The War Council

[caela]

Shaking her head gently Yasandre laughed brightly at Captain Isadore's courtly greeting. "My apologies Captain but my Latin is rustier then an unused blade. Your greeting was lovely but I am afraid I cannot return it in so courtly a manner as it was bestowed. My name is Ysandre Verriuel daughter of Jonathon Verrieul and if you truly wish to be of service then you'll allow me to practice with your men. I promise you Captain that my blade is sound and I know how to use it well."

As she finished speaking she drew her weighted practice sword from its scabbard at her waist and handed it to him that he might look over the blade. She saw the flicker of surprise in his eyes when he grasped it and felt the weight of it and it made her smile. She might appear as willowy as a reed but she had the strength of steel in her arms after practicing for years with that blade.

"If you know my father at all Captain you know he has the best trained Gaurd of any estate on the boarder, his swordmaster is one of the finest in the kindom and I've been training with him since I was old enough to hold a sword. I promise that when you allow it Captain I will embarrass neither you or myself even if I should lose."

Taking her sword back from the Captain she sheathed it lovingly and patted it gently, her body relaxig slightly once it was at her side once more. This blade was a part of her and she never felt quite at ease unless it or her other, regularlly weighted, sword were at her side. She knew the Captains quick gaze would probably note that but she didn't care in this case, she wanted him to see her ease with her sword and hoped it would help sway him. She in no waythought he'd allow her to practice today which was why she'd worn her skirts, when he allowed her to practice - and she had no doubt that eventually he would - then she would wear her breeches.

"I don't expect an answer today of course Captain. I am sure you'll want to speak with my father's gaurd when they come to practice after the army is finished with the field and perhaps the Swordmaster as well for Master Teilhard is with them. All will affirm what I have told you and most will tell you also that I can best them. I merely wish the opprotunity to learn what I can from your own men as I am certain that there is much I could learn from more military training than I have already learned at home. Please think on it Captain." The last was said as softly as a wish and her sapphire eyes sparkled pleadingly. Ysandre Verriuel was no fool, she knew that if he forbade her utterly than even her father's own men wouldn't let her practice with them. One didn't argue with a Captain of the army after all when one was staying in the Palace proper.

"I won't bother you further Captain, thank you for your time Sir." She curtseyd politely to him even though her station decreed she didn't have to. Her father had taught her that basic manners should be afforded to ALL people not just other nobels. She turned quietly and walked away leaving him to think on her request before he could answer. She didn't want to give him a chance to give her a quick "no".

 

[Evil Attorney]

As it happened, he did know her father. Not well, (more know OF than know) but more in the terms of protecting his estates and stealing back his cattle from across the border.

They stole it, he brought it back, picked up the casks of ale and went back to work...regular thing.

Nothing social, and he had never stayed the night at the estate...come to think of it, he never had been TO the estate, but just the outlands of the holdings which were just barely in his Opperational Area.

Humm.

Maybe she isn't all just fluff afterall, but lets see this bit o'tits in action right now.

He noticed her wrists. Strong, well formed and obviously the product of learning the skills of the fence. Perhaps...she was skilled in wrestling as well...but he would determine that later...

The way she stood, she was obviously well trained. He didn't know which, french(thrust oriented), italian (the sword and dagger in consort, one attacking and the other defending) or english (predominantly cutting) style bladework, as her sword was adaquate for all with a specialty in none, but had she faced men for real, not just in the practice grounds?

Isador laughed as she turned away and said in a loud, clear voice:

"M'lady...surely thou would not think us so crude to demand that you take your leave of us with your sword arm unlimbered when thee hast taken the time to come among us?

A true student of the arts of war is prepared at all times...don't let your lack of proper attire be a hinderance. Nay, it shall be more to your credit if you can perform adaquately as thou are now.

Battle comes upon us in many guises and at many inconvienient times..."

With that, Isador drew his longsword and the dagger he carried, itself almost a sword in its own right and gestured to her.

Although Isador looked a savage at the moment, and was not of noble blood, he was quite well skilled in bladework, having spent most of his life with one in his hand. He was non-judgemental and not doctrine bound. He flowed from one style to another with equal ease.

He didn't anticpate an easy victory, he didn't anticipate a hard fight...It will be what it is as that is the way of battle.

He approached her with a kind, gentle smile on his face.

"I'm sure you will do your teachers credit and bring honor upon the house of your father..." and with that his dagger licked out like a flame and thrust at her eyes as his longsword attacked her right ankle...

 

[caela]

"M'lady...surely thou would not think us so crude to demand that you take your leave of us with your sword arm unlimbered when thee hast taken the time to come among us?"

Ysandre blinked at his words, did he truly mean that she could practice now? She hadn't even thought of the possiblity that he would do that, only that she would leave him with something to think on and make a hasty retreat before he could deny her. The rest of his words were lost to her mind as he drew sword and dagger with a look that did indeed remind her of Master Teilhard when he was about to give her a lesson. Something he hadn't done in a very long time.

She'd made certain he hadn't had to.

