A Quest...

(This is a semi-closed thread. Please see the OOC thread for available parts and for an invitation to join…)

In the times when the stars were still young, the neighbouring countries of Valantia in the North and Astria in the South were peaceful. Astria was ruled by King Nathan and Queen Arevig while Valantia was ruled by Arevig’s sister, Queen Elanor, and her husband, King Marduk. Valantia was a land of harvest and nature, while Astria had learned to use the waterways to trade with distant lands and had grown wealthy.

Not long after Nathan and Arevig had been blessed with their second child, Princess Serenia, darkness entered the land.
To the east lay the swamplands. A dank and evil place, ruled over by the self proclaimed Lord Ilya. He had long since watched while Astria grew in prosperity and had grown jealous. His own lands were sparsely populated, as they couldn’t support much life. To be honest, they couldn’t support any life, all the supplies Ilya attained were through plundering the ships trading with Astria. Ilya wanted the power and the wealth of Astria for himself. Control of Astria would also give him control of the waterways and the ability to covet even more land. Ilya amassed his troops and invaded Astria.

Having never been under attack before, Astria was not prepared for such an assault. Their armies had been trained to protect the Royal Family but they were not equipped or trained for battle. As such, Astria’s first attempts at stopping Ilya failed and he marched on towards the castle and the Royal family.
In an attempt to save their lives, those in the castle and its walled city had fled towards the North, looking for sanctuary in Valantia. However, Ilya’ scouts discovered their escape and captured the family and those travelling with them. Seeing no need for excess prisoners, Ilya let the servants go and in doing so he allowed the young Princesses to escape with them.

Arevig and Nathan were taken before Ilya and stripped of their crowns before being killed as an example of Ilya’ power. As soon as the discovery was made of the children’s escape, a party of assassins was sent after the fleeing Princesses. The eldest Eloise, escaped. Serenia was never seen again, the servants she was travelling with were found butchered. Eloise, in the meantime, was taken to live with her Aunt, Queen Elanor, in Valantia where she was raised in the knowledge that her kingdom had been taken away from her but that one day, she would get it back.

*~*~*~*~*~*​

Twenty years later, having ruled Astria through terror, Ilya’ son, Otieno, had discovered a problem when he took over his father’s throne following his death. Their troops, whilst maintaining ‘control’, had managed to destroy the crops that were grown on the lands and since his occupation of the throne, other countries had ceased to trade with him. The land could no longer offer food and this was a problem that needed addressing.
Otieno scoured the land for resources and his greedy eyes, so like his father’s, turned to Valantia. He knew that the land was fertile and would provide ample resources for his people and army but something stopped him. A prophecy. A legend. A story that had been told to children for generations prevented his immediate invasion of Valantia.

Hundreds and hundreds of years before the countries of Valantia and Astria had been named, before Ilya’ rule over the swamp lands, a group of wise ones had control over all who lived between the mountains to the very North and the Desert to the South. They were a council, selected by each area of the land to protect it. They had in their possession a magical crystal that could harness the powers of the sun, the moon and the very earth itself. The crystal was the goal for many greedy rulers of faraway lands and to prevent it falling into the wrong hands, the crystal was shattered and the pieces divided amongst the council. Over the years, the pieces went missing as the wise ones died or moved around. As time passed, new rulers came to the lands and the countries of Valantia and Astria were created.

The crystal was gone but its power was not forgotten. A myth sprung up among the people, everyone knew that should the crystal ever be reassembled then the magic would be reborn in those who reassembled it. Should it be in the hands of the wrong person or group then evil would stalk the land and goodness would be a thing of the past. But should a righteous person or group reassemble the crystal then evil would be renounced and joy and peace would be everlasting…


The walled city of Valantia lay at the centre of the kingdom. Banners of red and gold fluttered from the turrets just as banners of blue and silver had once danced at its twin city of Astria in the South. But Astria had long since been abandoned and left in ruins, a tragic reminder of the power wielded by the dark Lord from the Swamplands. The castle was surrounded by the twisting streets and marketplaces of the city and they, in turn, were surrounded by high walls built from warm, sandy coloured stone.

There was an excited hum in the streets around the castle, and within the castle itself. Word had been sent out, the young Queen Eloise was seeking Valantians, Astrians and any others who answered the call to accompany her on a Quest to recover the legendary crystal pieces. Experts with the sword and the bow, scholars and historians. All were asked to make their way to the walled city for an audience with the Queen to see if they would be chosen to take part in what everyone knew was a highly important journey…

Her Serene Highness Queen Eloise

Duty was like an iron necklace, constricting one's breathing and weighing one down until there seemed to be no other option than to kneel.

