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Post by Raven on Jul 29, 2019 10:40:40 GMT -5
 Name: Lenne of Kingdom Ironbrand Valkyrie leader: Brianne of Targoth fuckyeahwarriorwomen.tumblr.com/image/96716885969-------------------------------------------------- She was once a legendary warrior of the all female brigade - The Valkyrie's, though the name it self had a long and lost legacy in a completely different realm... the group itself was still world renown. It was led by the greatest female warrior of all time, a woman who sought to prove the world wrong - that women could fight. The group itself was known for its legendary cunning skill, swift movements and powerful blows - and to always make a great show out of it. The more people awed in their wake - the more the world would know... The Valkyrie's were not one to mess with. Though their fearless leader - Brianne of Targoth was coming to her ends - the second in command was to rise and take her place. She was taught by Brianne herself, taken in as a just a child, raised by a surrounding coven of powerful women. This was the first youngling the crew had taken on, as the child needed to be saved. Together the clan brewed the most fearsome warrior the world would come to meet - Lenne of the Kingdom Ironbrand. At the time of her rise - the Kingdom was at war with their opposing counterpart - Kingdom Bryerstride, and losing swiftly. At the time King Ironbrand had no interest in hiring the Valkyrie's, as he was a savage man - with a opposition to women in the field. He strongly believed they were born to birth and bleed, and only those two. A woman couldn't fathom to stand in arms, and he was passionate that even he could slay the entire clan on his own. Though the war was quickly coming to an end - and Ironbrand was not in favor to win. He was forced to look to all opportunities that he could, even allowing the Valkyrie's to fight. He placed them in charge of the mountain pass - the only way the opposing army might approach - aside from sea side. What the women did was extremely cunning... The path was empty and clear, as if the Kingdom had paid no mind. When Stride Armies came approaching - they were confused. They expected a war, a huge fight. Yet.. the path remain clear. On cue - the world became thick with clouds, a storm had approached suddenly. A top the great mountain sat one woman in all leathers, her eyes closed as she hummed softly, grinning thick from side to side. Her eyes were that of a glowing white - the summoning of such storm. The men were forced to retreat to a mountain side mine shaft. The winds were rough - the rain came pelting in sideways. The rain was so powerful that it ripped up trees and tossed them down the mountainside. Bark was ripped from the core and the logs came to its end at the bottom... They crammed in tightly into the mineshaft, until they loosely relaxed, setting up a small camp, a fire by the entrance as well. Though from the depths of the mineshaft - there were chuckling sounds. The tail ends of the men could hear - and would venture into the darkness. To never return. Slowly the army was chipped away. Until one man was sent back, stripped completely naked. He walked into the crowd of men - who laughed and laughed. Suddenly a wave of arrows pierce through their throats - sent directly through their mouths. The distracted army was rushed. The name of the mines changed on that day - The Red River Mines, as the blood of the enemy soaked through the pathway of the mine. To this day the skeletons and armor line the edges of the shaft way - as a reminder of the enemies that tried to take Ironbrand. The story went down in history as the most vicious and cunning attacks upon the enemy, a plan cultivated by Lenne. The delivery of the Captains Head was done by Lenne - of whom demanded King Bryerstride to give up. Bryerstride laughed in her face - and he gave her an ultimatum. Fight his son and win - and he would do so. Lenne paid him no mind - she accepted the duel. As the young Prince lunged forward - she shifted to the side and grasped his collar, pinning him down with her blade to his neck. "Today we can walk away as Lenne the Crown-Killer, or Bryerstride the Bastard" she spat into the Prince's face. The King stood then, in awe of her actions - she could have killed the Prince, twice fold now. Bryerstride became the Bastard soon on forth, and his entire Kingdom turned their back on him, a weak King. When Lenne returned - Ironbrand had not even known of this action, and that she had planned this. He was infuriated at first - that a woman had ended the war for him. She grinned as she stood before him, treaty in hand. "You will respect the Valkyrie's, that is all I ask. Otherwise, it was you who delivered the head, and fought the Prince" she tossed the treaty down and walked away. Though the world believed this false truth, the true warriors and bards knew it was Lenne the Furious, the red headed spitfire - who paved the way to the great Kingdom's Rise. Now today she stood in the center of a huge arena. A pile of dead bodies around her as her chest heaved wildly, two blades in each hand. Her fury hair was blasted with blood, held back by mangled braids and ties. About her body - her glorious armor was forgotten. Instead a sliced leather tunic, pants and muddied boots. Every weekend and Wednesday she would enter the arena and slay, as her eternal sentence played out. Until one day someone would kill her instead. Though she fought on - Brianne promised she would find a way to free her, though Brianne did not have the youth to fight any longer - she was just a leader. How, many would ask, did the great warrior Lenne find herself imprisoned to the Gauntlet? To the worlds worst punishment - to kill or be killed. Many did not have the battle strength to survive even a minute in the arena, others tried, all died - at some point - they would die. Lenne would provide the entertainment, a system that the Kingdom couldn't dare to break - a forever old tradition of Arena Battles for fun and glory. It was this Kingdom that stole this from the ancients and returned it to its former glory. The answer would come swiftly. Lenne the Furious had transitioned to Lenne the Kingslayer. A woman who brutally murdered the King in his weakest moment. A cowardly and treasonous act. Even those who hated the King so - found Lenne's actions to be the worst of all. The King had no opportunity to defend himself, and he died a slow death - drowning in his own blood that pooled his lungs. Many believed Lenne should be hanged, killed, but others saw much opportunity. Since putting Lenne in the Gauntlet - thousands traveled from far to see her fight, a huge increase in profits for the Kingdom came. In the end the rich got richer, so all wasn't too bad... |
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 29, 2019 14:03:32 GMT -5
Amara Travyre – Elf/human rogue King Rugar Ironbrand King Vincent Bryerstrand A letter. A cry for help. Two years ago Rugar, now the king of Ironbrand due to the violent death of his father, had sent a letter asking to meet with an old mage. His father was ill and on his deathbed it was a sickness that all the remedies in Ironbrand couldn’t seem to heal. So, Rugar had gone to the last resort, when his father was ill enough that is. Ironbrand didn’t allow magic, it was against the laws of the kingdom to even use magic. Be it for good or evil. The use of magic would land you in a noose faster than thievery. Even being connected to magic would most certainly spell death. Perhaps this was the reason the past king hated the Valkyries so much? He’d paid the mage handsomely for an antidote to be delivered to his father and when a young woman came claiming to have such an antidote...the prince had let her into his father’s chambers. Everything was of the past from there, the kingslayer had taken his father’s life when he couldn’t even fight back. Rugar was happy to throw the woman into the arena. He was vengeful at first, he wanted to kill her himself from the pain she’d caused him, from the distress that kingdom had been placed in. Though as time passed Rugar began to question everything. He’d never heard from the mage again, he sent his men to investigate and the mage had all but disappeared. It was no secret that many hated his father. He began to wonder if the pleas of those around him claiming that a Valkyrie would never commit such an act, especially not Lenne, were correct. Had the mage done something to cause Lenne to act in such a way? The vial she’d brought that was said to be the antidote turned out to be nothing but water, but it had the etching of the mage’s signature on it. Would she have gone to such measures to kill his father? ** A cloaked figure rushed through the streets leaping from rooftop to rooftop with ease. She was a rogue for hire, an archer, an assassin, she was whatever her employer at the time needed her to be. She’d done this her entire life. It was a dirty job at times, killing. Washing the blood from leathers wasn’t the hard part though. It was the look in her victim’s eyes that gave her nightmares. But, she pressed forward, there was nothing else in this world for her. She paused on a ledge, crouched down as her eyes looked through the thick black leather mask that was formed to her face. Her name was Amara Travyre. She was found in the streets by an old blacksmith in Ironbrand. A baby wrapped in a tattered blanket that was stained in fresh blood, a beautiful elven necklace lay on the ground next to her the chain broken as rain fell from the skies. The old man had scooped her up and taken her under his wing. He tried to find her mother, or father. He’d searched for years but was unsuccessful. Elves went missing in Ironbrand. Most were murdered in cold blood and the old blacksmith worried this was the case for the child’s mother. Amara grew up in the city with the clock smith, he’d protected her when she was young by cutting the tips from her ears. It was a painful event, but...it had to be done. He’d taught her all there was to wielding weapons. Raymond Travyre was his name. He took her to the north when she was around 6 years old. It was a long journey filled with many dangers as they traveled by horseback and camped along the way. He’d taken her to the northern city of Valgaurd. Though at first he was not given a warm welcome when he revealed his young ‘daughter’ to the city of elves they recognized her...it had taken him 6 years but he’d found her home...where she belonged. The queen of Valgaurd explained that Amara’s mother had gone missing 7 years ago when she was sent to Ironbrand. Now here stood a child that was a spitting image of the woman. The elves welcomed her and they welcomed Raymond into their home. It was a hard thing to do but Raymond left the young half-elf with the elves. He knew she’d be safer there, as painful as it was. The young Amaya promised to visit him. But the blacksmith feared that she would soon forget the man that saved her life. Years later Amaya slipped into a back alley as rain splashed off of her black cloak. She walked to an old wooden door and lifted her gloved hand to knock. She hesitated slightly before she finally knocked. Heavy footsteps sounded on the other side of the door and soon enough the door opened to reveal Raymond. He stood with a cane, his old blue eyes looked down into the emerald green eyes of Amara through her mask. His thick grey brows raised and a chuckle came over his lips. “Come in!” He smiled brightly. He welcomed her in and threw his arms around her. “Amara!” He chuckled and then stepped back. Amara chuckled as she looked to the old man, he was just as she remembered him. “You haven’t aged a day, Ray.” She smiled as she lifted her mask and pulled the cloak from her head. Amara had grown into a