RPG Reality of Dreams [M-LSV]

[lil kitsune boy]

It was nighttime in the forest, and most of the village was asleep. But Asher never really slept, lately. Something was... nagging him, in the back of his mind. He'd very narrowly escaped Damion's soldiers. But it was something about the man that bothered him.

'Asher, you should sleep.' came a familiar voice from a nearby window. Asher turned, smiling.

'I can't sleep, ' he said, 'What's your excuse, Isabella?'

The girl smiled, not a day over fifteen, her crush on Asher was clearly evident when she spoke to him.

'I was watching you again.' she admitted, 'You got beat up pretty bad, didn't you?'

Asher laughed. He had to admit, Damion had worked him over pretty bad.

'Yeah, but I'll live.' he said.

'This time,' she countered, 'but you might not be so lucky next time. What do you think would happen to us, here, if I...' she paused, embarrased, 'If we lost you?'

'I don't know,' Asher admitted, 'I think you'd make it.'

'But, you almost died this time!' she was starting to cry, 'You always said 'ifyou know who you're fighting, you'll always be ok.' But that didn't help you, you weren't ok! And how long do you think it would take him to find this place if you weren't around? A few months? Weeks?'

Asher was speechless. She was right. For all he knew about how Damion's soldiers fought, he didn't know a thing about the man himself. Was this what had been bothering him? In all the time Asher had fought, he knew bloodlust when he saw it. But was Damion about more than that? Could that tyrant be more than just that? It seemed impossible.

'You're right.' he said.

'You're damn right I am.' she replied, 'So, what are you going to do now?'

'I don't know,' Asher said, 'I'll have to think about it.'

[Dragons_Bait15]

Nadi had scoured the barracks clean, nothing to amount to come her way. Not even a good piece of information. ?Damn.? She walks back to the door with a small scrap of paper in her hand, the location of a small armory under lose guard. Running across the grounds she hurries back into the castle. In her room she encodes the scrap of paper, seals it in an envelope and runs down to the head maid. The door to her office is closed and Nadi reaches for the door knob as she opens the door she runs into Ashrel. The lady smiles wickedly and holds up a sheet of paper. On the paper is the Rosetta stone for her code. ?A rebel, you betray your king? Two years in the castle and yet you learn nothing.? Nadi faces her smiling faintly, ?If you were the so admired and feared person you seem to be you would have found out by now.? She stands up straight facing the lady squarely. Ashrel looks stunned for a few seconds and then draws her sword. ?You have doomed your family with your words.? Nadi watches her peacefully, ?I worked for Asher not for my family. May the Blood raven avenge all that you have wrecked.? She gasps the long sword sliding through her stomach. Ashrel spits on her as she falls and calmly walks over Nadi taking the sealed envelope.

[demonchild781]

OOC: Leading up to Dragons_bait's post.

IC:

[FONT=Arial Narrow][COLOR=SeaGreen]Damion helped Sarah into a chair next to him and took his seat again. His nobles chatted amongst themselves as they awaited their meals. He hadn?t noticed until that very moment the smug look that creased Ashrel?s face and he knew exactly what was causing it. Never in a million life times did Damion think that Lady Ashrel could love him as she had. How blind he hand been to it.

He kept his eyes from both women and he knew both knew something was wrong. Damion watched unamused as the servants, dressed in their fancy grab, paraded around the tables delivering various dishes to all. He ordered something for Sarah and waited for his own food to arrive.

Upon its delivery, Damion realized that he wasn?t all that hungry. His head throbbed and his other wounds burned. He began to pick through his food, shoving a few bits into his mouth, but none of it satisfied him.

?Are you alright?? Sarah asked suddenly.

Damion nodded gently, but didn?t look at her. This brought Ashrel?s attention to them, but she didn?t say anything either. They both watched him until dinner was done and the servants began to clear the tables.

Damion turned to Sarah and smiled at her, ?I?m so happy you?ve come back.? He stood up, a little wobbly. He braced himself on the table with both arms, Ashrel standing up. ?I?m fine.? He said shortly. He pushed himself away from the table and made his way to the doors, trying desperately to keep his balance and strength. He made it to the doors, his head swimming and his legs weak.

He braced himself on the door way, trying to make the dizziness stop, but failing miserably. He tried to step forward only to lose it all in a wave of blackness as he tumbled to the floor with a sickening thud. Guards and servants rushed to his head aid leaving Ashrel and Sarah helpless next to the table.