Her sword rang slightly as she drew it from it's sheath and slipped into a low crouch with a double handed grip on her sword. Master Teilhard hadn't believed in training to only one style and had taught the finer points of french, italian and english as well as how to use any combination of the three against each other. She had learned quickly that men were generally stronger than her and that while she might match their reach due to her height she would have to be faster of foot and thought to defeat the advantage strength gave them. She'd learned well and had more than one scar to remind her of her lessons though not even her father knew that.

Eyes that usually sparkled with mirth went flat and calculating as she took the Captain's measure. Unlike most of the men she'd faught he had much more battle experience and Yasandre had no illusions that she would win this bout, her goal now was to prove to him that she was worthy to practice with the men, if she could by some chance win all the better but if not she would leave him with no illusions that she could fight well. Circling him slowly she kept her silence, even her steps were silent, if he couldn't see her the Captain wouldn't have known she was there but for the rustling of her skirts.

She waited and measured, refusing to make the first move to see how he would open, would he think her just some court lady out on a lark and play lightly like a cat toying with a mouse? Or would he take her seriously and come at her in earnest to test her skill? All the while she kept that eerie silence, something that discomfitted most men though she realized quickly that the Captain simply took it in stride...if she hadn't had her sword in hand she might have smiled at the realization, instead her face remained a studied mask of concentration.

She saw the dagger and sword both reaching for her and as she parried the blade from her eyes she leapt just high enough that the sword aimed at her ankles slid harmlessly beneath her feet. She felt the adrenaline pumping in her veins and slid back out of reach, her eyes glittering dangerously as she waited once more for him to move.

 

[Evil Attorney]

Without a comment, Isador kept his dagger on her sword, forcing her to deal with it. The short, snappy thrusts at her face from the dagger served to keep her attention on them.

They may have been distractions, but they were still committed thrusts with power behind them. If she let one of them land, then the game was up for her.

His sword snaked up, in a figure " 4 " (up, down to the right then across the belly) suddenly, and if not for her footwork, she would have been cut in half, but then Isador slammed his longsword into hers with a tightly arcing strike...

She held onto it, but that didn't matter, because he kicked at her the shin with his boot at the same time...

 

[caela]

She held onto it, but that didn't matter, because he kicked at her the shin with his boot at the same time...

She hissed as his boot landed on her shin and was suddenly grateful for the skirts that took most of the brunt of the blow, still though her body sunk before the Captain. Her right however still gripped her sword however to fend off his as she used one of the dirtier tricks Master Teilhard had taught her to use. As she sank her left hand released it's grip on her sword as if to catch herself as she fell, instead it punched forward sharply and she landed a savage, unexpected, blow into the Captain's groin.

 

[Evil Attorney]

"UMPH!!!"

He coughed. Oh, he was in pain. The bitch...ok, ok...the lady...caught him good.

Right on the head of "the general" If she was a little more off to the side, then she would have gotten one of the jewels, and THAT would have hurt.

As it was, it was nothing that shoving his dick down her throat wouldn't cure...

And it didn't stop him...He dropped his sword, grabbed her arm and pulled it around her body with his right hand, and with his left hand tapped the dagger on her kidney.

He tapped it once, then put it away in the sheath, and offered her his hand.

"You do your teachers proud and bring honor upon your house." He said calmly.

He picked her right up by the arm and raised it high to the crowd and said "Good show!"

He escorted her off the side of the field as the men resumed practice

"That really hurt...but its good you learned well...but next time don't forget that pain hurts, but doesn't kill. You should not have dropped your sword unless you had another blade equal to it. I'm sore, you died.

You have practiced with men who were afraid to harm you for fear of your father, am I right? You learned well, but you need to be blooded, or at least train with people who don't care if you go home bruised.

Come back again and we will see if we can smack you into becoming better than you are now." He offered.

He grabbed a bottle of wine from a saddle bag and took a big chug off it and offered it to her.

 

[caela]

He grabbed a bottle of wine from a saddle bag and took a big chug off it and offered it to her.

Ysandre knew she was grinning like a fool as he helped her up and called out to the men that it had been a good show with her arm raised in the air. She could only nod as he asked if the men had worried about hurting her, to some degree they had been. Only Master Teilhard had ever let his blade slice her flesh but it had been a long time since he'd sparred with her himself and her scars from it were old and faded...and all easily hidden under her garments.

Taking the wine bottle she tipped it back and drank deeply to refresh her parched throat before replying. "Thank you Captain. I'll be glad to learn whatever you can teach me. One of my father's favorite sayings is that there is always more to learn and that all knowledge is worth having. I apply that to my skills as well whether it's with a sword or in my studies...except Latin." She laughed softly at that last.

She hated Latin, she found it popous and arrogant to speak a language other then that which her tenants spoke. What good was it if noone at home but her father could understand her. She understood it much better than she let on however and while many thought her untoutered because she couldn't speak it this made them underestimate her by thinking that she also didn't understand it. She smiled thinking of the many small pieces of knowledge she'd gathered from her father's fete's because of just that.