beautiful young half elf. Her eyes were just as emerald green as Ray could remember, her hair was a beautiful sandy blonde that curled and tasseled to her shoulders. She held a smile that was infectious and gorgeous, “It’s been a long time.” Ray chuckled as he looked to her clothing, leathers with straps and belts over her body, small daggers and a quiver over her back with a bow. “What are you doing in Ironbrand?” He questioned. “I had a job yesterday.” She spoke with a soft smile. “I was in town, thought I owed you a visit for a few days before I leave.” Ray nodded, “A job?” He questioned as he headed to the kitchen. “Coffee?” He started scooping grounds into a pot to cook on the stove. “Yes a job. I’d rather not talk about it.” She gave a weak smile as she came to the old table. Her fingertip traced over an old etching that she’d made with a pocket knife when she was younger. “You remember that, kid?” Ray asked as he sat down at the table with her after he’d placed the pot over flames on the stove. “You were up late that night. That was the night I told you that you weren’t my daughter and that I planned to find your parents...” Amara gave a smile as she looked up to Ray. “You’ll always be my father, you raised me after all. The queen can take credit for my magic, but you taught me the basics of fighting.” She laughed lightly as she leaned back in the chair. ** Over the next few days Amara walked the streets of the city, it was a trip down memory lane. Things had changed though, for better or worse. Amara found her way to The Gauntlet arena. She watched as the battle played out. The woman that the crowds cheered for. “What’d she do to get put in there?” Amara asked a man that stood next to her. Her arms were crossed over her body. She’d always hated the arenas. It was a painful reminder that the humans were more savage than elves ever would be. “That one?” The gruff man asked with a chuckle. “Oh she killed our king. Fucking Valkyrie bitch.” He looked to Amara his brows tucked together. “Serves her right, she’ll die eventually. You know what she did? She killed our king when he was on his deathbed. How cowardly is that? Those Valkyries aren’t what the stories make them out to be. They are cowards, the prince should have had all the Valkyries killed after what happened. But he’s brought our economy up, the war is over. King Rugar isn’t doing a half bad job I guess. He just needs to have her killed.” “She needs to die.” Another man said, “Two years and she’s still going.” He scoffed. “I’ll pay to come every single Gauntlet day until she gets that head of hers lobbed off. It’ll come.” “That’s a lot of money to spend to see someone die.” Amara muttered to herself as she watched the festivities for the day come to an end leaving only the Valkyrie standing. Amara huffed slightly. “At some point everyone becomes tired...” She looked to the man, “Could you imagine spending two years in there?” “She didn’t kill the king of her own volition.” A young woman spoke up. “She was cursed by a mage to do it.” The woman looked to the two men, “Think about it. Lenne helped fight off the Strand Amry. Why the hell would she kill our king?” “Our king fought off the army, what are you talking about. Shut up.” The man pushed her to the side as he left with the other. Amara looked to the woman curiously, “A mage in Ironbrand?” She asked. “No, of course not.” The girl shook her head. “I work in the castle. I overheard the prince asking about the whereabouts of a mage that he’d contacted to heal his father...it was a last ditch effort. It sounds to me like that mage sent the Valkyrie to kill the king. Don’t you think? No one liked our old king. He was a tyrant. He is the reason for this arena. It is sickening, isn’t it?” “That’s an interesting take. All hearsay though I’m afraid.” Amara eyed the woman a moment before she walked from the stands. ** Later that evening as Amara walked among the shadows of the city on the outskirts headed home she heard a crunch in the woods near her. She turned quickly and just as she did she felt a sharp pinch in the side of her neck. The half-elf lifted her hand and plucked a tranquilizer dart from her neck as she began to stagger. She took in a shuddering breath as her eyes fluttered. Her body felt heavy, her control over her magic was also damaged. Her eyes glowed slightly as she fell to her knees, though she wasn’t strong enough to cast a spell as she fell to her side in a limp heap. “Pick her up.” A man came from the shadows. “I’m not sure why the boss is interested in this woman, but...we aren’t paid to ask questions. We are paid to follow his orders, eh?” A young man stepped forward and tossed Amara over his shoulder. “Maybe she pissed him off?” He shrugged slightly. “At least we caught her off guard.” He chuckled. “She’s got some weapons on her, I wouldn’t want to mess with this one.” He grinned. ** Hours later Amara’s eyes fluttered open. She gasped in a breath and tugged at her arms that were secured tightly behind her. She looked around the room as her heart began to pound. Ironbrand was known for bandits that kidnapped those from outside of town. Many went missing to never return. Her vision was fuzzy as she blinked and looked around. Her mouth felt like cotton as she took in a deep breath. She pulled against the metal cuffs that held her arms in place. “She’s awake.” A voice could be heard from the other side of the iron door as a small window slid shut. “I’ll go get him.” Another voice. Amara closed her eyes tightly as she focused. The metal cuffs began to turn bright orange as she focused in on them. Though her eyes opened seconds later as the door pushed open. To her surprise King Vincent Bryarstrand stood before her. He was one of the youngest kings to rule such a strong kingdom. He pulled up a chair in front of her and leaned against the back of it with his arms crossed along the top. “You’re an elf.” He spoke plainly. “What were you doing in Ironbrand?” He asked, “I had a very good commander of my army go missing a few days ago. Know anything about that? Found his body this morning. Recognize this?” He questioned as he lifted up a small dagger, one of Amara’s daggers. “Looks familiar doesn’t it?” “I’m a half-elf.” Amara corrected him as her eyes glared to him. “I grew up in Ironbrand, am I not allowed to visit?” She raised a brow. The king smirked to her, “You have a lot of fight for someone in your situation.” He replied. “I am aware you grew up here. Raymond told me.” “Don’t hurt him.” Amara spoke quickly, fear in her eyes. She’d never be able to live with it if she’d caused him to die just from a simple visit. “I don’t aim to do that.” He gave a smile, “You can help me. I have been looking for someone like you for about 2 years.” The king shifted slightly. “You see, there is a Valkyrie in the Gauntlet, you may have noticed her. She’s hard to miss. She knows war like the back of her hand.” He chuckled. “She even almost killed me, that was a long time ago though of course. I was young then. My father didn’t realize her potential. But he’s gone now.” He clicked his tongue. “Tragic really. Fell from the balcony. He was drunk.” He shrugged. Truthfully the young king had killed his father around 5 years ago now. He’d turned Bryarstrand into a force to be reckoned with. “I’ve looked into you, elf. You carried a lot of contracts in your pack. Including a contract for my commander.” He grinned. “I didn’t think that man could be killed. You seem to have done it easy enough.” “What do you want?” She pulled against the cuffs. “If you’re going to kill me just get it over with.” “No. No, no, that’s not what I have planned for you.” Vincent grinned, “You are going to get me that Valkyrie.” “Fuck you.” Amara snapped as she melted one of the cuffs. Her arm broke free and she slammed her fist into the side of his head. She moved swiftly but within seconds the room was swarmed with men. She was slammed to her back on the floor. The king chuckled as he stood over her, he rubbed his jaw. “You’ll get her for me. That’s your mission. I’ll pay you very well to do it, elf.” She thrashed against the hold of the men. “I’m not doing the bidding of a murdering bastard child.” She snapped out. She’d heard of him. The elves heard of a lot of things. But Amara knew of many with her travels for her job. The king grinned then, “You will.” He spoke as he turned on his heel to leave the room. ** It took a month to break her. Vincent brought in a mage to warp her mind and force her into submission, it wasn’t easy...but he’d done it. At least that is what he hoped. Amara stood on the ledge of the arena, her cloak flapped behind her as she looked down over the empty bloodied dirt. The moon cast a silver glow over her. She watched as knights moved about, patrolling. Amara slipped from the rooftop and moved through the shadows. Her body became invisible as she slipped passed the guards easily. She came to a locked gate and she waited within the shadows for a guard to come along his patrol. He yawned and stretched as he leaned against the wall. Amara moved swiftly and appeared before him, her hand gripped his throat and she slammed his head against the wall wielding him unconscious. She then slipped the ring of keys from his belt and she quickly unlocked the door. The rogue moved quickly through the shadows and into the depths of the dungeons that held some of the most dangerous criminals of Ironbrand. She found her way right to the cell that held Lenne. She appeared from thin air and stood there a moment looking into the cell. She then jingled the keys as she flipped through them. “Ready to go home?” She asked as her emerald eyes looked through the shadows. “I think you’ve been here long enough, especially since you don’t deserve it.” Over the past month the king of Bryarstrand admitted to paying off the mage to curse Lenne so that she would kill the king of Ironbrand. It was a foolproof plan he’d said. He knew she’d be caught, he knew she’d be placed in the gauntlet to die. He never thought she’d survive. Now he wanted to use her for his war efforts against Ironbrand. That, wasn’t in the cards for Amara. She’d tricked the mage into thinking he’d hypnotized her into following the plans of the foolish king. It wasn’t hard truthfully. “I’ll get you to safety and get you back to the Valkyries. That’s where you belong.” She unlocked the door and glanced around. The sound of footsteps coming down the hallway caused her to rush into the cell. She gripped onto Lenne’s shoulder and the two of them disappeared. A guard that was patrolling paused at the cell, his eyes widened. He rushed down the hall then, yelling for backup. Amara allowed the cloaking spell to fall as she looked to Lenne. “You don’t have much of a choice but to trust me.” She spoke with a nod as she held a dagger toward her with the hilt first. “Just stay close and we will get out of here alive.” |
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Post by Raven on Jul 29, 2019 18:32:01 GMT -5
Not many lived in the cells of the Arena for long. Soon enough to fell victim to the Gauntlet - to Lenne herself. Most would go stir crazy, the days and nights would blur together, insanity would ensue. Not many would actually try to fight her. Instead she would hear their whimpering cries from the cells over. And before they were dragged out for the fight - they would whisper to her. Make it fast. Show me mercy. And she always did. She always tried to kill them swiftly, she tried not to injure them before hand. If she could do it sneakily - she would try. Killing them from behind, breaking their necks with speed. A stab through the heart, or even lobbing off their head with ease. She would try her hardest - so they wouldn't have the last remaining seconds - staring at a stranger...with their own blood splashed across her face.