They picked him up and carried him off, more than likely to his chamber. The news was already spreading like wildfire through the castle and it would only be a matter of time before it reached the commoners.[/COLOR][/FONT]

OOC: Sorry so short guys. Alright. I'm going to be posting the sign ups for the second chapter by tomorrow. So get the last little bits you want before the revolt starts...IF IT EVER STARTS. If you have any questions just pm thanks :animesmil

[Retribution]

After talking with Jacob, he strolled out into the courtyard, clearing his minds, as he prepared for the rebellion. He would have to go on without Asher, and start it as soon as he had a few supporters under his belt. He couldn't pull off the stunt alone.

He had to veer to the right to miss a girl walking towards him. He shook himself from his thoughts, looking at her with annoyance, trying to go back to his thoughts. He had more important matters to attend to. Surely he could let it go. She was persistent though.

"Excuse me, sir, are you Sir Marquise?" She asked, undaunted.

"Yes I am. And who are you?" He looked at her, then eyed the weapons on her side. His eyes widened as his hand idly touched the hilt of his rapier. It was his fighter instinct. His body entered an awake, alert state, while looking casual and at ease. He was waiting for her to make a sudden movement to react to.

[Kairi]

[COLOR=DarkSlateGray][SIZE=1]Jacob stood looking out his window...now wrapped in nobility. He didn't care much for such things...but it was better than wearing the blood soaked garments that he previously had been clothed in.

He had been bathed...feed to his full...and treated with gentlness and respect by the servants; maidens of Rion's house.

"I'm glad to hear that you fight with us Jacob,'' replied Rion stepping through the door to his room. ''The way you fought with Damion; you certainly will become a valued ally to our cause.''

Jacobs long brown hair blew back across his face as a gust of wind came into the room. The night was cool...a very pleasant feeling to Jacob's spirit.

''What do you fight for Rion...if you dont mind me asking...'' replied Jacob...not turning his gaze away from the view of the balcony.

"There a lot of things to fight for Jacob...why...do you doubt yourself?" answered Rion as he walked to his side...looking out upon the city as well.

"No...I doubt the rebellion...are we fighting for our own cause...or are we truly fighting for our people."

Rion was silent for a moment...analyzing what Jacob had said.

"I've already lived through one war Rion...I've lost my father, my wife; my life to Damion. But I cannot have a personal war against the man. He has kept our country safe from invaders...and he is a strong leader...do not forget that. Damion is no pushover...nor the army that he commands.''

"agreed"

"If you wish to rebel against your own king...make sure your followers believe as you do...for one common goal...for true freedom."

''You are right Jacob; Asher has been leading our cause for a while now...as us Noblemen have been gathering information...bidding our time against Damion"

"Do not underestimate him my lord...for it will be our downfall if we do."

"We?...so you will join us then..." Rion having a lightened expression upon his face...enjoying the fact to be able to fight alongside this man.

"Yes...but know this...I will not fight for you...nor any noblemen. I do fight for our people my lord."

"As I'm sure that they will fight for you Jacob.'' Rion placing a hand on his shoulder..."but we must do this together..."

"understood"

***

A red moon hung above the heads of all those who lived under the rule of Damion. Outside of the castle walls...beyond the town residing underneathe. To the open plains, mountainsides, and forest keeps of his people...a stirring was rising.

Men from every village began to form into one cohesive movement...attacking Damions small outposts all over his lands. Some were won...some cost many lives...some ended in complete failure. One of Damions' high knights named Joel was killed in one of the attacks near the city; however, he was able to defend his keep from the rebel invaders.

But neither the less...more and more rebels were being drawing into the fight. Soon; if given enough time...would lead into a full scale war; forcing Damion to unleashed the full power of his armies upon his people.

Will they find allies...will they rally more to support their cause. No one knows...but there numbers are growing to the hundreds...almost thousands.

***

[I]Damion....................now.........we are even. Your move....[/I]

''Rion...'' Jacob finally speaking...

"What is it Jacob?'' Rion responded...

''I ask a favor of you.......may one of your servant please get me my fathers sword from my home...I live on a farm on the outskirts of the town."

"Of course...what kind of sword is it?"

"A very large claymore...used by my father in the last war against Damion; he shall know the blade well."

"Anything else?"

"Yes...my horse Oblivion is still tied outside the local bar; can you please take care of him?"

"Of course...I'll see to it myself...'' and with that, Rion exited the room...but before he went through the door, "get some rest Jacob."