Brushing the dust and dirt from her skirts she grinned up at the Captain, the easy grin of one who is at ease with the company she is in, and her eyes sparkled merrily with it. "If you'll tell me at what hour I should be here each Day Sir I will be here. Though I'll be wearing my breeches. My father will have fits when he finds out I've been fighting in a newly made skirt." The thought of the look on her fathers face when he saw her with her skirts dusty and her blouse grimy with sweat and her hair as disheveled as a freshly tumbled wench made her laugh mischieviously.

 

[Tanuki]

Miria Summer

Miria stopped staring like a schoolgirl at the palace when she realized Tain was examining her for injuries. She blushed as his green eyes traveled up and down her body, and then she drew in a breath sharply as she noticed the trickle of blood on his armor.

Loud voices of soldiers filtered to them, and suddenly Tain was holding her and pressing her up against the wall, a hand over her mouth stifling the girl's cry of surprise. His powerful body pressed up against her, and Miria felt her breasts pressed tightly against his armor. She felt his hand on her hip through the soft material of her dress, and she froze as the city guards marched by.

Once they were gone, Tain moved back a bit--reluctantly, she thought. After giving her instructions, he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. Miria was too shocked to protest, and she sighed softly as his tongue pressed into her mouth. Her lips parted of their own accord, and she felt the tension in her body subsiding. Then he was gone, leaving her feeling a little light headed. Miria couldn't believe the audacity of the man, to be taking the lives of others one second, and stealing a kiss from a noblewoman the next. She glared at his back as he slipped down the alley, the curse half past her lips before she stopped herself.

What had he said, go to the Green Dragon? she thought. She looked down the street to her left, then to the right. All the streets looked the same. As the girl paused with indecision, a man in a dark hooded tunic passed her, his eyes taking in her torn clothing and sullied appearance. Miria shivered and rubbed her hands on her bare upper arms. Best to get moving, she thought, and began to move in the direction Tain had pointed. She wondered about the logic of her protector leaving her alone and unarmed in a hostile city. "Men, always looking for a fight!" she muttered under her breath.

 

[Paendragon]

King William IV

He growled as he pumped into her, and she rode him well . . . he back facing him, and he legs lifting her off of him.

Finally it ended with him emptying himself inside of her.

She rose gracefully, and adjusted her skirts, then turned to face him.

"May I be of any further assistance, yout majesty?" she purred, and eyed his stil hard crotch.

He buttuned himself up, and shook his head. "Nay, Deira. I've wasted enough of my day with you." His voice was stern, but not unkind. She was a favorite of his, despite her conniving personality.

"Back to your rooms with you. Perhaps I'll have Khalid escort you to the plaza this weekend."

She squeaked with glee, and curtsied low. "I thank you, your Majesty!"

He waved her away, and she went with a bounce in her step.

He sighed and rose, adjusting his doublet, and placing the Royal Circlet on his head. He would have to wear the drown later this eve, but otherwise, he preferred the understated, simple, gold circle. The crown was a gaudy, pompous relic from days long past.

He strapped his long dagger around his waist, over his doublet, and walked to the old, gilded, oaken doors that barred entry into the throne room.

He pulled one open, and found a member of the King's Elite stationed outside.

The man snapped to attention. The King's Elite did not bow. Doing so would take their eyes off their surroundings. They had one duty. Protect the King. Protect the Keep.

There was also a steward waiting. He did bow.

"Majesty."

The King acknowledged the bow. "The banquet?"

"Everything is in order, Majesty."

"The seating?"

"I have the Prince sitting at your right hand, Majesty. And the King's General on your left."

The King nodded. It was necessary for a show of strength. "Seat the remainder according to station. Make sure there are plenty of servants. Two for every person should be sufficient. Pull them from all areas of the Keep if need be."

"As you wish, your Majesty."

The man bowed, and left.

William turned to the Eliteman. Send a man to the Lady Corvain to announce my presence . . . to ask her permission to call on her." Damned diplomacy. He was a man used to giving orders and having them obeyed, not asking permission.

Still, the Lady Corvain was one of the few of the nobility he trusted. He understood her motives. They were honest in their way.

"I'll be waiting for her reply."

The

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lady Lana

Hearing the sound of muffled voices, Lana lifted her head and tried to tune in her hearing enough to determine what was being said. Nothing she could make out, the old oak doors were too thick to allow much sound through.

"Lana!" Ani came rushing through the doors, pale as if something had upset her.
"What is it?" Worried, she jumped from her bed and rushed to Ani, in her concern for her companion Lana took both Ani's hands into her own. Her eyes searching Ani's face for signs of pain.

"The King requests your permission to .. call on you." Ani looked even paler then a second ago with that news finally off her mind.
"What?" Now that was a very strange reason to be upset.
"The man said, His Majesty requests permission to call upon you... what does that mean?"