The occasional would give her a run for her money. At first she would kill them swiftly. Then as the months passed - she let them play. She'd listen to the crowd roar. She'd even let them injure her. Let them believe...for a moment. Their last moment - filled with hope and happiness. Before she would suddenly burst upward and drive her dagger through their gut. Or wrap her legs over their head and break their puny necks in between her thighs. It was those surprise attacks that drove the crowd wild.
There were many that would throw rotten food into the arena. Dead Flowers. Sacks of dung. Though her eyes always fell upon a friendly face. Third section, row B, seat number 11. A Valkyrie, that watched...every game. Vi, that was her name for short. It was some long mystical name. She was the mage of the Valkyrie, the true bones to the operations. She would play the world and allow the others to swoop in with their blades and glory. She was the quiet one, she was well taught, and patient, extremely patient. The patient one that came to every match for 2 years, 4 months and 15 days. And every match - she would throw a perfectly crisp red apple. Lenne would reach up and catch it with ease and take a huge bite out of it. Savory. Fresh. Enchanted. Always enchanted to taste like the meal of her dreams, for that night. It also helped heal her injuries, and kept her hydrated. She began to call them Wonder Apples. This was the one and only true thing that drove her to win the fight. For that god damn apple. She would nod her head and turn - letting the guards take her weapons, and following them into the arena.
At first they used to cuff her, taze her with long pointy rods. Though over time there was a mutual understanding...she wasn't going any where. She tried to escape many times before - only to be shot down with tranquilizing shots. Guards stood every where, by the plenty. She was stuck here, this was her new fate. Once a decorated war patron, now basically a terrorist. But the Wonder Apple... it was worth it in the end.
She would find herself back in her cell. It was empty. She didn't carve on the walls. Didn't fiddle with anything. Not anymore at least. She became so complacent that the Arena Clerk actually felt pity for her, and would bring her books. So next to her bed were stacks and stacks of books. She would usually finish them in 1-2 days, depending on the read. Some were military war books. Others romance novels. History. Text books. Whatever was tossed her way. Though they were always carefully studied - no notations, no additional anything. There was no slipping her a message. They kept the place air tight, that was for sure. She would use the books to wipe her ass. They were decent enough to give her a bucket, which was replaced every week. She had devised a lid for it with the books... Ripping the covers and sewing them together with the thread that kept the binding. That alone took ages - only having her fingernail, which she had shaved into a point - just by using the stone floor to grind it down.
After a while she forgot she was there due to her past. She confused it into a job, this is what she did. Why was she in here? She couldn't remember. Though she could remember that it was the 16th day of 2 years and 4 months of living there. Or maybe more. Maybe less. Where did this number even come from?
"Hey - Quit that shit" A guard walked by with a metal rod and smacked the cell. "Your humming drives me mad"
"Don't be mad because you can't hold a tune" Lenne tagged her page of the book and set it down in her lap.
"You don't think I can hold a tune, eh?" The guard postured up and then snarled.
"Yeah, you look like you can barely hold your dick up" she stood and set the book down. She reached forward then and grasped his crotch, squeezing it slightly. "Whats it, 3 months and 8 days since you got laid last?" she purred and yanked her hand away.
The guard groaned and then shoved her back with the baton. "Stay away from me you concubine" his brows pulled together. "What gave it away?"
"Ah yeah, when you get a good wench - you have this little stride. And.. you even hum along with my tunes" she grinned. "Like I said, can't hold a tune" she twirled and made her way back to the cot. She sat down and crossed her legs "Alright, enjoy your stiffy. I'll be sure to tell all the others that the slut concubine was the only thing that got her going" she laughed then. "I guess they say boys like the things they can't have the most, the fear and threat of something stronger to them" she sucked in a long breath through her nose. "Its like warm lavender sheets, with hot scented oil....and...." she held a finger up. "Croissants" she licked her lips. "Like a steamy hot night" she cackled then and flopped onto the bed and lifted her book. "Au revoir" she waved her hand.
The Guard lifted his head and walked away with a weird wobble. He was grumbling the whole while. She did this on the daily. That Guard - Daven, was the easiest to fuck with. And she did. Every night. And he.... loved it. So it was a win win, to her. Was she attracted to him? Not in the slightest. The steamy romance books kept her pining and occupied. Reading of the lustful divas and the forgotten bastard soldiers to soil them. This was the highlight of her night. That is until the moon shifted just right, and it was too dark to read.
It was moments later that she was disturbed. This was out of routine. The guards were on a strict rotation. It was break time, 10 minutes until the next would walk past her cell. She pretended to be reading - but her eyes glanced up. Oh sweet drama, bring it on. Did Chase and Trisha fight again? Was Robert fucking Wesley in the supply closet? Oh give me something good.
The familiar sound of crunching filled the air. "Hm?" she slowly stood and suddenly the gate to her cell was open. "Oh this is a trap-" she was tugged then. Her footsteps followed, before she was pulled over. She stayed close to her - the womans hand gripping her arm. She held her hand up...and saw nothing. Magic. Who was this person?
They suddenly stopped, holding still as a guard walked past. The guard looked right at them... Lenne held her breath. It was then that an alarm went off - chains began to release. "Go!" She shoved past the woman. There were gates on every quarter of the building. A large round building that encompassed the Arena. They were technically below it. They ran past one gate that was coming down, slipped downward and under the next. The last one - Lenne held the dagger in her hand and dove downward. She caught the gate with one hand and shoved the dagger into the turning gears. "Right" she called out. She pulled the dagger and the gate dropped.
They stood then in one larger room, that led to an exit door. And about 30 guards. "Kill the woman, seize Lenne" The captain spoke and pointed his sword forward. Lenne ducked as a blade came her way, she held the dagger and stabbed upward - the blade cutting through the forearm of the man, she kicked him to the side and twirled swift. She slammed her elbow, in the twisting motion, into another guard, right in the face. She then lifted the tazer prod and shoved it forward - into the gut of another, tazering hard. Her dagger hand then threw the blade. It spun several times before landing dead between the eyes of the guard - piercing the bone easily.
Her hand swooped down and lifted a sword. Several parries to the next. Then a crunching. Her ribs were bashed by a baton. The breath knocked from her chest. She stumbled back and fought to catch it. Though...this was nothing. Her eyes looked forward. For 2 years she took a beating. For 2 years all she did was fight. It was training. And this was just another exercise. She reached forward and grasped the oncoming blade, it cut into her hand. Though with a flick of her wrist she twisted it from his grip, and then kicked forward. She turned the blade and held it - shoving it directly into his stomach. She turned then and sliced at another man - his arm lobbed off with ease, this was a man who launched at her rogue friend.
"Don't let her escape!" The captain held a gun up - their tranquilizer guns. He shot then. Lenne quickly rolled the side and it pierced a man in the butt. She laughed then and swung her blade - slicing at 4 ankles, the 2 men fell with ease. She grinned as she grabbed a handful of hair and slammed his head down in the ground. A splash of blood came from their busted nose, and face. Shattered easily. She rolled to the side then and lifted her legs, grasping onto a man's thigh. She was famous for this - when upon her back. She twisted her hips easily and he collapsed onto her. Landing directly onto her dagger. "Bye" she laughed and rolled him off. Easily she stood and kicked a leg off the wall. A strong super man punch to the jaw of another, knocked out cold. "Bring it on, bitches" she spat. The captain stepped forward now. Decorated in his metal armor. "OH - watch out" she pointed to the rogue. The captain glanced her way and then Lenne snapped forward - a quick punch to his nose. The captain stumbled back, a hand to his bloodied nose.
"Sick em" she pointed to the captain, the last man alive.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 29, 2019 19:02:48 GMT -5
“Not a trap shut up.” Amara had whispered quickly. As they rushed through the halls Amara kept close she rolled beneath the lowering gates with ease and narrowed her brows as they came to the final room. “This should be interesting.” She muttered to herself as her counterpart launched an assault. “Kill me?” She raised a brow and chuckled. “Good luck.” She drew her bow from her back and it instantly began to glow red. The rogue launched three arrows at a time into the chest of her attackers. As soon as the arrows pierced into the men flames would engulf them. The room began to smell of singed flesh and hair with the overlaying scent of blood. Amara grinned as she fought, she tossed glowing blue daggers through the air that electrocuted those that were stabbed in the back with. She even kept a few from getting to Lenne. It wasn’t until the captain stood as the last man standing that Amara stopped. She chuckled as Lenne ordered her to attack. “I’m not your dog.” She smirked as she turned then.