"I will...'' and with that...the door was shut. [/SIZE] [/COLOR]

[Sinistra]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][FONT=Palatino Linotype]Maaya watched as Sir Marquise placed his hand on the hilt of his famous rapier. "I believe that as a slave girl, I am not worthy of giving you my name, sir. However, I still think that a friendly spar would be permitted. You look like you could blow off some steam." She said as the wind fluttered by and blew his hair across his face, hers dangled from that yellow ribbon in her hair.
"Girl, if a fight is what you're looking for, then run along. I don't want to hurt you." Rion warned her as his hand gripped the hilt.
"I will not run along as you wish. I just want to see what my skills are compared to yours. You obviously have the upperhand since this blade tied to my side has not been unsheathed in quite a few years." She closed her eyes and reopened them with that dangerous glare in her eye once more.
"I see. Well, a challenge from a slave of Daimon's. Fine then, I will entertain you if that is what you wish. Just don't cry to the King when you lose." He unsheathed the rapier and it shined in the moonlight. He held it in a defensive posture and Maaya's hands continued to rest at her sides.
"Begin, Sir." She stated simply.
"Your loss." Rion replied as he thrusted it forward. Maaya's left hand moved in an instant and the short sword blocked the rapier, sending it just above her right shoulder.

Rion stepped back and analyzed the opposing unorthodox blade. Maaya never blinked as she watched that look on his face turn from curiousity to confidence. Rion stepped closer as to continue with the swordplay. He thrusted two diversionary stabs close to each of Maaya's hips and then a real one straight toward her stomach. Maaya pulled her blade around to parry the attack and Rion flicked his wrist to pull the rapier back.

Maaya used this opportunity to try and inflict some shallow cuts as she swung the blade horizontally at Rion repeatedly. Rion shifted his stance and stepped backward, charging once more when Maaya had faltered in her pattern. Maaya swung to her right at the last minute as Rion thrusted his rapier at her head.

The blade only managed to rip through Maaya's ribbon and sent her raven black hair to her knees. She lunged for Sir Marquise, the sword in her left hand was held like an elbow blade.

Rion didn't parry the attack until it was too late. A shallow cut on the side of his hip began to seep with a small amount of blood. "And here I thought I was going to have to just toy with you." He smirked as Maaya rose to her feet. He began to send a flurry of attacks at Maaya and she barely blocked each one. When Rion stopped, there were several cuts on Maaya's arms.

She winced a little, but then waited for Rion's next move. That smirk never disappeared as Rion sent another stab toward Maaya's upper body. She thought quickly, and tapped Rion's blade to the side. Maaya then flew behind Rion and held the sword to his throat.
"Good move, but not good enough." He said as he grabbed her arm, swung her around and onto the ground. The rapier that had light specks of blood on it, now caressed the sensitive skin of Maaya's neck as she held her head up to see the man that defeated her. "So tell me now, what is your name? Answer me, for I command you to."
"My name is Maaya, Sir." She replied, that glare in her eyes disappeared when she blinked.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[Retribution]

"Very good of you, Maaya. Another match?"

"As you wish."

They both stood up, giving each other a few steps of space each, and tapped swords to begin the fight once more. It was Maaya who held her sword on the defensive this time. Rion circled her slowly, analyzing her stance for a weakeness of some sort. Maaya counter-circled, doing the same, both watching each other for a sign of attack.

Maaya reacted instantly as Rion quicly shot out his rapier at her throat. She swatted the blade to the side, and took a stab of her own at his chest. Rion could not retract his sword in time for a parry, and instead dropped to the ground, stabbing at her left-knee cap. Maaya dodged the blow, but not fast enough, as there was a shallow scrape where he had attacked. But Rion had left his back completely exposed, as she came down upon it from her previously-missed position.

Rion rolled to the side, seeing the sword embed itself into the earth, as she pulled it out quickly.

"Quite a fight you're putting up. Do you still wish to follow the rules of engagement? I'll permit you to break from your form to beat me." She looked at him for a moment, then gave a light smile.

"No, I will stay with the rules. I don't wish to have the upper-hand. Let's continue."

Rion rose, and stabbed at her eye in one motion. She parried quickly, obviously angry that he had suggested she break the rules to beat him. She sent a barrage of attacks fleeting at his body, most of which were blocked, but a few made it past his guard, giving him rips and tears in his clothing. Rion took advantage of such an onward attack, as he jumped to the right side then stabbed at her ear while she took the last slice at thin air. However, she was more perceptive than he had expected, and she dropped on the ground, rolled, then, smacked his rapier so hard it flew from his grasp.