"Ani settle down, you are upset over nothing." And it was nothing. Mirth danced in Lana's eyes as she tried hard to supress the laughter building. "It is mere formalities. I am surprised William extended even that much. He is not used to asking for anything." She patted Ani's hand, "Help me dress and then you may go. Oh, do tell the man waiting I will see William."
"You should address him as per his station, not by his given name M'lady"

Lana said nothing just pushed Ani out the door to deliver the message to whomever was waiting. Scrambling quickly, she literally ran for her vanity and began to straighten her hair. At least this time he announced himself! Still it did amuse her, with all the gentry visiting, William was obviously determined to be a gentleman ... or at least play by the rules for a change.

"What do you suppose he wants?" Ani pulled the dress from her wardrobe. "Did you do something to upset the King, Lana?"

"You worry entirely too much Ani. In the two months here, you should be used to William's antics by now." She waved off Ani's worry, it was no wonder Ani had never married.. that girl was a worrisome creature. It did get to be taxing to keep Ani under her employment, but without Ani she was certain she'd go mad in a week.

"But he is coming here!"
"Yes, and we have played many games of Chess in his own private parlor as well, or do you forget? It is formality, he is not going to order my head removed or us tossed out." Lana stepped into her gown and pulled it up over her hips.
"A corset?"
"No, no need for those things, and I do enjoy breathing and standing upright." Lana eyed her appearence in the mirror, finding faults in many places but too stubborn to dwell on little things.. like a mole on her breast. It would not be seen unless she wore something a little more daring.. which she never daredto do so.

"Do you think William has decided on a mask?" A twinge of excitement tickled her into smiling a little brighter. "I had hoped he would agree, maybe I will ask him again.." All work and no fun would bore most of the gentry, but that was up to William as always.
Ani made noncomittal noises as she fastened up Lana's gown. "Dinner will be in a two hours M'lady, do you need me to return and help you change?"

"Why ever for? This gown will do nicely. I swear, all this parading around and changing clothes is nothing but an attempt to parade one's wealth. Monies much better spent on grain and live stock.. Not trinkets and more gowns that one can wear in a year... Go now Ani, I will be fine with William."
"He is the King, Lana!"
"Yes.. I know." She gave a quick little smile, "William.." With a chuckle she vanished out the bedroom doors and through the living quarters to sit in her parlor and wait for his arrival.

 

[Paendragon]

Willam arrived at her door with his face fixed in his usual stern frown.

The door was opened by a serving woman. Her voice sounded familiar, but William couldn't tell if it was Ani. Her curtsy had taken her face near to the floor.

He stepped inside the room, and heard his Elite take up position outside.

His jaw clenched. "Rise girl," he said, again not unkindly. He would have to speak to Lana about this one. He treats her with the same curt kindness he treats the rest of the Keep's serving staff. But, for some reason feels a bit of guilt over it. She's Lana's confidante, after all.

Still, it was not his decision.

Ani rose, but kept her eyes lowered. She was as skittish as a deer.

"My Lady is waiting in her parlor, Majesty."

"Lead the way."

She did so, opening the door to the parlor, and announcing him.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lady Lana

"M'Lady, the King to see you." Ani made a stiff deep curtsy between them. Her eyes met William's over Ani's head, swirling with mirth.
"Thank you Ani, you are excused."
"Lana?!" Ani gasped softly, her head jerking up swiftly to meet Lana's gaze.
"You are excused Ani. Thank you."

She rose from the settee and approached William, sinking nearly to the floor in a graceful silent curtsy as well. "Your majesty." Lana had a hard time not laughing until Ani left the room.

"All clear?" She peeked up at his 'stern' face with a mischievous smile. The door was shut behind William and so she rose back up to her normal height.
"I trust you have a peaceful afternoon William? Would you care for a glass of brandy?" She linked her arm through his and led him further into her parlor.

 

[Paendragon]

King William IV

He sighed as she looped her arm in his, and he pulled off the gold circlet tossing it on the closest surface.

"My afternoon was . . . pleasant. Brandy would be most welcome, Dear."

He looked down at her, a small smile playing on his features. "Lana . . . do you think, perhaps, it might be time to let Ani in on our friendship? She can be trusted, yes?"

He chuckled. "I was half afraid I would have to revive the poor girl."

 

[landiek]

The guard wasn't sure how to deal with this strange girl but smiled at the prospect of having a warm and willing female to tend to some of his overwhelming urges. He pulled the door completely closed as he pushed away the hair that covered her face.

She looked up at the man and then parted her lips in readiness of a kiss.

The kiss quickly dropped over her lips as his hands roamed over her body, settling over her breasts and tight squeezes confirmed the real willing woman that was his for the taking. He hastily tore away the reminents of her garments as he pushed her to the floor as his hand covered her mouth should she scream in surprise.

Ayleece merely arced her back as she touched the floor nude. Her arms encircled his neck as her lips kissed the hand covering them. Her thighs trembling as the moisture began to show between the silky lips of her sex.