“No….no, no no...” The captain backed away as the rogue stepped forward, his sword was raised and he was ready to fight her off, though he trembled. 300 of his men had fallen to these two women.
“You’re not even going to try?” Amara questioned as she drew her sword from her hip, the blade glowed red. She trailed it along the bloodied dirt and a trail of flames began to follow her as she closed the gap between them. “I’m about to free your most prized prisoner.” She grinned, “And you’re going to beg…?” She lifted the sword from the ground.
The captain growled then as he rushed forward toward her. “You’re not taking that murderer.’’ He snarled.
Amara stepped to the side easily and caught his blade with hers. His blade turned red from the heat of her flames and he dropped the blade to the ground. Amara then sliced forward her blade drove through his chest like a knife through butter. “Oh, but I am.” She smirked before she kicked him from the blade. “Alright, I got him.” She waved her hand, “Lets go huh?” Amara stepped to the woman. “Ahhh one minute.” She reached forward and a green glow came from her fingertips, she healed a deep gash on Lenne’s arm. The skin pulled together and mended before their eyes. “Alright, before more come we should get moving.” She took in a breath and walked outside. Amara glanced around carefully before she led Lenne forward. “Now, I’m not 100% sure on where the Valkyries live...” She spoke over her shoulder. “But we are going to get out of town tonight and as far from Ironbrand as we can.” She ran up to a horse that she’d placed strategically, it had saddlebags filled with food for their journey. Every aspect of this was carefully planned, something that Amara was adept at. “Come on.” She climbed onto the horse and offered her a hand. She then took off into the night at a gallop. They rode to the south, Amara was at least sure that the Valkyries lived to the south, beyond that she wasn’t certain.
They rode well into the night until Amara took them off of the beaten path a ways. She stopped the horse next to an old cave that burrowed deep into the side of the mountain. “Hungry?” She asked as she slipped off the back of the horse. She grabbed the bags from the back of the horse and tossed them down before she searched around for wood. She came back about ten minutes later with an armful of wood. She carefully stacked it up and snapped her fingers. Suddenly the woodpile lit aflame and began to crackle happily. Amara was quiet then as she cooked up some rice and beans. It took a few minutes before she held a bowl toward the valkyrie. “Water?” She asked as she set a water skin next to her. “I know a mage cursed you.” She spoke, “Made you kill the king. I know the person responsible for all of this too, he confessed it to me. The king of Bryarstrand.” She nodded. “He’s a coward if you ask me.” She spooned some food into her mouth before she fell quiet once again.
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Post by Raven on Jul 29, 2019 21:27:56 GMT -5
"No dog eh?" She crossed her arms as she watched her finish the captain off. Her power was amazing - so swift and flexible with her magic. The first she had ever seen. The most magic she had ever encountered was Vi. She was a different kind of mage, she often described herself. Not quite the battling kind. But this? This was pure battle-mage power, but different than a knight or warrior. In a way the style reminded her of her own battle technique - but this woman was faster, and stronger. Had she come across this person in the arena.. she knew she'd lose. But this one... would likely never get caught.
"You mean I have to ride bitch seat, you couldn't have brought a second horse?" she scoffed then, though playfully. "Don't mind me, I can get grabby" she leapt up behind the woman, she calmly placed her hands upon her hips. Then... she slouched forward, her forehead touching her back. It was like all 2 years suddenly hit her at once. They rode for a few minutes - until she pointed forward, guiding her on which road to take towards the Valkyries. "I guess I should thank you." She spoke as she slowly sat upright. Her voice had grown soft, not as quirky as before. "So yup, thanks" it switched instantly. She gave a slight chuckle until they rode forward.
"The Valkyrie's live in the Southern Gorge, just to the east of the plains. It is veiled, thanks to our own mage..." she spoke. It wasn't long before the moon was high. They had rode enough to rid any trackers, though she doubted anyone would bother. To kill nearly every guard in the Arena. She was gone. Anyone who would come after would surely die.
She climbed from the steed, she pulled the blankets from the horse and carried them over. She stepped before the cavern and placed her roll down. Her fingers reached forward and grazed the thick rock. It was a little moist, and cold to the touch. Her eyes turned and she placed her hues upon the thick pallet of trees. The fireflies were sparkling about, frogs and crickets were alive and singing. She never really thought much of being trapped in the cell. But it became more apparent as she stood - free - in the world once more. Everything she took for granted seemed so alive.
Her thoughts were broken as the flame was lit suddenly. Lenne smirked and sat down before the fire - her hands held outward to enjoy the heat. Sweet fire... The crackling, the warmth. "You know there is a certain talent in sparking a flame from tinder and flint. Such a show off" she winked playfully and then brought her legs to her chest, wrapping her arms around them easily. Her hand reached forward then as dinner was ready "Thanks, I've been eating mush and moldy bread for so long" she chuckled and stirred her bowl, then to take a bite. It wasn't much but damn it was good.
"You know a mage cursed me?" She questioned and then lowered her empty bowl. That fast, it was gone. She took a long drag of the water and set the skin back down. "No one knows that" she turned her head. "Not even me" she tilted her head. "I think back to the night - and replay it over and over and over. I don't know why I did it. But all I knew is every bit of me said - do it" she grunted. "Though, I had no reason to. I didn't hate him, I disliked him yes... but at the end of the day - he treated me right, for what I did for him" she shook her head. "Many say he stole the honor of my victory - but truth is, I willingly gave it to him." she laughed then. "Blahblahblah. So - ass wipe Bryarstrand called for it?" she stretched her arms out then. "No surprise, he practically gave his son up to be murdered. Then he whimpered like a little bitch when I showed him who's boss." she winked and stood. "So no wine, huh?" she sighed softly. "Well, the girls should have some..." she made her way to her blanket. "Oh-" she turned swiftly on her heels.
"What's your name? You know mine, Lenne the Kingslayer, it has a beautiful ring to it, makes the crowds go wild. And you are...?" she crossed her arms, grinning. She sat down on her blanket then and laid down. "Amara huh" she lifted a brow. "No fancy fun titles?" she sighed. "I'll change that" she pondered a moment. "Amara the Flashy Badass" she nodded. "I like it. With all the fire and the sparklies and the pew pew pew" she yawned loudly then. "The bards'll sing that tune" she hummed softly, until sleep just completely consumed her.
Truth is she hadn't really slept in a long time. The apple kept her going. It was the only thing that gave her health. The reality is her body was tired, her mind was tired, her soul was tired. She wanted to die so long ago. She really did receive the worst torture. The Valkyries told her to push on, just before she was imprisoned. It would be hard. Painful. Difficult. But they would find a way. This woman, Amara. Was this their way? Something about her didn't seem right. It didn't seem like it was the Valkyries doing. So what...was the real plan? Vi would have given her some kind of sign. But it was just an average day at the office....
***
"Today is the day, folks. The greatest fight of the century!!" An announcer spoke loudly. "Our legendary Kingslayer, versus the murderous - the traitorous - Bane the Manslayer. He himself took out an entire church with just a fire prod, the insane, the crazed - this will be the bloodiest battle yet!!!" the crowd roared loudly.
The gates opened then - Lenne stepped forward. Her scuffed boots crunched on the dry brown ground. It was cracked and broken, raked clean though for show. Approaching on the other side was a giant man, who looked like he could break her into two with just a flick. They approached the middle - where 2 weapon racks sat.
"You think I'm going to just fall over and die like the others?" the man laughed. "No - I killed that pathetic church just to stand right here. Knowing full well... I'd get to fight the best warrior in the world" he snarled. His head was bald and he had a long rough beard. His shoulders were giant, his arms were bulging, as if the muscles fought to be contained by his skin. He reached forward and grasped an axe and held it. "You'll die tonight, little girl" he stepped back.
Lenne grinned then and grasped a blade. "Sounds good" she nodded. This was just 5 months into her first year. When the entire planet couldn't comprehend how she survived all those fights. Her gaze turned and Vi waved to her, smiling brightly. As if this was some kind of parade. Lenne turned then and waited for the gun to fire.
The man rushed forward before the gun could go - and the crowd stood and shouted as loud as they could. He was like a battering ram. She slipped to the side with a few steps and he skid to a stop. He charged once more. Lenne didn't move this time - she watched as he came closer and closer. He lifted his axe and swung.
Side step - his axe lunged into the dirt - so hard that it was stuck. She kicked him then in the rib, he didn't even budge. She then sliced forward - the blade cutting into his huge shoulder. He frenzied then and pulled the axe, twirling swiftly. She brought her blade up just in time to catch the axe - but she was thrown several feet, the sword falling from her grip. The beast stomped over and placed a boot on her chest. He reached down then and grasped her throat, lifting her into the air. Her feet dangled as he held her high, choking her. The crowd was on fire.
She grasped his wrist and then looked directly into his eyes. They locked on for a moment. Then suddenly - she reached forward and with 2 fingers she poked his eye. Though, she had carved her nails into points. Both eyes were stabbed, her fingers curled and then scooped them completely from his eye socket. He dropped her as he screamed loudly, falling to his knees. "What was that?" She questioned as she flicked both eyes off her fingers, two holes poked straight through them. "I didn't hear you" she leaned in, cupping her ear slightly.
"Kill me" he sobbed loudly.
"My pleasure!" she lifted his axe and then twirled it - lobbing his head clean off. The crowd lost it at the point...
