a intense gaze upon one of the soldiers...his blue eyes showing that of innocence and truth.

''Well...since you aren't armed...I guess we can let you in. But no farther than the central court; do you understand?''

''Completely.'' as Jacob walked past them and handed them each 4 gold pieces and entered into the central court, blending himself in with the rest of the crowd. [/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Dragons_Bait15]

Nadi rubbed the back of her neck as the door to the chamber was shut and made a face at it. ?Oh the sacrifices.? She mutters to herself, as she looks around she recognizes the room and frowns. It was completely deserted of every thing except armoire and bed, a small window with a thin ledge leading up. She remembers the rage of the king as she looks out the window and sighs. New and fragile yet?who cares. She thinks as she eases herself out the window and along the ledge. Maybe I can find something out by listening through the windows. On the ledge she looks down into the courtyard 20 feet and backs as far against the stone as she can. ?Breasal, give me strength.? She says as she kneels on the ledge. Slowly lowering herself down she tries to get footing on a loose stone or another window. Her foot catches on a stone and she slowly shifts her weight to it. The stone shifts and comes out of its place leaving her with a small foothold, but it clatters on the pavement in the courtyard. Wincing she looks down and sighs at seeing none. Her arms tired she sits on the window seal 6 feet below the one she started on. She rubs her arms silently and looks into the room behind her. Shadows move in the courtyard and she ducks into the room nearly stepping on another girl. ?Hello!?

[Retribution]

Rion sat in disbelief, staring at his empty dinner plate. [i]Did he just say what I think he said? Why should I get any maiden of my choice for defending my own honor?[/i] He felt puzzled, and Jonathan did nothing to help the situation. He was silently snickering at him, and so was Joel. They nudged his shoulder and said things like "Who're you going to chose?" but he tried to ignore them as best he could.

The servant girl came by the table, and set down a plate of tender salmon, steak, potatoes, and sallad. It was an exquisite feast, one better than the meals he ate at home. The King was definetly well versed in foods, he thought silently. Everyone ate their fill, feeling satisfied from the huge meal, which was immediately followed by deserts of every variety.

Rion decided not to eat too much, as it would hinder his fighting skills. [i]But I'm not going to fight... am I?[/i] He thought to himself. [i]Who knows... I suppose I should be prepared. The King isn't known for being peaceful, and Jonathan said I'd have more challenges coming my way.[/i]

He left food on his plate, and finished his cup of wine, making sure he was still fully capacitated. Being drunk would only demean him, not bolster his status. The King was probably watching him all the time since he knew about the fight with the Duke. It never hurt to be safe.

After a few hours of merry-making and eating, Lady Ashrel called for everyone's attention in a commanding tone. Of course everyone obeyed her.

"All guests, please go to the center court immediately." She said, then sat down. Everyone rose from their seats, and began filing out of the dining hall and going towards the center court. Rion looked around the crowd, trying to decided upon a woman he would set free from the King. He knew that he could not force her in good conscience to be his wife, so it would just be a freedom note to her. No one caught his eye.

Rion's two knights as well as Joel walked near him and into the center court, awaiting further instructions.

[Sinistra]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][FONT=Palatino Linotype]Maaya continued to clean up the table with the other girls. She made haste however, because of the fact of what had happened to that other girl. She wasn't stupid.

'I don't know if I can handle this.' She thought to herself and bit her lip slightly as she wiped off some crumbs off of the table. 'I hope that I can live up to the standards that the King expects of us. If I don't, will I be killed?'

After she was finished, Maaya walked silently back to her room and changed back into her normal clothing.

'It is odd. To think that the King, as brutal as he may seem, has this many "friends". I wonder how many of them truly like him besides the Lady Ashrel.'

She let down her hair and shook her head. 'Things shouldn't have to be like this. I don't want to live in fear of another person...'

Maaya thought to herself and eventually, she got the idea that she could walk down to the Center Court to see what was happening.

As she slipped from corridor to corridor, she finally made it back to the Central Court and crept around to find another door. When she opened it slightly, the sight she saw made her eyes widen.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[demonchild781]

[COLOR=SeaGreen][FONT=Arial]Damion nodded to his closest allies as they excused themself from the table and followed the crowd towards the center court. Damion smiled at their beautiful clothing and elegant structures. None of them possing a body as craved and solid as his, none of them seemed to be able to compete with his physical strength. It was a satisfying thought, but not something that he wanted to gloat over.

Damion watched as Rion, Joel, and Jonathon exited the room, keeping a watchful eye on the king. He smiled at them, knowing of their plotting against him. He wasn?t stupid, he knew who was loyal and not. Though doing anything about it to such well-respected people would have been unwise.

?My Lord?? Amaya?s sweet voice beckoned for his attention.

He nodded to a few more guests before he brought his attention to Amaya.

?Are we to join the others??

?Yes, you may meet me there. I have some things to check up on.? Damion ran his thumb gently along her arm.

?Yes, my Lord.? She smiled, nodded gently, and stood up from her chair.

He ran a playful hand across her stomach and over her hips. She slid from his touch and left the massive room to join the others. Various servants still wandered about the room, cleaning up the table and floor. Damion tapped his fingers with annoyance upon the large wooden table.

?Your majesty?? A servant came up to him, bowing at his middle.

?What?? Damion snapped.

?Is there something I can get you?? The servant kept out of arms reach, knowing if the king felt violent enough he would take out his rage on him.

?Make sure all the girls are at the center court. Have the maid start sorting them out for their various talents. Tell Ashrel to start the entertainment for me.? Damion barked as he shoved himself away from the table. The servant jumped back to avoid any conflict he might find with his king.