A willing lass for a hot tumble, thought the guard as he opened the trousers and brought his throbbing flesh towards her sweetness. His lips moved where the hand left and his knees forced her legs further apart. Only Hell would kill this moment he thought as his throbbing cock drove into her trembling cunt and then a soft moan from her bruised lips filled his mangling kiss.

Her nails dug into his arms as the cock drove deeper into her satiny tunnel. Her eyes became glazed with euphoria as her hips pivoted to grind upwards to his down thrusts. She writhed in heat as he quickened his gait proving the moment was too fast.

"Oh wench!" He garbled with a biting kiss to her neck as his seed filled her womb and the reply of her body was the tightness like a newly taken woman. She was tight but warm and giving which appealed to his lusts.

He looked her over once more then spoke with hunger. "now where to put you to have later."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lady Lana Corvain

She laughed softly as she poured him a glass, "Why? It is amusing to hear her lecture me on the proper conduct of a lady when in the presense of the King." Her smile sobered only slightly as she thought back to a night two years ago. "Besides I have never told a single soul anything that has transpired between us from the beginning to now, I am not about to start. Loose tongues wag William." She handed him the glass and took a seat beside him.

Her eyes ran over his face, carefully studying every little line. He had laugh lines, a few when he looked stern, but he was still a very handsome man. Too bad he could not find a love like that of his deceased wife.

To lighten the mood, she put her smile back. It was not a false smile, but one of love and understanding, all the things that came with friendship. "Let me guess.. you are here to see if I have handled everything for tonight?" She paused, remembering the steward from earlier. "You must see to some of your staff William, I am still meeting a very viscious line of defense with them and following my orders.. Which is only repeating your orders." She smirked a little, people never changed. She wasn't fit in their minds to be staying here within the Palace walls, but she was determined to help William succeed in whatever he wished to accomplish here.

"Alright, enough of business. Tell me, how are you m'dear?" She wanted to soothe him but he wasn't the kind to handle kindness outside of the bedroom. He was learning, she just wished he could relax a little more with others as he could with her.

 

[Paendragon]

King William IV

He nodded at her reasoning with Ani. He knew it made sense . . . it was just difficult to differentiate Ani from her mistress at times.

"You must see to some of your staff William, I am still meeting a very viscious line of defense with them and following my orders.. Which is only repeating your orders. Alright, enough of business. Tell me, how are you m'dear?"

He waved a hand dismissively, and rolled the brandy in his glass. "The staff will be spoken to. If they have issues following my wishes, other will be found who can. I know nothing of this sort of thing."

He took a small sip of his drink, and sighed.

"As for myself . . . " William shrugged. "I'm tired, Lana. Tired and restless."

He looked at her. "Sometimes I feel as if I'm too long as King. As if things are passing me by. I know war, and conquest, and strength of arms."

He frowned. "Lately, the game has changed. Intrigue, and diplomacy, and information. This is the new battlefield."

He smiled, and clasped her hand in his. "If not for you, this past few months would have no doubt found at least one ambassador with my dagger sticking out from his chest."

His face took on a more serious note. "Lana . . . you're friendship to me has been . . . something I cherish."

She smiled, seeningly a bit surprised at his openess.

Honestly, he was a bit surprised himself.

Lana was unlike the other noblewomen he knew . . . especially the widows. Something about a widower King made widowed noblewomen fight to get in his bed, s if fucking him was a way to get close to him. But with Lana . . . things were different. And by choice.

There had been a time once . . .

He smiled again. "What I'm attempting to say is . . . thank you. For all you've given me."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lady Lana

"Friendship needs no thanks, William" Her hand gently squeezed his, "I do not see it as duty to a man I am loyal to and serve because he is King. I see my part in assisting you as aiding a friend in need." She bent forward and kissed his cheek, "If you want to thank me..." Her eyes twinkled, "Have the mask?"

"Lana.." His tone was warning but playful.

"Come now, surely you can see the fun of it? Just think, for a few hours you can do as you please, dance with whomever catches your eye and just enjoy the night. I think a nice wig, a dashing hero's costume .. No tights.." She trailed off and giggled at his look on his face. He did not look to enjoy the visual as she had.

"You, my dearest heart are much too up tight lately... Well that is not true, I have heard a few waggin' tongues saying something about a very happy harem.." She winked at him and took his glass for another fill. For all her humor, her heart was going out to him. If he hadn't lost his wife, he would be .. so different. Where her life was made happier with the death of Thetis, William's life held less luster once his love had passed away.

"Well back to the old boring events.. I was wondering how you wished to seat everyone tonight? And will there be dancing?" She always prefered to be prepared in any event. William had said he wanted a banquet, minstrels were coming in to play as well. Surely music would prompt dancing? "I have to admit this is my first war council meeting." Did she dare tell William Ilian's proposal yet? If Ilian had changed his mind.. No it was best to wait and see what happened later this evening instead of letting the 'cat out of the bag'.

 

[Weevil]

WHoops. Sorry, hit the wrong button.

 

[caela]

Knowing the Captain had other things to concern him that day she handed him the wine bottle back and took her leave once he gave her the time each morning that the Army would be out to practice. They'd find her already there and practicing each day unless some silly palace happening kept her away.