***
She shot upward, breathing heavily. His cries were echoing in her ears. The thud of his head on the ground. The feeling of the slime and blood on her fingers. She held her hand up - her finger nails still pointed. They were weapons, used to scratch, claw, and kill. They saved her life so many times...
She slowly stood - the sun was just about to rise... She rolled her blankets up and lifted the water skin up - drinking deeply. Her eyes fell over the forest...watching as the sun peaked over the horizon. Though as Amara rose - she turned her gaze. "The Gorge is just a few hours away. If we get started - we can be there in time for breakfast" she stepped over and packed her blanket back onto the horse.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 29, 2019 22:13:45 GMT -5
Amara gave a chuckle when the Valkyrie thanked her. She merely shook her head, “You can thank me when we make it to the rest of the Valkyries, hm?” That was all she’d spoken until they got to the camp. As she ate her food she looked to Lenne, “Amara...” She’d spoken, her voice soft. She chuckled softly as she watched the woman. “I’m no certain that is the best name for me.” She shook her head. “I’m also not convinced that your name will be valid for much longer.” She finished her meal before she set her bowl down and gazed into the fire. “That weak king was killed by his son. It isn’t the king that you are thinking of. It is the son that you made whimper.” She offered the information before she fell quiet again. This poor woman before her had gone mad it seemed. The rogue let out a breath and shook her head slightly. She only hoped that the longer that the Valkyrie was back in the real world the more stable she would become.
Amara cleaned the bowls and carried them to the saddlebags. “Here you are my friend.” She spoke as she held a bag before the horse to allow him to eat. She also poured water into one of the bowls and tended to him until he seemed to get his fill. She pat his shoulder and gave a soft smile as she headed back into the small cave. The rogue rolled out her pallet carefully and almost as soon as she had her head on her small pillow she was unconscious.
The young Amara stood before the elven queen. “You are the daughter of a strong elven warrior.” She spoke as she placed a beautiful elven dagger into the young girl’s hand. “Your mother would be proud of you...”
“If she was strong...what happened to her?” Amara questioned softly, tears brimmed her eyes. “I miss Ray...when can I go home?” She asked with a quivering voice.
“You are home. Your mother would have wanted you here, it is much safer here. We can teach you magic. How to protect yourself.” The queen spoke with a soft smile.
“Ray showed me how to protect myself...I can protect myself….he said magic is bad...” The young girl was crying at this point. “I want to go home.”
The queen sighed softly as she pulled the girl into a warm embrace. “You are safer here with us, that is why he brought you here. It was only a matter of time before you accidentally cast a spell...in Ironbrand that would have cost you your life, young Amara.” The queen explained. “He wanted to protect you, he loves you like his own. He was incredibly kind to take you in.” She kept the girl close. “Now.” She pulled back and then she pointed to the fireplace. “Light the fire.” She gave a warm smile.
Amara stepped over to the fireplace and looked around for a flint and steel. She moved the poker for the wood and then she looked to the queen. “You don’t have any tools to start it...” She whispered in a defeated voice.
“Imagine it to be lit. Focus your energy.” The queen nodded. “Look to the wood, speak to it in your mind.”
“Speak to the wood?” Amara questioned with her brows tucked together as she looked to the neatly stacked wood within the fireplace. She focused and her eyes began to glow. The queen held her hand forward toward the wood and as she tapped her fingertips to the wood it lit aflame. Amara jumped back slightly, this was her first use of magic, and she was strong at that.
The queen chuckled, “Very good, would you like to roast a marshmallow?” She hugged Amara and kissed the top of her head.
Amara woke to the loud breathing and rustling of movement within the camp. Her eyes fluttered slightly as she made sense of the world around her. She gazed to the woman and gave a nod. “Of course. A nice cooked breakfast would be much better than one of my on the go meals.” She winked as she rolled up her pallet. “A few hours then...” She climbed onto the horse. She wanted to ask how she slept. But with the way that the woman had awakened she knew better than to stir the pot. Amara took in a breath as she felt the woman behind her. She gave a gentle kick and they were on their way. “You will have to give me direction.” She spoke as they pressed on. She wondered then if the king from Bryarstrand knew she’d taken Lenne yet. She also wondered what the king of Ironbrand was thinking as he awoke this morning to the news that the kingslayer was broken from the Gauntlet by a strange cloaked woman. Well, if anyone had a tale to tell that is. They had killed nearly everyone. She wondered if any cowardly guards had hid to save their lives.
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Post by Raven on Jul 29, 2019 22:40:16 GMT -5
Lenne climbed behind her and tucked her legs against the horse. "Off we go" she pointed then down a pathway. As the horse trotted along she hummed softly. The sun was rising now - peaking through the canopy of the forest. They would emerge soon to the plains, and cross to the eastern side. Directly to the mountains, that started with long rolling rocky hills. First stop - the Red Rock Gorge. She straightened herself as they rode.
"Soooooo" she sung. "Amara, why did you rescue me?" she questioned. "Been tryna piece that one together. You're not Valkyrie, nor hired by them. That is evident, cause ya know - you don't know where the base is. And Vi didn't give me a sign or anything. You know about some mage, so then. What's the catch? Valkyrie's gunna pay you good for this? Or is there some massive war I don't need about and y'all need to bust out the big guns?" she questioned. "Big guns, like me, yeah" she gave a chuckle.
"It seems real dreamlike to be riding on the back of this glorious steed, bounding through the forests, trekking to a place I nearly forgot about. To see all the lovely ladies of my life - to drink good wine, eat Mama Crab's Pot Pie, and sleep until the next month" she paused. "What do they call that?... Hibernating, yeah. That. Eat. Drink. Sleep. Poo. Repeat" she rambled on.
Soon they crossed over a hill that lead to a great rolling plains. "Ahhh, such beauty in such plain and boring lands. The cute little wild flowers, flaring up my allergies, the hills that remind me baby bottoms - ah, and the hot ass heat - oh! there they are" she pointed. "The Red Rocks, oh what beautiful pasty little fuckers" she could barely sit. "Go go go" she reached over and slapped the horse.
The horse nearly reared and then burst forward with speed. Lenne reached forward and grasped the woman's hips. The wind was whistling past her ears. "Wahooo!!" she shouted as the horse left a wake in the tall flowers, a pounded down pathway of their steps. Soon the horse slowed down and began its trot again. "Oh that's fun, lets do it again!" she raised her hand. Though she stopped as a figure stood, not far from the gorge. Which the gorge seemed to be just an eruption from the ground of red rock, so perfectly formed. A river once flowed through it, slicing through the rock to create a pass.
"Whos that?" she questioned, eyes squinting. As they came closer. "It's that old hag - Brienne!" she laughed out loud then. "Who knew she'd make it this long!"
The woman stood, her arms crossed as she watched. Her hair was thin and grey, her skin wrinkling but not too terribly. She watched as the horse approached and then waved her forward. The veil on the Gorge disappeared. A beautiful river flowed through the middle - and on the sides were pathways and bridges, connecting houses and buildings together. It was an entire little town, bustling in the middle of no where.
"There is a god" she slipped from the horse and ran up to Brienne. The old woman held her hands up and accepted a big hug. Lenne wrapped her arms around her and nearly lifted her from the ground.
"Ahh, Lenne, my dear, how good it is to see you" Brienne grasped the back of her head, holding her tightly.
Lenne pulled back and smiled brightly. "You old fart" she grinned. "You look like someone shit you out and pruned you until next week" she pat her shoulder. "Where are the others?"
"Making breakfast, of course. We heard you were busted loose, knew you'd make your way home. Banana Pancakes, Eggs, Bacon, the whole shebang" she waved then two forward.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 30, 2019 15:14:56 GMT -5
Amara took in a breath as the woman behind her started to question her motives for rescuing her. What was it exactly that she wanted? Amara pulled her brows together slightly as she remembered the king ordering her to bring the Valkyrie to him, that she would be his war mind and she would lead the war that would bring Ironbrand to its knees. “Something, like that.” She spoke and gave a nod. “You’re right I wasn’t hired by the Valkyries. But I don’t expect some big payment for getting you home safely.” That was all the rogue said, she was short on words for this one. She listened to Lenne and a soft chuckle came over her lips, the woman talked enough for the two of them. She listened as she spoke of things, connecting one to the next in rapid succession. Though when Lenne slapped her horse she had to hold on as he bolted forward with speed. When her hips were grabbed she let out a gasp as she gripped onto the horn of the saddle. “Fun?” She exclaimed when her horse had slowed down. “We might have two ideas of fun...” She muttered.
Next she knew Lenne had hopped off the back of the horse and was being embraced by an old woman that looked as wise as they come. She slipped from the back of the horse then and pat his shoulder, “Sorry about that old friend.” She spoke to the horse just as Brienne waved her forward. She grasped the reins as her eyes moved to the beautiful city that had been revealed.
Another Valkyrie stepped forward, she looked to Amara curiously and yet she stood in a defensive manner. “What’s your name?” She asked, Brienne nodded as she took Lenne into the city.
“Amara.” She responded as her eyes looked to the back of the old woman and the fighter that she’d saved.
“I’ve never heard of you.” The woman spoke as she stepped forward. “Why the mask and the cloak? You look like some form of female robin hood.” She had an accusing tone in her voice.
“Um...” Amara drew in a breath. “My job, really. I’m a hired assassin, sometimes just odd jobs...but...” She stopped speaking as the woman reached forward and tossed the cloak from her head. Perhaps all the Valkyries were strange people. She flinched slightly as the woman removed her mask. “I could have done that...”