"Excellent. Come at me again."

She was undaunted, attacking the swordless-man once again with a swift side-swipe. Rion jumped forward in a deadly gamble, grabbing her wrists the moment before the blade would've killed him, then swiped with his foot to trip her. She jumped in the air, avoiding the trip, but was still bound to Rion by the wrist. Rion then pushed her on her back, as she had no footing to save herself.

He landed on top of her, straining to maintain a firm grasp on her wrists, lest they slip and cause him the spar.

"Do you give up?"

"Never." She said simply. Both were breathing hard, trying to gain back their lost wind.

"No? Fine then." He answered swiftly, disregarding his body so that he would win the duel.

She held tightly to the sword with her right hand, as her left hand gripped his throat. He felt himself choking, but it would only be a few seconds now... He freed his right hand, flicking out the knife from the sleeve and setting it against her neck, as his left hand struggled to stop the sword.

"...do...I wi..n?" He gurgled through the tight choke hold. Maaya looked at the blade, then back at Rion's gasping face, deciding what to say next.

---

OOC: I like this fight. Mu-ha. And I'm glad the revolt is starting now. It's about time...

[...]

Damion woke up and saw Sarah by his bed side. She smiled warmly at him, but his head was spinning. He tried getting up, but Sarah stopped him.

"You need your rest Damion... you gave everyone a scare today."

"I didn't realize what kind of shape I was in..." he said.

"You exerted yourself too much for one day... just get some rest."

He stared at her and closed his eyes. "Why did you come back?" he said softly.

Sarah shrugged her shoulders. "Nowhere else to go I guess." she said. She looked at him as he nodded and turned away. She knew it wasn't the answer he had hoped for... and she knew it wasn't the truth.

"Actually... to tell you the truth I'm a little confused that I did come back..." she said, as she shifted in her chair.

He looked at her and saw her trembling. He knew she was afraid.... but he wasn't sure if she was afraid of [i]him[/i] .... or afraid of what she was feeling inside.

"I didn't know where to go... that is the truth..." she stopped for a while, and looked into his eyes. "While I never considered myself as a slave, I never considered myself [i]free[/i] either."

He took her hand and for once, she let him... without hesitating. She smiled at him and touched his face with her hands. "I'm glad I did though... I don't want to be anywhere else..." she whispered.

He smiled and kissed her hand. "Thank you.."

OOC: Sorry for the shortness, Making dinner!

[lil kitsune boy]

Outside the city, Asher led a charge of a hundred and fifty men on horseback in a march towards the city gates. He pulled them up short when he saw battles already taking place.

'So, they started the party without me.' Asher remarked.

'We call it 'fashionably late', sir.' one of the leutenents said.

'Right,' Asher said with a smile, turning towards his men.

'Men! Hear me! For years, we have been oppressed by this tyrant. Our people, killed and enslaved! So, now is the time! Now is the time when we must say 'No more!' Now is the time when we must take up our weapons and fight back! As you can see, there are others who, just like us, have heard the call and wage a war against this tyrant! Now, I beseech you all, my brothers... Take up your weapons, join the other brave souls here and free our land! What say you?'

There was a resounding cheer as Asher lead the charge against the city.

[demonchild781]

OOC: Hey every one, sign ups for the second chapter is up in the INN under the name Falling of Dreams!

Hope to see you all back again :)

[Sinistra]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][FONT=Palatino Linotype][B]OOC: I figured that we could get this little duel out of the way really quick. :p [/B]

He landed on top of her, straining to maintain a firm grasp on her wrists, lest they slip and cost him the spar.

"Do you give up?"

"Never." She said simply. Both were breathing hard, trying to gain back their lost wind.

"No? Fine then." He answered swiftly, disregarding his body so that he would win the duel.

She held tightly to the sword with her right hand, as her left hand gripped his throat. He felt himself choking, but it would only be a few seconds now... He freed his right hand, flicking out the knife from the sleeve and setting it against her neck, as his left hand struggled to stop the sword.

"...do...I wi..n?" He gurgled through the tight choke hold. Maaya looked at the blade, then back at Rion's gasping face, deciding what to say next.