And she vowed few of them would.

Slipping into the palace she chuckled at the looks both servants and nobles gave her appearance and finally caught a serving girl by a touch on her arm. "I am Ysandre Verrieul, would you happen to know where my father and I are being roomed?"

The girl looked startled at being addressed at all but finally nodded. "Yes Maam, you'll be in the guests wing. " At the blank look on Ysandre's face the girl seemed to relax a bit and smiled shyly. "I'll show you Maam."

"Thank you, "Ysandre replied and returned the girls smile while gesturing for her to lead the way. Her mind wanted to wander back over her practice session with the Captain but she managed to keep it focused so she'd be able to find her way again. Reaching their rooms she gave the girl a gold coin in thanks which seemed to shock her even more than being asked for help had.

Quickly changing out of her dirty clothes she changed into breeches and a tunic. Her good sword buckled at her waist while she put her training sword away and pulled on her boots. Slipping a small dagger into the top of each boot she smiled to herself, the Captain would have dropped his sword if she'd used one of these instead of punching him.

Pulling her thick hair in a long braid she quickly sauntered from their rooms and back through the palace. The looks on peoples faces as they saw her now were scandalized and it simply made her laugh. Her father's own men were used to her appearing gared thusly and had instead looked scandalized when they'd seen her in skirts, she found the reactions of the denizens of the palace to her breeches much more amusing. She could hear the whispers that followed her passage and when she heard the words, "...must be a harlot to dress in such a manner, " she pause and turned her head, her sapphire eyes piercing the speaker who had the grace to blush and glance away.

Ysandre was no fool, she knew part of the reason her father had made her come to this Council was to find a husband and she had no intentions of making it an easy thing. She'd marry where SHE chose and anyone else she would chase away. Reaching the stables she found her stallion and offered him an apple one of the stable boys had given her. Saddling him herself she swung up into the saddle with an easy grace born of much practice and turned him toward town. She felt the urge to go sightseeing.

It never occured to her that perhaps she should take a gaurd with her.

 

[Evil Attorney]

After returning to his apartments and bathing, Isador prepared to see the general.

'The General' still throbbed, but he didn't have time for pain. He had to go to work. Fucking with his men was work...but it was also a lot of fun to hear them groan "Oh no...not another fucking run..."

Tough Shit. They were in the Army. If they didn't like it...well...they could complain...but that only meant more running...

He opened his strongbox and removed the diplomatic pouch, then took two bolts of silk, a bottle of captured brandy and a heavy sack of gold coins.

The pouch he wrapped in the silk. If anyone looked, they would see a Captain bringing his General a preview of the plunder he captured.

That was all anyone need know.

He arrived at the General's quarters as soon as was polite. He wasn't ordered to come, he was asked, and that meant looking presentable and not stinking like a goat.

He asked to be announced, and the guard went in, woke the general and withdrew.

He entered and bowed.

Speaking ancient Greek, the language of the scholars, he said "My General, it pleases me to see that the intervening years have not taken you. I have much to tell you, please...lend me your EAR..."

As he said ear, he nodded to the walls and all around. Do the wall's have ears?

As he did the above, he carefully withdrew the diplomatic pouch from the silk.

The General was interested before, although now Isador had is complete attention...

 

[MrWolf]

Khael

Khael continued his work on his own dispatches back to his estates, finishing them then sending them out in two seperate sealed pouches with two seperate riders.

Finally, after two days, his aide Tiber returned.

"What have you discovered?" Khael as brusquely as two of his guards ushered the man into his apartment.

"Well, I extended your invitation to Captain Isador as requested," the spy replied. "He intends to stop by, barring commands from his general or the King."

Khael nodding sharply. That was not unexpected. "And news of the border?"

"Word amongst his men has it that they hit a caravan just over the border, capturing a goodly amount of swag."

Khael thought that over pensively, rubbing his chin. "Mmm. Information is more valuable than loot to those who appreciate it. Still, taking a caravan from Akron is not to be despised."

Tiber nodded then continued his report. "General Illian Cainvale, there are mixed reports. Some whispers peg him as a hard man, sharp with those underneath him, but others say he is devoutly loyal to the king."

Khael nodded again. Well, family tends to stick together. A pity though, the General would make a fine ally if the King's interests and mine own diverged.

"And interesting sidelight, my Lord... The general has apparently been closeted several times with a Lady Lana, a widow with good sized holdings in the interior."

Khael knew the name vaguely, but couldn't call the woman to mind. She was even lower in standing than Keiros, an upjumped peasant really, but for a series of highly advantageous marriages.

"How is that significant?" Khael asked calmly. Romances didn't concern him.

"The lady has also recieved the King himself several times, according to gossip in the servants' quarters and some speculated she may be romancing him as well."

Now that is interesting, Khael thought. It would not be the first time a woman had pursued more than one man, or let herself be pursued by them, which was a distinction so fine as to make no difference. Still, how will the nephew respond if his romantic interests are disrupted by his own uncle? That sort of situation could create turmoil. And turmoil was good.