The woman looked over the mask a moment and then looked back to Amara. “Two years.” She spoke. “It’s been two long years that Vi has gone to every Gauntlet match, that she’s kept Lenne alive and well. Then out of nowhere you show up and you rescue her?” The woman stood with her hands on her hips. “Who are you really? What do you want?”
Amara took in a breath, “It isn’t me that wants something.” She closed her eyes as she remembered the past month of torture and beatings she’d endured from the king and his men in Bryarstrand. She’d never be able to block out those memories. “I was taken by the King of Bryarstrand. He held me hostage for over a month until he was convinced that he’d brainwashed me into going along with his plans of getting Lenne for his own use. He also told me that he paid a mage to curse Lenne. That is why she killed the King of Ironbrand. She was under a spell when she did it, she had to control over herself.”
The woman shifted her weight. “Interesting.” She spoke, “You’ll be coming with me.” She reached forward and grasped Amara’s wrist.
“Wait.” Amara pulled back her eyes glowed as her hand easily slipped from the woman’s tight hold. “I’m not your enemy, you have to believe me.” Her horse snorted from behind her as he bobbed his head. “I brought her home. I want to see an end to this bickering between the kingdoms as well. Lenne said she had a run in with the king of Bryarstrand before.”
The Valkyrie sucked in a breath and crossed her arms. “Come eat breakfast, we shall let Brienne decide what will be done with you.” She pushed her forward into the city. “Just don’t get any funny ideas.”
Amara let out a sigh, out of one pot and into another it seemed. She’d never met any of the Valkyries. The elves kept to themselves except for a few that ventured out of their perfect little world up north. The young elf looked up to the buildings around her, it was truly a beautiful city. The sound of the water rushing through the center beneath the bridges eased her mind as she came to a large town hall type building. She was ushered inside by the unnamed Valkyrie and she was sat near the head of the table across from Lenne. Amara nodded to her before her eyes glanced around, everyone was cheerful, they hugged Lenne from the side as they made their way to the table, kissed the top of her head. Nearly choked the woman with a hug here and there. It was evident how much they cared for one another here. The bond that the elves had reminded her of this. Amara brought her eyes to Brienne, the Valkyrie that had spoken to her was now speaking to the elder. Here we go. She thought to herself as she looked back in front of her to the spread of food upon the long table.
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Post by Raven on Jul 30, 2019 20:30:50 GMT -5
Brianne combed a strand of Lenne's hair from her eye, searching her with her hues. "They really did a number on you, hm?" she smiled. "This woman that saved you" she turned then, placing a hand upon her back to lead her forward. "What do you make of her?" she questioned.
Lenne gazed to Brianne for a moment then thought. "Hmmm... Well, if she wanted to kill me. That would be done. If she was turning in a bounty - she wouldnt have brought me here. She rescued me, with a lot of skill at that - but" she paused. "She's really boring" she whispered in a hush tone. "Don't think she knows how to season beans either" she laughed then and twirled slightly, her hands in the air. A free world.
Brianne chuckled then and glanced to the woman, soon enough they came upon the grandhall and everyone nearly lost their mind. All the women - suddenly gathered around Lenne. Each gave a hug, until soon everyone had their fill. She sat down and loaded a huge plate of food.
Everyone finally settled down and Brianne set down at the end of the table. "So" she spoke with a clear voice. The women paused their chattering and nonsense to listen. "Two years"
"4 months and 16 days" Lenne added, though her mouth was full of biscuit.
Brianne grinned and nodded. "2 years, 4 months and 16 days. We tried 64 different ways to get Lenne out. We, her family, did all we could." she glanced to the woman next to her, Vi. "I want to question the hows and the whys. But, if anything in life - sometimes just appreciating what we have now is what we should do. " she looked directly to Amara then. "This woman - " she raised her hand toward her now. "Risked her life to save Lenne. I've been told that she did it out of justice, which at first I want to say is a lie... but we stand for it ourselves. We stand against the opposition and bear our weight..." she cleared her voice then.
"Amara, we Valkyrie are in your debt... for returning our sister. Tell us... what it is you seek, perhaps we can help you?" she questioned curiously. "You voiced that you knew something - that Lenne had been a victim of a spell..." Brianne spoke clearly.
Vi sat upright then. "I had thought the same thing initially, but could find no trace of magic that could lead me any where... but when you say it was Bryerstrand, this makes sense..." she pondered a moment. "The amount of embarrassment that the Kingdom suffered from Lenne's tasteful tactics, is also why the Kingdom dwindled as it did. The Strand's are passionate and prideful, revenge would make sense... Magic would be the last of the likely suspects, considering there was no way to counter it in Ironbrand. As I've always said - Just because you pretend magic is not real--"
"Doesn't mean that it isn't still a threat! Aha! See, I still remember. A good one, Vi" Lenne spoke with egg stuffed in her mouth. No one was eating, they were quiet, listening to the discussion at the table. This was a normal thing. The Valkyries didn't do a secret meeting, or have a council. The table was where the discussion was had, and everyone had equal part in it.
Brianne smirked and nodded. "Go on everyone, eat quietly, join Lenne - who is nearly on thirds. Amara - go on then, tell us what we seek to hear" she smiled and then piled a few things onto her plate.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Aug 1, 2019 10:45:29 GMT -5
Amara was quiet as she sat at the table. She took in the Valkyries as they moved about. Her eyes glanced about the room. She didn’t feel threatened at least. The one Valkyrie must have just been a bit...over zealous. She couldn’t blame them, 2 years. That was a long time to miss someone you loved. Any number of time becomes long when you know someone you care about is in danger. Amara brought her attention to Brienne as she brought the attention of the table to her. She gave a soft smile. “I’m not seeking payment, if that is what you are asking. I have plenty means for money. I did this out of my own volition. The king of Bryarstrand thought it would be useful to have the woman dubbed a kingslayer upon his side as he marches toward Ironbrand. Unfortunately several of Ironbrand’s soldiers were...killed…” She took in a breath and sighed, “It was unavoidable really.” She glanced to Lenne whom was shoving food into her face. It almost made her uncomfortable in a way. Though she looked back to Brienne, “the war between the kingdoms must end. Ironbrand must acknowledge the violence within against magic...” She let out a breath as she lowered her gaze, her blonde hair filtered over her eyes slightly before she brushed it aside. “If Ironbrand could accept magic, things would be much easier to convey to their king. He must know. He was there. He must know that Lenne would not have done such an act.” She glanced to the woman once again and sighed softly.
“Brienne, we have mounted soldiers headed this direction.” One of the Valkyries that stood watch came rushing over to the table. “They must have followed Lenne and….” She looked to Amara.
Amara took in a breath. “I’ll handle it.” She spoke as she quickly rose from the table. Amara rushed off and ran through the city. She rushed to the edge of the town and passed through the veil that locked the city into the hiding. She rushed forward as the soldiers surrounded her. Amara stood tall between the ten soldiers. The coloring on their armor suggested that they were from Bryarstrand.
“Where is she?” The captain questioned his eyes locked on the elf.
Amara shook her head. “I lost her when we got out of the city, she nearly killed me.” She lied as she looked to him.
The captain pulled his sword. “We saw you on horseback an hour ago with her.” His voice was accusing his brows narrowed. “Where is the kingslayer?”
Amara smirked as her eyes began to glow. “You’re not going to get her.” A wind whipped up around her tossing her blonde locks about. She rose her hands slightly as black clouds rolled in over her. The horses reared and then men let out a cry as a tornado landed down exactly where Amara stood. The soldiers were ripped into the skies as lightning struck their bodies. It lasted for several minutes until the wind finally calmed the tornado lifted into the skies. Amara fell into a crumple on the ground. That massive use of her power was incredibly draining. She shuddered as her eyes fluttered. She held the small locket upon her chest and whispered a few words in elvish before her eyes slipped shut.
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Post by Raven on Aug 1, 2019 19:53:18 GMT -5
As soon as the Valkyrie spoke of the Soldiers - everyone stood up in a hurry. Brienne followed Amara, a wave of Valkyries behind them. Though they paused as Amara bravely exited the veil and approached the soldiers. The leader's mouth fell agape, Vi even stood with her arms crossed. The mage's eyes studied this woman - then a hand lifted. "She is exerting an huge amount of power -" the mage spoke out. "She is going to-" just as she said it, Amara collapsed onto the ground.
Vi instantly disappeared and reappeared at Amara. She lifted her head into her lap and waited for the other women to catch up. They emerged from the veil and came over swiftly, several women lifted Amara with ease and carried her back.
From afar peering eyes stared forward, hidden by the thick layers of forest. "Is that what I think it is?" A man spoke to another, atop a beautiful white horse.
"Indeed... The Valkyries and their little hide out... Amara too, no doubt the Kingslayer is among them..." The other chuckled. They both were clad in armor, the battle insignia of the Strand Army was branded over their chest. "Consider this mission accomplished... This could go quite well..." the man turned his steed. "The King will reward us handsomely..."
***
"Oh, where'd you guys go?" Lenne spoke as the crowd filled the hall once more. Lenne had sat the entire while eating. She held a large crispy slice of bacon and a piece of toast in the other hand. Nibbling happily.
"Strand army followed you both here" one of the women spoke.
"Strand army?" Lenne leaned back and set her food down. "Well that doesn't make much sense" she brushed her hands off and took a long swig of sweet breakfast wine.
"Agreed, you escaped from Ironbrand, why would Strand be following you? Unless of course, they were following Amara the entire while. Expecting her to follow through with their deal, hmm... Perhaps she is as truthful as you believe her to be" the woman smiled weakly.