Eloise had withdrawn to her bedchamber, wanting to limit the amount of time she needed to attend to the official business of her Kingdom and the coming endeavour she would be forced to partake in. Finding the Crystals. Yes it was vital for the survival of her realm and her people, and she knew she had to lead the same.

Checking her appearence in the full lenght mirror for the thousandth time, she had to look the part of HSH Queen Eloise, a role which she would gladly eschew if she had the opportunity. Eloise liked to imagine how life would have been had she been born in as the daughter of a peasant of burgher rather than to the Royal couple, thinking it would have been all the more easy. She enjoyed taking part in the festivals held every spring in her Kingdom, cherising the opportunity to be just another young woman. Her antics had earned her the nick-name "Queen Grey Cloak" as she never wore the regalia of office when among her subjects.

There was discreet knock on the door and her steward entered noiselessly.

"Your Serene Highness. Your presence is required now."

She nodded and with a final look in the mirror she followed him out towards the Throne Room.

Lee Maximilian had seen the flyers around town about this quest to find the lost Crystals, he had been looking for a way to get out of this place, something inside told him it was time to move on. He wasn't sure what it was, it was like a whisper. His parents had told him it a it like this for all young people and that in time he would find his place in Valantia.

"Maybe so..." he said to himself as he stood among others waiting to hear from the Queen who she would take with her. His skill as a spearman was well known in the city, and he had good chance at being picked. But he could only wait and see who the Queen would pick.

Nia

A young woman entered the large ornate hallway, she wore a long cloak over one shoulder, a quiver and a bow upon the other. A sword hung from a belt around her waist and the handle of a dagger glinted within her boot. Her face was tanned and dusted with freckles, the number of which had increased upon her journey from the south of Valantia. Her keen eyes took in the oppulence around her, the tapestries and paintings, marvelling at the artestry. She came from more humble surroundings but that didn't mean she didn't appreciate the finer things when she saw them.

She handed over the scroll the village elders had given her to the scholarly looking man who met her. It contained references, letters of recommendation almost. She believed it to be an old fashioned tradition but they had insisted and, after seeing the look in her father's eyes, she had taken the hand written scroll even though she was certain it would put the Queen off of selecting her.

Smiling briefly as his eyes moved over her face. He directed her into another large room and she joined a line of many others. Many faces carried scars and their eyes told the stories of many an epic journey already undertaken. She suddenly felt very young and out of place. Her heart was pounding and she subconsciously licked her lips again and again.

Nia wasn't certain if the nerves were worry at not being chosen, or worry that she would be picked to accompany the Queen. But before she could focus on her worries for much longer, a hush descended upon the room. The Queen was on her way.

The room went silent. Lee stood and looked at the large doors leading into the room at the far end where the queen would come from. Even if he didn't get picked he was sure something else would come up, another way to leave, but again he felt that he would be among the few picked by the Queen today, something in the back of his mind.

He watched a young looking archer walk into the room just before, she didn't look like she had seen much combat, but he could say the same, he only real fights had been a small skills tournament a few weeks back. He ranked first place in it too. Still looks can never tell you the whole story about someone, for all he knew she was a top rated assassin come to kill the Queen. But for now he put that out of his mind and like so many others here waited, the only thing he could do.

Erowyn

She was hidden beneath her dark cloak and watched as the others moved this way and that to enter the hall of the Queen. She tasted the words again in her mouth. A quest. For the stones. She had seen the vision as she slept and was disturbed by the lingering way it held her mind sway as of late. She would not be partial to the Queen. She had been before her many times on charges of public indecency and other things not so befitting a lady, nor a woman. Yet, her skills were known. She was the Arrow wind. She could sing a bird at a hundred yards and never miss. She was stealthy, deliberate. Yet, she wondered if that would give light to her pasts.

She watched as the young lady stepped quickly into the hall and found she too was eager. This in itself had proven to be a major issue for her as she was not fond of others. But, the dream spoke to her in ways she had never knew. Pulling her here, to this place, knowing, she would be on her way.

~Two weeks ago~

"5 gold pieces for the chance to win 20. That's what I'm offering." The challenge was made by an impressive looking man in a fairly unimpressive pub. The man was clearly of means. His leather armor was new and well worn, the sword that dangled from his sheath gleamed even in the dark environs of the pub. He had the clean skin and manner of someone who had recently bathed as well, a sure oddity in a pub of this nature. As well, the man now held 20 gold pieces in his hands. He'd shown up, big and brash and full of swagger and had challenged every man who'd play to a game of darts. He'd played ten men and won ten matches. His offer of 4-1 odds was a result of having run out of players.