?Yes, your majesty.? The servant bowed at his middle and rushed from the king?s sight.

Damion ran his fingers through his thick dark hair, allowing a frustrated sigh to leave his lips. He finally brought himself to walk out of the dinning hall and into the corridors. Blissful music roared in the distances and the sweet smell of perfume and sweets filled his nose. He smiled. As Damion started down the long corridors, two of his guards walked up behind him on either side and they made their way towards the center court.

Damion stood perfectly posed on the steps above the center court, a few commoners from the streets had been allowed to slip past the guards and mingled within the nobles and knights. Damion growled, but did nothing. He watched them all sitting, and standing about as beautiful music played and an elebrate dancing performance took place in the very center.
?Oh, my Lord.? A very soft voice floated above the noise.

Damion looked down to see a young noble woman of maybe twenty standing before him.

?How can I help you, my Lady.? Damion bowed gently, placing an arm behind his back.

?Oh no, my Lord.? The woman grabbed the edges of her dress and lowered herself delicately towards the steps. ?I must have lost my way. I think I have had too much wine this evening.? She smiled brightly, her face flushed.

?Oh, it is no problem, my dear Lady.? Damion smiled back her. She was cute, nothing like his mistresses, but attractive in her own manner. He took her arm and ushered back towards the party. The both of them carrying on, laughing about non-sense.

?You don?t say? And he fell into the mud afterwards?? Damion laughed as he brought his face closer to the woman?s, smelling the strong wine on her breath.

?Yeah, and he...he proclaimed that I was...a pompus...pompus wench!? The woman slurred her words and laughed throughout her sentence.

Damion smiled at her as he grabbed another glass of wine for himself. She begged to have some, but he refused to allow her any more. He sent one of his servants to fetch Amaya for him and before long the lovely woman stood before him.

?My dear Amaya,? Damion spoke clearly watching Amaya look disapproving at the drunken woman. ?There is a girl, Sarah, that awaits for me in my chambers. Will you see to it that she is cleaned up and is given a suitable chamber to stay in, something close to yours.?

?Yes, my Lord,? and with that she left the king?s side. [/FONT] [/COLOR]

OOC: Altron if you would have a couple duels break out please. Thank you.

[Retribution]

OOC: Yeah, I'll do that for you. ^_^... Here it goes... I'm assuming your vast castle will have some sort of medical wing. Heh.

---

IC:

Rion listened to the beautiful music playing in the court, and looked at Daimon who was talking to Ayama. He smiled, contentedly at the night so far, except for killing the man. He wished it hadn't come to blows with him. He was roused from his thoughts from several shouts breaking the music's melody.

"I challenge you to a duel!" One man screamed at the other. He challenged accepted, and so began the duel. Rion rushed over, pushing his way through the crowd to get a better look. Two more nobles were fighting for whatever reasons.

"Please, sirs! Do not spill any more blood tonight, I beg of you!" He shouted at both the fighters, stepping in between them with his own rapier drawn. "Sheath your swords!"

"Never, you insolent whelp! He called my wife a wench while he was drunk himself! This cannot be forgiven."

"Well, it's not my fault if she is. She was flirting with many other men tonight! Now defend yourself!" Rion swatted down both rapiers again.

"This is the last time. I beg of you, do not fight. I will kill you both if you do. I do not wish to fight... please keep this banquet peaceful." he asked once more. It was the final warning.

"Never! Go to hell!" the both shouted at him. The two men double-teamed him, attacking him. Rion parried one rapier, stepping to the side to let the man's temporary ally stab him. But he didn't as they parried each other's accidental blows, but it was just enough to kill one of them. He stabbed one of the men through the abdomen, and pulled it out, facing the next fighter.

Several more men bolted from out of the crowd into the combat, trying to hold Rion down for the deathblow.

"Knights! Aid me!" He yelled to them, as he stabbed another man through his neck. He had nearly ten people to fight now. The crowd was in panic, with shouts of both jeering and fear ringing out among them. His knights ran over as fast as they could in the heavy armor, and flanked him with their own broadswords. They killed several more men attacking Rion's side, but one man was smart enough to attack from behind.

He had a had knife, and stabbed Rion in the back. It was a deep wound, but not fatal. It had missed all organs, be they vital or not. The blade only went into him half an inch. Rion whirled around in pain, and slid the dagger from out of his sleeve, slitting the man's jugular vein in an instant, then collapsed to the ground.

" ...uhh..." he sighed in pain, falling on top of several other dead men. His knights ripped off his jacket and looked at his wound, determining it not fatal, they took the cloth off of a nearby dead noble's shirt and wrapped it around his bleeding back.

"He needs medical attention immediately. Would your majesty be so kind as to take Lord Marquise in for the night? We would be in your debt, your majesty." The bowed low, hoping he would take him in and stop his bleeding with proper medical help.

"Of course! Servant!" He yelled out for aid. He knew it would be a poor show to deny a wounded noble quarters for the night. "Take Sir Marquise to the medical wing, and see to it that he has a [I]comfortable[/I] room..." he trailed off, verbally nudging the butler to bring him woman company. Not that he could use it in his weakened state.

"We are thankful beyond words, your majesty. Thank you." They bowed again, accompanying him to the medical wing, sitting next to his bed when a nurse had given him clean bandages and fresh blankets.

"Is your wound deep, m'lord?" One asked.

"N... no... I'll live. Thank you, my loyal knights for helping me..." he said, and passed out. He would not wake up until later that night...

---

OOC: So was that gory enough for you? I suppose you didn't want all that, as you said 'a couple' fights or something. Oh well.