Still, I stand to gain nothing by interfering there. The situation is too much of a quagmire as it is, no use in getting bogged down.

"And Verrieul?"

"Nothing significant my lord.. Rumor says he has had several meetings with key merchants in the city, suggesting dealings we are unaware of, but their exact nature has been withheld."

Khael was a bit surprised that Lord Verrieul had even deigned to meet the merchants. Dealing with members of the lower classes did not reflect well on a noble and he himself had been accused more than once of being too familiar with matters of trade. If Verrieul is paying attention to the economics of the situation, and doing so without receiving the scorn of the other nobles, that suggests a subtlety I thought he lacked. Did I misread the man? Khael's dark eyes narrowed. He needed to be able to predict Verrieul's responses if he was going to trust the buffer Verrieul provided to Keiros. Hidden dealings could be dangerous.

"Oh, and his daughter is a bit of a scandal." Tiber continued.

Why tell me? Khael thought coldly, giving the spy a cool stare.

"Apparently, she dresses in pants, more like a harem girl than a lady and is overly familiar with some of the soldiers."

Verrieul's honor cannot be liking that. What do I make of this?

Khael thought it over for a moment and then shrugged. Verrieul was a long game and no quick solutions presented themselves.

"Anything else?" he asked of his aide.

"Word has it that a diplomat from Akron arrived, but she has not yet been presented at the palace that I have heard." Tiber continued.

"She?" Khael blinked in surprise.

"The ambassador, according to the men at the gate, is a pretty young woman."

Now that was an interesting move. Dealings amongst the nobility were traditional man to man, with an emphasis on a man's honor and a man's word and the like. Sending a woman to treat with the King could be considered to imply disrespect, like saying the King wasn't worthy to be treated with honor. Unless they sent a woman then mean to wed to William. Even still, a male diplomat would be there to oversee the negotiation of a dowry and to return news to Akron while the wife stayed in Ilia.

Does Akron want a war? Is this diplomat a subtle way of mocking our court while ensuring there is no chance of us seizing a valuable hostage? The Akron Court was older than Ilia's and often believed to be more subtle and sophisticated then the rough frontier nobility of Ilia. Such an intent would not be impossible, but he didn't know enough to say for certain.

Khael shooked his head. "Very well Tiber. I'm most curious about whatever hidden dealings Verrieul has going. Oh and see if you can't dig up anything about our absentee prince."

Tiber nodded and then slipped away.

Khael thought for a moment, then rose.

"Charon, Yohan, with me."

No use stewing about it. I might as well go down to the common room and see if tonight's fare is worth eating.

 

[Paendragon]

King WIlliam IV

He laughed. She changed topics fast enough to make his head spin.

A mask. Was this diplomacy? He supposed so. It would, at the very least, put everyone of their guard. He was not known for frivilous pursuits, beyond his harem girls. Perhaps they will think he's gone mad?

Oddly enough, it was the latter that made him smile. "Very well, Lana. The mask. And we'll make sure there is room for dancing." He had no danced in years. After the death of his beloved, it had seemed a silly extravagance, and a waste of time.

Lana looked delighted.

"I'll leave my costume, to you. As for the seating arrangements, I've planned nothing beyond my immediate vicinity." And even that he wasn't sure of. There will be no negotiations held tonight . . . why use such strategic placement? Perhaps a less formal seating would put everyone at ease.

This was not his usual way of thinking. But, truth be told, he was tired of war. Tired of the constant raids over the border. Tired of wearing armor for each and every excursion out of the Keep.

"Any suggestions would be appreciated. Perhaps we should seat all the single, young, women near me?" he teased.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lady Lana

"You are daring William.. To leave such to me.." She gave him a little wink, "Do not worry so, I will make sure this is one council meeting that no one will dare call boring!" Adjusting her skirts, she sank back into the couch, slouching very unlady like. With her leg crossed over the other, her foot bounced lightly up and down as she contemplated seating arrangements.

"It would be wise to put everyone at ease and to seat your guest ambassadors in an honorous position. If you wish to be friends with a kingdom we have warred with for many generations, you must be sure not to insult them.. Or we will have another, more determined, war on our hands. Have you thought of an alliance? Perhaps your son would consider marriage into their royal family?" That was a tricky thought, William wanted his son to have the same happiness he had with his wife.. true love, not a forced marriage. "Never mind William, piss poor idea."

A loud clamouring came down the hall but steadily and quite suddenly grew louder. Without knocking the King's elite men came barging into the room, their faces hard. "Sire, forgive us. We've had a caravan attacked inside our walls. The Ambassador's caravan to be exact.." He stood stiffly, eyes straight ahead. He knew he could be punished for barging in unannouced but he was willing to take the punishment that came with his actions. If the Arkonian's wanted a battle, he was ready.