"You then, barkeep!" The braggart roared at the middle aged man who was drying a tankard, watching the spectacle unfold "Care to test your mettle?"

"No sir. Games of chance have never favoured me." The barkeep said with a cheerful smile.

"Cowards, the lot of you. Not a decent fellow in the bunch" The man spat on the ground. The assembled drinkers in the pub barely noticed the man's scene. Most looked warn and tired, simply after a drink to chase the drudgery of another day. "I'd heard there were men here in Ertrinnia, you lot are nothing but pitiful dogs."

This remark did bring something of a response. There was the scraping of wooden chairs on stone floors as a few men stood to fight the man who'd made the remark. The barkeep, sensing that he was about to witness the scene of some of his furniture(and perhaps some of his patrons) was quick to intervene.

"Hear that Cassus?" The barkeep said loudly. The assembled crowd turned in the direction the barkeep had addressed his remark only to find a lone man, sitting at a corner with his head firmly planted in a pool of drink that had been left on the table.

To say the man looked disheveled would be doing an injustice to the state of him. Dull, greasy red hair hung from his head in all directions, obscuring his eyes. A thick bushy beard of similar hue looked wet and definitely contained the traces of a past few meals. His clothes were no better, they were ripped and torn and carried the unmistakable odor of vomit.

"It'd 'ave been pretty bleedin' 'ard not to" The man's voice croaked in the thick accent of his country, betraying a mix of drunkenness and drunkenness' after effects. He rose from the table, liquid dripping from his beard and took a few wobbly steps towards the bar. He took a square look at the wealthy braggart and the two viewed each other with equal disdain.

"Man's got a voice that could wake me ol' granny and me ol' granny's been dead since I was a sprout" Cassus leaned against the bar as a means of support.

"This piece of filth?" The braggart asked incredulously "Doesn't look like he's seen five gold pieces in his life"

The barkeep simply smiled a small, knowledgeable smile and reached below the bar, producing a handful of coins

"This here is the five gold pieces that Cassus will be putting up against your 20, fine sir" The barkeep said with humour.

"Fine." The braggart threw his heavy sack of coins down on the bar alongside them before turning again to Cassus "You'll be playing me then"

"Oh aye" Cassus nodded before a confused look washed over him "What'll we be playin' then?"

"Darts, Cass" The barkeep chuckled

"Darts? So be it. I believe I can remember how it's played" Cass nodded as he walked towards where he remembered the dart board as being. As he passed his opponent, he grabbed the 6 darts by their flights as the braggart took care not to be touched. Cass took his darts in hand and raised up, ready to throw. Some of those who had been ready to fight crowded around Cassus as he prepared to shoot.

"Uh, Cassus?" The voice of the bartender spoke up quickly

"Fir fook's sake, I'm trying to teach the man about darts" Cassus roared back, angrily "You're throwing off me aim"

"Sorry, Cass, but you should know that the dart board is actually behind you."

Cass rubbed at his eyes and looked back up. What he'd been planning on throwing his dart at was the big red nosed painting of the king that hung above the pisspot. The braggart laughed confidently as the barkeep shook his head.

"My apologies, your lordship" Cassus bowed to the painting before turning around and again taking aim "Etrian, a quick query if you don't mind"

"What would that be, Cassus?" The barkeep sighed

"Am I shootin' at the dart board on the left, the right or the one in the middle or all three?"

"There's only one dart board, Cass"

Cass squinted again.

"Right, well, which one is the real one then?"

"The middle"

"Good. Been plannin' on shootin' there anyway"

And from that the 6 darts flew from his hand a cheer went up from the crowd as each dart found it's home at the centre of the dartboard, each dart striking so as to make the flights into a definite pattern of an "F" and a "U". Cassus turned back to the bar to face a laughing bartender and an enraged braggart.

"I suppose the next round is on me then?" Cassus smiled as he took the pint that was handed him and drank it down.

~Two hazily remembered weeks later~

Cassus now stood in the royal hallway of Valentia of all places. He still looked ragged but there had been a significant change in how he looked. His hair had been cut to the point that it was too short to tangle and his bright green eyes were again visible. His beard had been shaved, revealing a smooth and rounded face. His leather, although still torn and somewhat tight around his stomach, had been given a good washing and smelled of leather again.

The most important difference, though, was that Cassus was again carrying a longbow and a quiver full of arrows hung on his back. He had heard the call and had answered. He himself would have a tough time telling why.

He rubbed his eyes with frustration. The light of the Great Hall was painful for his newly sobered eyes. Truth be told he hoped that whatever was going to happen would happen so he could get back to a pub.