"Well, she had plenty of time to kill me, or plenty of opportunity to take me back. Yet, here we are. She is hurt?" Lenne questioned, standing now.
"Exhausted, but not hurt. She took out 15 men atop horses. It was truly a sight to be seen" she breathed heavily and nodded. "Surely she is in the infirmary with the others"
"Ah...kay" Lenne finished the piece of toast and then skipped from the table. She made her way into the infirmary, passing empty bed by empty bed. Until she came upon a circle of women, standing over another bed. Vi sat and had mixed up a tea, holding it in her hands to offer to Amara when she rose.
"Hey, what's up here?" Lenne pushed through and then glanced down to Amara. "Oh, she's just taking a nap, come on, let her breath" she shoved a few gently.
The crew thinned out until it was just Lenne, Vi and Brienne. "So what, she's a badass" Lenne waved her hand. "Vi's one too, you too Brienne."
"Hmm..." Vi spoke quietly. "She is different... I am just a human, but she..." Vi leaned down and touched the ears of Amara. "She is an Elf, of sorts. A rare breed indeed. Hence her gift in magic... though, I can tell she hasn't used her magic recently. I can feel it now - released within her. It is chaotic, threatening almost. She had to have been hiding it - to keep people from seeing what...who she is" Vi stood then and nodded. "We will wait for her to wake... Brianne, what do you plan on doing?" Vi questioned, crossing her arms now.
Brienne thought for a long moment and then let out a sigh. "This woman say's she has nothing to gain, but... you wouldn't break into the most powerful kingdom's Arena, rescue one of the most powerful warriors, and then just let it go. No... and evidently Strand is after her too..." she took in a breath. "We have sat idle for so long. We should have broke Lenne…" she glanced over to her and then back to Amara. "Out long ago, but we feared the repercussions. That is on us, as your sisters..." she nodded. "Strand must be stopped, surely. Their King set you up - and now, has attacked us..." Brienne grinned then. "And what happens when the Valkyrie's are attacked?" she raised a brow.
"Oh, it's ass kickin' time now" Lenne rubbed her hands together. "If that bastard put me in that hellhole, then he will pay."
"Yes yes, of course. We also have to prove he did it, some how. Or Ironbrand will be after you too..." Brienne nodded. "Vi, what can you do for a disguise? What if we can infiltrate?" Brienne questioned.
"I think I can cook something up... might take a bit, but I'll put something together..." Vi smiled maliciously.
"And I'll be right here!" Lenne sat down in the chair next to Amara, crossing her legs now. She twirled a lock of her long red hair and hummed softly.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Aug 8, 2019 8:12:52 GMT -5
“My queen.” An elf knelt before Queen Rykalis. “We have heard word from Ironbrand that the young Valkyrie has broken free.” The male elf lifted his eyes to look to the queen.
“Hm...” Rykalis took in a breath as she stood slowly. “Have you found Amara?” She questioned, her eyes focused on the elf.
He lowered his eyes and slowly shook his head. “No...she seems to have disappeared just as her mother did. There have been no signs of her...”
Rykalis nodded slowly, a look of sadness overcame her. “We cannot lose her...I made a promise to protect her.” She searched his eyes. Though her eyes began to glow then and she reached up to a locket around her neck. Her head tilted back slightly as she drew in a breath and closed her eyes. Rykalis stayed like this for several seconds, seemingly frozen in place. When she resumed motion her eyes opened and she took in a few deep breaths as she staggered back and sat down upon her throne.
“My queen?” The elf stepped forward with worry in his eyes. “Was it--...”
“Amara.” The queen spoke and shook her head. “I could feel her power, her presence. She’s alive, Eldren.” A soft smile curved up her lips.
“Did she speak to you?” The male elf looked hopeful.
The queen shook her head slightly. “She was weak...she tried...but the words were incomprehensible.” Rykalis stood slowly. “Gather Rae and our other warriors. We will find, Amara. We will bring her home, I cannot lose her like I lost my sister. I won’t allow it.” She queen walked from the room quickly to head to the meeting hall where she would give the order to Rae and her men to search for the lost rogue. Rykalis had never told Amara just how close she was to her mother. Blood bonded them. Amara’s mother was Rykalis’ older sister, the truthful right to the throne until the day she’d turned up missing. They searched for her for years only to turn up loose ends. Then when the old blacksmith turned up with Amara, Rykalis knew she would never see her sister again. She vowed to protect Amara and thus far she’d done a good job. She’d only allowed her to take jobs she could handle easily. She kept her out of harms way, the best she could. Amara had become one of their strongest assets, her magic for a half breed was incredibly strong. Then again, Rykalis’ sister had been one of the strongest elven mages. It was still a mystery what happened to her…
**
The soft hums of the Valkyrie were what roused the rogue. Her eyes fluttered and opened to a blurred out world that sounded as if it was underwater. Though Lenne’s hums were as crystal clear as a calm mountain stream. Amara found her with her eyes and watched for a few moments as the woman twirled her hair. She slowly sat up, her body was sore from the exertion, she stretched slightly as she looked to Lenne. “The king wanted me to deliver you to him.” She spoke her voice soft, “He acted like you were some sort of package, something to be bought. He tortured me for nearly a month before I finally told him I would do it. I never had any intentions on delivering you to that swine of a king.” Amara kept her eyes on Lenne as she spoke. “I was kept in the basement, day in and out. He sent soldiers. He even called upon his mage to hypnotize me. That idiot thought he could overwhelm me. He thought he’d won.” She stood and took in a breath. “We are about to have a war that the world will never forget, a war that the kings will never forget. The Strand Army is positioning itself to attack Ironbrand and as much as I despise the old king for what he did and the things that he deemed acceptable...Ironbrand was my home as a child. I must protect it.” Amara crossed her arms over her chest. “And you need your revenge on the king.” She smirked then before she fell silent once more.
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Post by Raven on Aug 12, 2019 17:52:52 GMT -5
"My King, what do you advise?" A Knight stood before a young King, who sat upon his throne, his legs half-hazardly apart, an arm propping his chin off the arm rest of the golden throne. The King thought for a moment and then adjusted himself, sitting a little more forward.
"We observe.... and wait. They are scrambling, it is evident. Amara herself rushed the line, while the Valkyries stood behind?" he chuckled. "Distrust, or they would have stood in a single line..." the King stood then. "The Valkyries will not trust this woman... plus, this power she displayed... I need to know what she is capable of." he raised a finger. "Send a crew of 10 to camp just south, 10 miles away. Scouts should watch from afar. Report back any findings. If we want to do this right... then we must be patient" he smirked then. "My mages learned much from her.... she thought she fooled us" he chuckled then and stood, stroking his neatly trimmed beard. "We are almost ready..." he waved the knight onward then.
"As you wish, My King" The Knight bowed deeply and then walked out of the room...
***
Lenne perked up as Amara rose. "Mornin' Sunshine" she grinned and leaned forward, listening to her talk. She didn't interrupt, just let Amara ramble on. "Right sure, Revenge" she stood then and stretched her arms upward. She paced for a moment and then paused, she turned around then and looked to the woman. "I wish I had a plan to offer you" she spoke and shrugged. "Kill the King, Kill the other King that put me in the Arena for his pleasure, Kill everyone that clapped and cheered, ooooh, world domination" she held a finger up. She laughed then "I have a reason to hate everyone here" she shrugged then and let out a long sigh. "What do you want though? A King who tortured you, for little old me? Why didn't you just give in, hm? Deliver me to his platter, get it over with?" she questioned.
"A decent person out there, huh?" she reached forward then and her fingers pinched the woman's ear, the cropped ears. "Though you have every reason to hate the world even more so than I" she stepped back then and shrugged. "I fight. That's what I do. So. Amara, if that's even your real name" she squeezed her eyes, and then she let out a cackle. "What shall I do? Who do we kill?" she questioned.
It was then that the door opened. Brienne stepped in and smiled weakly. "You are awake" she smiled. "You... didn't have to do that, you know. We could have helped..." Brienne crossed her arms then. "You have an amazing power within you, but it is hardly touched..." she clicked her tongue then. "Pity" she raised an eyebrow. "You have the power of an entire revolution in your grips" she lifted a book then and set it down. "We came upon this a long time ago. An Ancient Elven Tome that was found in an underground ruins. Our mage, Vi, says she can feel the power radiating from it, but she cannot unlock it. I offer it to you as a thanks, we are in your debt..." she set it down.
"Strand army is aware of us, and surely we were watched. They will return... We have bases all over, the best move is to seal this area and move. I will make the choice yours, Amara... Dinner is ready, when you are, of course" she bowed her head then and stepped out of the room.
Lenne looked at the old book, it was ragged and had dust embedded in the leather bindings. "Ooooh, fancy old stuff" she plucked at the cover. She couldn't open it. "The heck?" She pulled at it even harder. She groaned with strength until she gave up. "Well, alright then" she handed the book over. "What is it?"
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Post by Blindside Tex on Aug 13, 2019 13:06:48 GMT -5
Amara heard the hint of sarcasm in the Valkyrie’s voice. She watched her closely. She was right, what was Amara’s motivation for saving her? She hated the Strand king, that was for certain. She’d dealt with plenty of disgusting humans from the Strand Army over the past few years. Amara pondered the questions, she didn’t have a concrete answer for the woman that stood before her. Though when the Valkyrie reached out and pinched her cropped ear she took a step back her brows drawn together. The words that followed caused Amara’s expression to soften slightly. She did have every reason to hate everyone. She’d always had to hide who she was, until she was taken to the Elves in the forest by the blacksmith. Then again, she still had to hide. Her entire life was about blending in like a chameleon. She wasn’t allowed to use too much magic, she wasn’t allowed to show it in public. There were so many things that she wasn’t allowed to do that it was almost painful to think about.