Maaya didn't reply, instead, she felt the knife scratching her neck. 'Damn, I hope this works...' Her eyes bolted shut and her knees rose from the ground and quickly touched Rion's stomach. She groaned as she pushed upwards and lifted him off of her, while slipping her hand into Rion's weakened grip and getting the knife away from him.

Rion was surprised when his back hit the ground and Maaya straddled him, his knife in her hand as she held it above her head while the other hand was on his chest. "I don't think so, Sir Marquise." She gasped.

She rose from her position, dropped the knife on the ground, and went to grab her own. Rion just noticed that it was on the ground near where they just were. She sheathed the stange blade and Rion sat up to try and catch his breath. "You have excellent skill, Sir Marquise. I enjoyed this duel, may we meet again." She looked back at him and began to walk away as she held her bleeding arms.

[/FONT][/COLOR]

[Redemption]

[COLOR=DarkRed][FONT=Trebuchet MS][b]OOC: This will be my last post in this chapter.[/b]

Ashrel stood there at the table, alone. All the nobles and servants had left. She just sat there alone. Looking at the table, Ashrel flicked through the events of the day. Feeling a sense of broken heart-ness sweep over her, she realised that Damion would never fall for her. Even if Sarah wasn't around.

A tear fell from her eye. It was a hard fact to accept. Ashrel wished he'd show her at least one piece of affection before she died. The doctor told her that she had only a few more months to live.

Coughing again, Ashrel wiped the blood from her mouth absent-mindedly. She was going to die alone. And that fact hurt her more then anything.[/COLOR][/FONT]

[Aiyanna]

[COLOR=Indigo]OOC: Okay then...this'll be my last for this chappie...:)

IC:
Amaya walked slowly down the hallways of the castle, running her hand along the smooth, cold stone wall. She was watching slipper-clad feet as she walked, thinking deeply, so her emerald green eyes appeared out of focus. Rumors had been floating around lately. Lots of different ones, true ones, false ones, absurd ones and ones that would be probable...As she had been a slave in the castle for so long, she could decipher what most of the rumors meant.
The first one sparked a flare of jealousy inside her, and even as she thought of it, a glimmer entered her eyes. But as quickly as it had appeared, it was gone. The rumor that Sarah was released from her slavery was enough to envy, but it was also said that the King himself had taken an interest in her, and not as a...a kind of pet...like the rest of his slaves were. It was said King Damion was falling in love with this Sarah. Amaya sighed regretfully. She had wished that it would be her, but...life goes on. She didn't have the courage to tell her king, so he probably didn't notice anyways.
Now the second rumor was barely a whisper, but it was everywhere, if you could figure out the hidden meanings. Amaya didn't like to think about it, and it angered her, but this second rumor was what caused her to be doing what she was going to do now. The second whisper, and a whisper it was, was of revolt. A rebellion seemed to be in the makings, and Amaya wasn't sure what she could do. She could defend herself quite well if she needed to, but she had no real skill at all, and she knew that she would need skill if she were to be on the side of her King.
And thus, she wound up in front of the dining hall doors. The intricately carved wooden doors seemed to stare down at her, and steeling herself, Amaya pushed them slowly open. She knew what she would find.

There were no nobles in the hall, and the King had been taken away. But one person was standing there, at the table. Amaya had never really liked the woman who stood there, but she respected her postion. Ashrel had always appeared a cold hearted woman, working her way up into power, and Amaya had seen, unlike her king, the womans desperate try at gaining his love.
They probably would have fit perfectly together. Both were hard, cold, experienced...and both seemed heartless. But as Amaya knew, Ashrel wasn't as heartless as she made herself out to be. Nobody could be that cold...

Clearing her throat. Gripped her trousers and made a hurried curtsy. Ashrel seemed to be startled out of some deep thoughts, and turned abruptly towards her, taking on the cold appearance again.
Amaya curstied again and lowered her gaze. "Lady Ashrel, Ma'am..." she paused, fingering her trousers, then continued slowly. " You have probably deciphered the rumors as I have...and you probably know that a revolt is seemingly on it's way. I... I don't know how to fight, but I know fighting there will indeed be."

Amaya looked up to see Ashrel studying her, and taking a deep breath, rushed out what she was going to say. "Lady Ashrel, you are the only woman that I really know that knows how to fight, and I was wondering...I am asking if you could please teach me. I want to be able to defend my kings position along with him, and I don't know how to fight properly. Please, Lady, please will you teach me how to use a sword or something that can help me fight?" her words rushed together at the end, and she shuffled her feet slightly.[/COLOR]