Otieno

Some mornings, Otieno was the Ancient of Days. He walked with a limp, stooped heavily at the shoulders, his weight on his staff as much as on his one good leg. The morning star received him as it always did, with a profound indifference. Malice he could accept; contempt he welcomed; insignificance was the more difficult burden.

The evening was not so long ago. He had been taller then, haler and stronger. The time that was counted in hours by some, by the ringing of bells, the nightwarden's rounds, he measured these in units of pain. Nighttime had its cost and its price. He would pay -- that choice was made long ago.

Otieno raised his head and lifted his back with an effort. He glanced into the sky, where the clouds were lifting for the sun, and dropped his eyes again. The raven alighted on his shoulder. He whispered and it rose, the wings beating in continued bursts. 'Go my son,' he told it.

Two men saw him walking from out of the bog. He raised his arm to them. The castle on the hill, once said to be the easternmost point in Astria, was a ruin. What to do? It was his inheritance.

His troops had been dispatched already with orders. What remained was a small afterguard. He wouldn't take them with him. He was formidable enough on his own, if it came to that.

Otieno gave his instructions to the captain in charge and departed the castle by noon. The food that he had eaten fortified him and renewed some of the vigour displaced yesternight, though most of it would be a long time in coming back.

Otieno had a chameleon quality to his person, though this like all else exacted a toll. He looked the part of a messenger on his steed. His ring, he kept on a chain around his neck. The heat of the metal told him the jewel was glowing.

Dedra stepped off the heavy charger, his feet crunching under the hard ground. Dirt caught up in each step, leather worn boots that had seen better days sent up small sprouts of smoke when he walked.

He wore a cloak, covering all but his eyes. They were deep and almost red inside of his shadow. Nothing seemed to miss his gaze

A tall lanky man, one where even with the layers of clothing around his body, you could see the muscles bulging through. He was not built like a wrestler though, some front man of the battlefield. Rather his figure became leaner, almost slender. Not an oak, but a reed, which bent when the wind pushed its all.

With each step he looked as if he might jump and draw a sword. Although no sword could be seen, his right hand held itself a little higher than his left. A favored weapon, it must be like his body. Slender, gentle, able to pierce swiftly between armor. A rapier, perhaps, or a shortsword. Nothing so big and braggart as a longsword, or greatsword. Those old bastards would do no good against a man like him, by the time you hefted the thing in the air he would have sliced deep into your heart.

He stepped through the double wooden doors, ancient oak creeking a welcome. It would be all the welcome a traitor deserved.

There was a ready room waiting for him, and a couple of servants already kneeling to grant his requests. He would have a bath prepared, and some meal brought to him. Tired and hungry after his long journey, he rested on one of the armless couches.

The next few days would be hard, he knew that. Atrocious even. He expected his neck would come close to a noose more than once. A man in constant battle with himself, and the country around him. How fitting he be here, to take on this quest.

Food was brought, and the pain in his stomach died down, but not his heart.

Nothing would ever take that away.

Lee waited just like the others but something seemed amiss. "it's taking a long time isn't it.." He told himself, normally the queen would have come said what needed to be said and have retured to her room or lead by a troop of guards to her next viewing of some kind. He glanced out the window of the main hall. "Another day.." he said in nothing more then a whisper.

Her Serene Highness Queen Eloise

Taking a deep breath before stepping out into the throne room. Her steward walking a pace or so in front of her, his heavy oak staff thumping against the marble floor thrice before he annonuced her.

"Her Serene Highness Queen Eloise of Valantia, Scion of the Ancient Line of Nathan, heir to Astria!"

There was a unison intake of breath as she strode towards the throne, scanning the assembled people who crowded the grand hall. Bracing herself before addressing them.

"I thank you all for hearing my summoning. The future of my people and my realm lays in the balance. The time has come to embark on the Quest, and as it is written I shall be leaving Valantia to recover the Crystals."

Eloise looked long at each of the men and women gathered before her. He features did not betray what she may be thinking as she tried to memorise each face. Giving her steward an almost imperceptive nod and the elderly man took a step forward, once again thumping the staff to the floor.

"You will now present yourself, Your name, your lineage and your skills. All Hail the Queen!"

Eloise frowned inwardly at the ceremonies but she understood that such things were necessary. Valantians did adhere to tradition being immensely proud of their heritage and the Royal House. Perhaps that was why Eloise did find it so troublesome to assume the role of the sovereign. She was a stranger and strictly not of the Valantian Royal House. Her aunt and uncle had of course never viewed her as anything else than their legitimate heir, but the notion that she might be failing them chafed at her.