Amara’s lips parted as she went to respond, but Brienne stepped into the room in that moment. The rogue looked to the woman curiously. Their leader was well spoken and seemed to choose her words wisely. The book that was left upon the table looked to be hundreds of years old. The leather was tattered and worn. She stood and watched as Lenne tried to open it, a slight smirk curved up her lips as she watched the small woman fight with the cover that didn’t even budge. Then the book was held out toward her, she eyed Lenne a long moment before she took the book into her hands. Amara looked down to the old leather cover, she ran her fingertips over it and tilted her head slightly as she looked over the elven symbols. “It’s in an older language that I know.” She spoke, her voice was soft, she could feel the power coursing through the book.
Amara looked to Lenne a moment before she lowered her eyes and she pulled on the cover. It opened with ease, she barely touched it. The pages flipped as if blown by a gust of wind and Amara stumbled back as her eyes began to glow. She sucked in a quick breath as a stream of glowing light seemed to seep from the book into her chest. It glowed with a golden color that seemed to warm the room. Wind seemed to whip around Amara as her hair tasseled and lifted from her cheekbones. Her clothing fluttered in the quick gusts of air. Though Lenne wouldn’t be affected by the wind, it only seemed to surround Amara. Whispers came from the book as if an entire choir was speaking an incantation, as if the book came to life with Amara’s touch.
Memories began to flash before Amara’s eyes. Memories that weren’t hers. Wars that the elves fought in. Battles among humans and dragons, elves, dwarves. Amara’s feet lifted off the floor slightly as her eyes fluttered. She wasn’t in control of this ride, the book seemed to have a mind of its own as it forced the information upon her. Slowly golden markings began to form upon her skin, it ran up the bridge of her nose and onto her forehead, her eyes glowed the same golden color. Suddenly she fell to the ground and the book clattered across the floor, as she collapsed onto her knees. She heaved as her eyes fluttered. Something within her had changed from the book. She lifted her eyes as the golden glow began to dissipate, though the scrawling tattoos remained upon her skin in black intricate ink.
Amara took in shaken breaths as she reached forward to the book and lifted it into her hands. “It...has a lot of history to it.” She choked out as if it had been a long while since she’d last spoken. Her throat was dry as she stood to her feet and wobbled slightly. She stared to Lenne, “Brienne is right, your people can’t stay here. It won’t be safe.” She stepped from the room then without another word. She made her way to the dinner table here she sat near Brienne and she looked to her. “We should seal this place off and leave, but we must do so carefully. The Strand Army will no doubt be watching, as will Ironbrand.” She spoke with command behind her voice. She looked to Vi across the table from her and took in a breath, “That book did something to me.” She spoke, her heart still pounded within her chest. “I saw the history of my people, a history that I was never told.” She searched her eyes. “How did the Valkyries get ahold of such a book?” She then shifted back in her seat slightly as she looked to Brienne. “Where will we go?” She asked softly.
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Post by Raven on Aug 13, 2019 18:04:56 GMT -5
Lenne stepped back as she watched. She watched the woman's hair twist and turn, her body lift in the air. Carving across her skin were emblems - lit by a sort of flame, it flickered like live embers. Her eyes grew wide as she watched, and then... it was over. The pages of the book fluttered and then dimmed. Lenne glanced over to the opened book - and saw nothing. The pages were blank... Her eyes gazed back over to Amara, looking to the now black markings that covered her skin. "Uhhh, you okay?" she questioned then as Amara stood and hurried from the room.
She followed after and entered the dining room. All of the women were corralled around the table, piling food onto their plates. Everyone paused and waited for the two to sit. Lenne took her seat next to Vi, who had pat the wooden chair for her to sit. "It is nice to have you back" Vi smiled and nudged her gently with her shoulder.
"Shucks" Lenne grinned and reached forward - she grabbed chicken, sausage, ribs, corn, just about everything.... she paused though, before eating. She looked to Amara - who spoke to Brienne.
Brienne stood and lifted a pitcher up, it was full of ale, she leaned forward and poured Amara a glass, then Lenne as well. Their steins were brimming, with a lovely head of amber foam. "I support your decision..." Brienne sat back down and nodded. "I might call in a favor from a dear friend, some one who can make this movement much swifter..." she lifted a hand and waved it to someone, who stepped away to deliver the message.
"The book" Vi spoke... she tucked a lock of braided black hair behind her ear. She had a very witch like appearance... black hair had accents of thin braids, tied up into a messy bun kind of thing, the occasional feather weaved in. It matched her styling robes, which at first glance - didn't even appear to be robes. She was a little more traditional - but in a fierce sense, like the kind of watch you might cross thick in the forest, and less in a great city. "The Book of Ancients... different to each Mage" she smirked then. She tucked a lock of hair away and showed her own ears. At first they seemed normal. Then something changed - they grew upward, tilted, and with a tip. Though they were long High-Elf ears...they were short. Moongarde Elf, or as traditionally known - Wood-Elf. A practically extinct Elf species.... the lowest of the low of the elves...
"Long ago, before Wood-Elves became cast out from Elven Society - they lived as the Moongarde. Guardians of the Moon Goddess, keeper of the trees. So on and so on... They had grand and beautiful homes - build into the Life Trees of the world. They drew power from the Earth, and all the way to the Moon itself. We were more than just worshipers of the Moon Goddess, we maintained the balance, just like the Moon brings balance to the earth..." she cleared her throat then. "Though, great wars commenced between the Moongarde and the rest. A jealousy of power ... all four Life-Trees were destroyed, and my kind dwindled. Until we roamed the forests, until eventually we became the cockroaches of the Elves..." she peered across the table. The women sat and listened. It was a rare moment that Vi spoke, but when she did - it was of wisdom, and stories... everyone would listen.
"When I was young... my village was killed, and I escaped. I knew of the stories, but never knew why. Curiosity...anger...confusion swarmed me. I sifted through the ancient ruins... upon my discovery - I came across...an Oracle. A creature, truly. The oracle told me what I wanted...before it could ask. I wanted knowledge, and power... so it offered me this book..." she smirked then. "In return I gave a drop of my blood" she sighed then and sat back. "Before me the Oracle summoned a portal - conjured from my blood. From this rift... I watched a Demon emerge... The Demon that leveled and destroyed Isalie, the continent at the bottom of the ocean..." she sighed. "That was 110 years ago, the great Demon war..." she chuckled then.
"So, let's just say it comes from a pretty legendary background..." she lifted a sausage up. "It hosts the knowledge and power of your ancestors. It is Elvish tradition to seal a piece of the soul into the nether. The soul then lingers near its home, as a way of eternally watching over. Though - that book draws upon those souls, as it relates to the reader, and taps into the offerings of the ancients... I offered it to you - as a thank you...." she leaned back then. "Plus... you will need it, for what is to come..." she took a bite of her food then.
"Whoa whoa whoa. How come you never let me touch the book?" Lenne barked in, mouth full of potato.
Brienne chuckled then "You are a human, silly, the book only works with elves, or the like... it is the most valuable treasure we own, and is sought by many. We protect it - to keep it out of the hands of those who shouldn't have it... We've tried to destroy it, but it cannot be done. It is said it was crafted by Angels, and only an Angel could destroy it... and that... is how we came to be. Valkyries - watching over the artifacts of the Angels, as their warriors..." she chuckled. "We protect the ancient history, and keep it from evil. But you... Amara, are not evil" Brienne took a sip of her ale.
"Nothing but pure will propelled you to rescue Lenne. You ask for nothing in return. You expect nothing...." Vi spoke, then took a sip of her ale as well.
It was then that someone walked in. A short woman, shorter than anyone there. She had firey red hair, and goggles on her head. "I heard there was chocolate for me?" a chipper voice spoke.
Brienne stood then and grinned. "Ren..." she smirked. "Glad you could make it..." she waved to an empty chair.
Ren walked forward and climbed into the chair. "So, what's this all about? I was told to get here as fast as I could. I'll tell you what, I've never put Flotsam in the air so fast. Brienne - you never ask for favors, so, here I am" she held her hands out.
"We got Lenne back, thanks to our friend Amara..." Brienne pointed her hand out.
Lenne spoke then, mouth full once more. "Don't mind her funny looks, she got one of them jail tattoo's, except all magical and stuff"
Ren smiled brightly "Lenne - you're certainly a little warped there, gal. Someone who maybe can keep up with my speed? Ah, come on. I think the tattoos look great" she laughed then, both Lenne and Ren bubbling with laughter.
Brienne cleared her throat and then smiled. "Ironbrand and Strand are keeping eyes on us. We need to navigate to the Northern Home as swiftly as possible. I am certain this place is going to be destroyed... So, I was hoping you could take us there"
Ren reached forward then and plucked a chocolate cake from the center of the table and slapped it on her plate. "Sure, my boat is yours. When are we leaving?"
"Tonight" Brienne replied.
"Alright, sounds good to me" she picked up a fork. Lenne leaned forward then and stabbed the cake with her spoon - taking a chunk out of it. "Heyyyy-" Ren slapped her hand, the piece of cake went flying into the air and smacked the ceiling. In an instant the room burst into laughter.
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