 

[caela]

Ysandre was thrilled as her mount flew through the city. Thanks to her father's training she had an impeccible sense of direction and could find her way in and out of even the densest of woods. A city with plenty of landmarks was no challenge at all. Most of those that saw her were too shocked at her appearance to say anything, a few of the rougher types made cat calls or shouted highly improper invitations that only made her laugh.

Finally tiring both herself and her mount she decided she needed a place to rest and get something to both eat and drink. Turning her stallion, Orion, back toward the palace she made toward an inn she had marked on leaving. A place called the Green Dragon. She'd heard one of the servants say that many of the nobles not being housed in the palace were being housed here instead. If she wanted to create a scandel she might as well go full tilt and not just by halfs. Word of her appearance would spread through the palace before dawn but unless they saw it many of the nobles wouldn't lend it credence. After all a woman simply didn't wear breeches.

Turning Orion over to one of the stable lads she tossed the boy a gold coin to see him well cared for and groomed and promised another when she left if she found him well fed and watered as well. Trusting to the boys obvious love of the horses around him as well as the promise of more money to see her mount well tended she sauntered into the inn.

Her sapphire eyes sparkled with mirth as the very few men, and women alike, in the common room stopped talking and eating upon her entrance. She was certainly a sight none of them had seen before. The inn's owner was the first to regain his composure and approach her.

"Can I help you miss?" He asked, the look on his face clearly saying he hoped the answer was no.

The glitter of mirth in her gaze never left her eyes as when her face split into a smile the Innkeeper couldn't help but be dazzled, scandalously dressed she might be, but she was also beautiful. "Yes I think you can. I am in need of food and drink before I return to the palace. Your stable boy is already seeing to the needs of my horse and of course I will pay for his feed as well."

The Innkeep caught the word palace and gave the odd woman another look. Breeches and tunic she might be wearing but as he looked them over her recognized the softest of deerskin for the breeches and the tunic wasn't just well made but expertly so and of the softest of chambrics. Rich attire to be sure for one who at first glance appeared little better then an oddly dressed courtesan.

"Well that I can provide Miss. The name is Hugo of the Green Dragon. This is my Inn. There's plenty of tables available, most of the nobility haven't come down to dinner as yet and not likely to if there's a feast up at the palace tonight."

Ysandre's eyes narrowed slightly but her smile remained in place. NOt only did he not speak as a typical commoner but he was obviously fishing for information. She wouldn't be at all surprised if he was one of the King's spies for nobels have a way of forgetting that servants are human and can hear and see and so he'd be in a good position to possibly learn quite a bit.

"Ysandre Verrieul. I thank you for your hospitality good Sir and will be out of your way as soon as both my mount and I have fed." Flashing him another bright smile she slipped off quietly to a quiet corner and waited for the serving girl to bring her both food and drink. Her sparkling eyes moved to look over those in the room with her who had finally gone back to eating once she'd sat far away from them.

Just enough of them to pass word of Jonathon Verrieul's scandalous daughter. Good.

 

[MrWolf]

Khael

In the feasts of the King's Court, it was never good to be seen as overindulgent in food or drink.

A man who was drunk could be disregarded. A man who was slovenly with food was boorish.

Thus, Khael almost never ate at feasts, beyond a cup of wine or two. Instead, he prefered a late afternoon meal, a loaf of bread, some cheese and a kettle of tea. The food was meager, but he was a man who took no savour in food or drink, viewing it only as a fuel for his continuance, not as a source of pleasure.

He spoke briefly over the table to his two guards, Yohan and Charon, then looked up as he heard a bustle at the door.

A girl walked in, tall, pretty. Dressed like a stray harem girl or possible a successful courtesan who dealt in fantasy for those wealthy merchants who dreamed of being afforded the priveledge of a harem. She has long legs, Khael thought, in dry appreciation.

It wasn't till he truly looked at the girl in the center of the hub bub that he realized it was Verrieul's daughter. Her father will not be pleased with this!

Looking around at the Inn's Patrons, Khael couldn't help but be amused. The Green Dragon adorned the banners of the Kingdom and was sometimes a title for it's King. The Inn that bore that proud name and sat so close to the palace gates was a staid place of high honor, reserved for high military officers and nobles who wielded influence at court yet chose not to politick their way into the palace itself.

This woman's scandalous choice of clothes, flaunted here of all places, would certainly be heard of through out the court and would likely be a topic of gossip for the dowagers of the realm. One older woman, a staid matron who governed her placid husband and his noble House with an iron fist was so scandalized she covered her husband's eyes. That is one House Verrieul will not be marrying into.

A few of the officers of the King's army were more appreciative, a few eyeing the leggy, pretty girl with barely disguised appreciation, and if not for the setting might have beside her with whistles and pinches.

As it were, the girl herself seemed to enjoy the disturbance she caused, moving through the crowd to take a table in the corner, near Khael's own.

Fixing his dark eyes on her briefly till she could not help but be aware of his cool gaze, he waiting till he had her attention.

Then he nodded her a lazy salute, in drily humoured admiration.

Say what you want, the girl knows how to make an entrance.