Turning again to the audience, fixing her blue eyes on the petite woman with the devil-may-care appearence. Beckoning her to approach the throne.

"Her Serene Highness Queen Eloise of Valantia, Scion of the Ancient Line of Nathan, heir to Astria!"
Nia, along with the others assembled in the hall, bowed her head as the Queen entered the room. She knew she should probably curtsey but somehow such an action did not seem fitting to such a gathering.
"I thank you all for hearing my summoning. The future of my people and my realm lays in the balance. The time has come to embark on the Quest, and as it is written I shall be leaving Valantia to recover the Crystals."
Nia kept her expression as impassive as she could as the Queen's eyes moved over her, evaluating her.

"You will now present yourself, Your name, your lineage and your skills. All Hail the Queen!" The steward's voice rang out in the hall and to her surprise, Nia found the Queen beckoning in her direction. She took a long, deep breath as she took a step forwards, bowing low and gracefully.
"Your Majesty, I am Nia of Dawnholm," Nia's tone was respectful and she was privately proud that she somehow prevented her voice from shaking in spite of the nerves that had risen sharply inside her. "I have many years experience with the sword and the bow. I have travelled extensively throughout Valantia and beyond it's borders, learning many local traditions, dialects and have studied the history of Astria and Valantia throughout my life, I have brought references from the village's elders as to my character..." Her voice faltered for a moment although her eyes never left those of the young Queen.

"As for my lineage, I am at something of a loss, your Majesty...I was raised by a tavernkeeper and his family after the death of my parents, they are a good family, my Queen, and I hope to make them proud and to show them my gratitude for raising me in a caring home...but of my real family and my true lineage, I have nothing I can tell you..." Nia coughed slightly, feeling the eyes of the others in the room upon her, listening just as keenly to her words as the Queen was. "I was found following the seige of Astria, the city's crest was upon my clothing and it is believed the walled city may have been my home..."

"I offer myself to help in anyway I can, your Majesty, if by my sword, my mind or my life I can help restore freedom to Valantia and Astria then I shall do it gladly..." Nia bowed her head once more, taking a moment to close her eyes for a moment and try to keep control of her composure. She hadn't spoken of her past to many people and her adoptive family had never pressed her to try and remember anything of her former life. Doing it before a room full of strangers and a Queen was more of a struggle than she had anticipated.

When it was finally Lee's turn he stepped up and kneeled in front of the queen. "My name is Lee Maximilian, I am a trained spearman and trained in a forum of anti air combat... My skills are best used if fighting heavy knights or warriors. I have good defence against arrows and good against targets on high cliffs." He stood and bowed to her. "I would be honnored to join you on this quest." With that he turned and stepped back into the group to let the next preson go up.

He made his way to the window and gazed out, it was mid morning now, and he wonded how long it would take to get through all these people. He sighed and then turned his back to the wall and leaned against it.

She strode deliberately towards the youthful Queen and dropping to a deep bow she spoke her words.

"Erowyn of the Eastern Realm my Queen, relative of many, descendant from none, my skills are prosper and live, fight and forage, fail and die. I have the gifted sight, please it you my Queen, to forgive past transgressions of an old friend and allow a chance to redeem oneself" she said. standing upright, her dark veil falling in cascades around her revealing her.

She met the gaze of the Queen fully. Outright, never wavering. Now was not the time to show weakness of which, Erowyn knew none.

Cassus took note of all the people who were presenting themselves to the queen. Each was lord high muckety muck of something or other, capable of killing off thousands of soldiers with one of their farts. A few seemed interesting, however, and Cassus could see that there was some legitimate talent here. Eventually it became his turn to speak.

"Ah, right then" Cassus took note that he was sweating. His hangover beat against the walls of the brain as the Queen, her steward and the assorted prospective quest goers looked at him, eager to join the procession.

"Well, they call me Cassus the Kingkiller. Or just Cassus Kingkiller" He started off before coughing nervously. "Although, I mean, being as your majesty is probably the sort to be quite friendly with kings that may not be the best way to introduce m'self."

That was intended as a joke but brought only more nervous stares.

"Can't say much for my lineage, exactly. Me old man was a farmer, name of Pollus and me mum was name of Frayia. Just good, simple Ertrinnian stock." Cassus paused for a second as he thought about this "Although, in fairness, me old dad did often say that I looked a little too much like me Uncle, Tretius, and me mum did always make eyes at the boy when we'd have a family gathering so......"

Cassus could see a growing impatience in the assembled who clearly were not interested in the sordid details of his family history.

"And, uh, well, I've forgotten the third part"

"Your skills" The steward said impatiently

"Ah, right. Well, I'm pretty fair with a sword, in both senses of the word" Cassus gave the queen a playful wink "And should need arise, I happen to be the greatest bowman ever born."

Archaea

It had almost been too easy. That, or she was very talented at this sort of thing. Either way, Archaea had managed to find herself mingled with an assortment of adventurers who had presented themselves to the Queen, eager to join in her the quest. Their idealism and enthusiasm were charming. Unfortunately, they did not realize who they were up against. They were not the only ones looking for the crystals.

Archaea watched as, one by one, they introduced themselves to the Queen. She heard the sincerity in their words, the strength of their convictions, their desire to serve. She, too, felt this way, but her allegiance was not to the beautiful Queen. Her Master was Otieno.

She noticed with some disdian that she would need to introduce herself soon. She had disguised herself well; a blue cap hiding her long hair, tattered boy's clothes instead of her fine robes, and no rings or jewelry adorning her body. A sheathed dagger with a pearl handle was strapped to her calf, hidden by the high suede boots she wore. Archaea was a rather new follower of Otieno, and perhaps the Queen's people were not even aware she existed. Still, she must be careful. Not being able to heal him had crushed her heart once. She could not afford to fail him again.

She created her story as she had listened to the words of the others. Archaea smiled smugly as she felt the weight of the fine sword at her right hip. It had been entirely too easy to secure this item. Men were so predictable. The steward gestured impatiently in her direction, urging her to begin her introduction to the queen. Trying to cultivate the perfect blend of simplicity, honesty, and flattery; she moved to the center of the room and spoke.

"Your Serene Highness," she began; hoping her words would not be taken as eloquent, but as copied from how she had heard the Queen announced, "My name is Lily. My parents died of the fever about a year ago. I come to the city to try to find work or a husband. Instead I get myself into fights. I'm good with my sword and my hands. I'm here now to fight for you." She looked up, her grey eyes finding the Queen's beautiful blue ones. "If you'll have me." She bowed, a mere incline of her head and upper body designed to be awkward, before stepping off to the side.

He bathed and ate and had a chance to relax. It became peaceful in the drawing room, almost serene. He nearly dozed when someone came in to call upon him. By then, most of his guard had been let down, he had become almost relaxed, almost careless.

A young maid asked him to follow her. He nodded, getting up, pulling his cape from the couch and wrapping it around his neck.

The young maid opened the doors for him, and he walked into what looked like an already crowded room. Warriors and fighters, men of skill and women of desire all bowed respectfully and spoke to the queen. He had the hood of his cape down, revealing himself. He would have to for the queen.

He bowed, but it was small, slight bow of arrogance more than respect.

"My name is Dedra," A name well known in these lands, "My lineage is my own, and the skills I have not with a sword, or with a bow, but with a man. He is after the crystal as well. I've worked for Otieno for many years. There are few in Astria who know him better than I."

Dedra the traitor, Dedra the fallen. He'd heard many a name muttered under his breath as he walked the streets. But, unlike them he walked with his head held high. Few people could say that, even as they tread through so much mud.

Her Serene Highness Queen Eloise

It had taken a lot to retain the dignified posture that she was required to uphold as the presentations was carried out. It was clear that there was potential among the men and women summoned yet Eloise felt a growing sense of despair.

Turning to address each of them in turn;

"Master Maximilian, although you are candid about your skills and that your manners are everything but impeccable I hope that you will do your utmost to fulfill this quest."

Nodding as she turned to Nia

"Nia of Dawnholm. Your honesty and your pure heart will be the greatest assets to this quest. I shall dub you one of two captains, to whom the others must defer."

The Steward of the Realm moved forward handing Eloise a slender sword. Turning to face Nia she pointed the blade to her heart.

"Brave Erowyn of the Eastern Realm. Undaunted you stand before me, undaunted you shall go unto this quest. What has passed is forgotten and forgiven."

Smiling as the woman took a step back, head held high then turning to address the redhaired Cassius.

"Master Cassius. Let us all hope that the martial skils are as sharp as your speech." Nodding to the Steward who stepped up to hand her the sword again.

"I will therefor name thee the second Captain of this quest. Stand and be recognised."

Letting her eyes rest on Lily, lingering a second before speaking.

"For your pledge I thank you Lily. We may need your hands and your sword 'fore this quest is completed."

The last one was Dedra, Dedra the Traitor, the dark one.

"Master Dedra. Your courage is known as are your wisdom. I trust these will serve us good as we face the greates of adversaries. I thank thee for joining and I pray that you will aid us all."

The Steward once more stepped forward, the oak staff thumping against the marble floor.

"Her Serene Higness wishes that you spend the night in vigil. At first light tomorrow the chosen shall depart Valantia. All hail the Queen."

Lee smiled when he heard his name called, he pulled his hand to his chest where the pendent hung under his armor. "Guess this thing brings good luck to me today.." He left with the pack to find the inn he was to stay at.

As he left he stopped one of the men who had been in the room with the queen, he was dressed like a royal and most likely would know. "Excuse me sir, do you happen to know the inn the queen wishs those who are to go forth with her on her quest are to stay?" the man looked at him with one of small shock, but nodded and pointed across town. "Thank you good sir.." and with that lee was off to the inn, most likely to meet the others and get to know them more.

She knelt before the queen and quickly accepted her post. She would not dissapoint. She made haste to the inn quickly noting the movement of the others around. She was in need of a drink, a stiff ale or honey mead would quench her thirst.

Something was strange about the queen today and the young girl, Nia. She could not put a finger on it, but the taste of blood seeped into her mouth upon recognition.

A sign, she was sure of it, but to what, it would reveal its nature soon enough she supposed. She focused her eyes as best she could on the dreary room beyond her. He came into focus with force. Maximillian. The name sounded on her like a bell. Something. With him. Smiling, she made way to where he stood.

"You, sir, are to quest with us. Shall we toast to such as that?" she asked.

Lee looked over and nodded. "Yes, We leave at day break so I do not wish to over drink tonight."He said but raised his mug. "The world awaits us.." he said and with that he tapped his mug with Erowyn in toast.

After taking a sip he looked at her. "Erowyn right?" He asked.

"Her Serene Higness wishes that you spend the night in vigil. At first light tomorrow the chosen shall depart Valantia. All hail the Queen."

The sound of a loud crunch echoed in the hallways, causing the heads of the stewards and attendants to turn in surprise. A shadow sat perched on one of the high windows, his form surrounded by the glow of the sun outside, casting shade across his eyes and the rugged contours of his face. The man held a bright apple to his mouth biting deep into the soft, white flesh of the fruit, brushing the juice from his lips with the back of his hand.

He had waited there until the introductions had been completed, and until some of the party's member had made themselves known. Glyndwr was good at waiting. He wasn't by nature an arrogant man, though he possessed great faith in his abilities, nor had he intended to disrupt the Queen's intended meeting with his late arrival. But his heart was not in this place, nor was it on this mission, this quest to recover the crystals. His heart was, as always, with his people. His people who needed their chieften to lead and guide them, not to be off hunting the world because of a story about magic rocks that were to save the kingdom. He scoffed at the thought. Steel would win the war. Steel and cunning and bravery and the death of many, many men, not some magical prophecy. But Queen Eloise had been an ally to the Meander for some time and Glyndwr had no intention of turning his back to her when she needed him.

He took another loud, disruptive bite of his apple, before sliding from his perch, dropping to the floor beneath him. Shadows made more noise then Glyndwr. His head raised slowly, turning to look at Eloise, ignoring the surprised faces of some of the others in the main hall.

"I suppose the cast is assembled your majesty" He smiled roguishly, pushing an errant crop of blonde from his face, "I certainly hope these stones of yours are worth this effort"

The smile melted from his face as he cast an eye towards Dedra. He had heart stories of the traitor, the betrayer. Glyndwr knew that one was to be watched. He brought his eyes back to the Queen's meeting her gaze unabashedly, "But Glyndrwr Longshadow of the Meander will see it done Your Highness"

"Nia of Dawnholm. Your honesty and your pure heart will be the greatest assets to this quest. I shall dub you one of two captains, to whom the others must defer."
Nia's mouth dropped open slightly and her brows shot up as the Queen's words filtered into her mind. A captain? Her? She with no true family, nothing to show for herself, was being given a position of authority...?
"Th-thank you, your Highness..." She murmured earnestly, kneeling before the young head of state and bowing her head as the tip of the sword in the Queen's hand was pointed at her heart. "I will not fail you...I swear..." Her bright eyes met those of Eloise and held them for a moment as she rose to her feet.

She stood in something of a daze as the other members of the Quest were named. Those in the hall whose names had not been spoken, quietly filed out one by one. Nia took note of her fellow captain, Cassus. He was taller than her and broad, yet his eyes sparkled merrily like those of a child when he spoke stopping him from appearing brutish.

"I suppose the cast is assembled your majesty...I certainly hope these stones of yours are worth this effort...But Glyndrwr Longshadow of the Meander will see it done Your Highness"
Nia's eyes focused on the man now walking across the hallway towards them, not failing to notice the change his expression as his eyes fell upon Dedra. Nia had heard of them both, Meanders occassionally frequented the tavern back in Dawnholm and she had heard many a tale of their leader. Dedra she had heard of too, the odd whispered rumour about the boy from Astria who had betrayed his own home and aided Ilya in the seige. She fought against letting any sense of anger rise up inside her. Nia had no solid proof that she had indeed lived in the walled city in the South and so no real reason to feel that the seige had been what had cost her her family, having been too young to really remember the events at the time. But like many, she felt a strong sense of disappointment towards any involved in the horrific seige. However it seemed this Dedra wanted to help and,after all, who was she to judge. His words to the Queen had sounded genuine enough and it was she who needed to be convinced, not Nia.

She noticed a few of the chosen members of the quest begin to drift out of the hallway. She followed them, although she chose not to follow them into the inn, not straight away. Her mind was buzzing with a thousand thoughts, she wandered across the square outside the inn and found a quiet garden, walled and secluded. Nia sat down on a bench beneath a towering templetree, it's delicately perfumed white flowers fluttering to the ground every now and then, sighing as she ran a hand through her long dark hair and let her eyes drift up to the sky above. The sun was beginning to set and the sky was beginning it's colourful transformation from day to night, streaks of purple and pink decorating the clouds that gently drifted by. Her keen eyes moved from the scenery above to the castle towering beside her, it's banners gently fluttering with candles and lamps beginning to be lit beyond it's elaborate windows.
"How did I get here...?" She murmured to herself, leaning back against the tree trunk behind her slightly.

"Master Cassius. Let us all hope that the martial skils are as sharp as your speech." Nodding to the Steward who stepped up to hand her the sword again. "I will therefor name thee the second Captain of this quest. Stand and be recognised."

Cassus smiled broadly as he was named a Captain. He had certainly thought he would be lucky if he'd been named to the quest at all, let alone be asked to lead it. He graciously accepted the offer from the Queen and watched as she named the remaining members. His eyes quickly caught those of the girl that had been named the other Captain and nodded. Even though she looked like a competent sort, there was a glow about her that suggested confidence, she still looked like a freckle faced youth. Barely an adult even. Cassus inwardly felt a bit of responsibility towards her. She'd have to be looked after.

The rest of those named to the task seemed capable enough and soon plans were made for an inn of some sort. Cassus initially thought he'd go and join them. He certainly could use a drink. But, well, Cassus knew he drank too much. It would not be good for the other members of his party to see their captain passing out drunk on their first night. Cassus declined the offers and instead took to walking about the grounds.

He thought on his motivations for being here. He was simply a veteran who'd seen his wars. He didn't miss battle, quite the contrary. Battle brought the death of friends, the terror that you'd be struck dead by an unseen arrow at a moment's notice. He'd struck down a King and ended a war. He'd been a hero of his people because of his actions. It had told him that the terror, the death had been worth something. He missed the purpose it had brought. When he'd saw the calling for those to engage in another effort to save a kingdom, Cassus couldn't help but feel the need to engage himself again. He would again fight for something worthwhile.

Cassus made his way to a guard station within the castle and borrowed some arrows from a quartermaster. The reverence the man gave him, as a captain of the Queen's quest, filled Cassus with a pride he hadn't felt since the afterdays of his heroic shot.

"Is there a good place for firin' practice then?" Cassus asked

"There is sir." The young quartermaster pointed towards a dirt field with a few targets set up. Cassus walked towards them and stood a good hundred yards from the target and began firing. His first shot struck the target squarely in the middle. His second shot split the shaft of the first arrow. Soon the quartermaster and several other on duty guards had stood around and watched. Again and again, Cassus split the shaft of each arrow with his next shot until the quiver he'd borrowed was empty.

"My word." The quartermaster whistled. "Never seen shooting like that before, Captain"

Cassus shrugged his shoulders with a smile. It was obvious the young man had never actually seen war. Firing arrows into a target didn't impress anyone who'd shot one into a man.

"Care for a drink sir?" The quartermaster asked "Me and some of the boys were just about to sit down in the barracks for a meal and a pint"

At the sound of the word pint, Cassus' eyes lit up. He knew he shouldn't. He knew it would look bad but....

"A pint? Lead the way young sir." Cassus nodded to his new found friend. After all, what would one pint hurt?

Lee waited for his answered and looked around the room, no one else who was picked seemed to be here yet, or he had just missed them as they might have come in. He stood and took another sip from his mug. Tomorrow would be the first of many days ahead of a long road, one with lots of fun things to come. Or he hoped so, never know what type os monsters live out side the walls of the city.