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Post by Raven on Dec 19, 2021 20:56:07 GMT -5
The Earth was of Fire. At first – an entire forest ablaze, the trees swayed in the wind and the fire blew higher. There was a huge cracking sound as trees burned and broke in half, falling to the ground in shambles of red ashes. In the far distance was the mountain side, a city atop it – the Elven city. Though it was covered by a red fog of the fire. In the distance in the valley near – there was darkness. Bodies, standing at attention in thick rows. Before the army stood a single man who held his hands upward. There was silence just before the chaos. The earth began to rumble and shake. A crack in the earth began and pulled the lands apart until there was a huge trench that cut through the burning forest. As the land split apart slowly – something came from the crevasse. Creatures crawled up the center in a swarm, like a frenzy of ants. They were smaller, the size of a wolf, with long thin arms. They crawled and pulled themselves to the surface, where the Fire did not bother them. They were all black, charred and burnt – large spikes lined their spine as they arched over on all four legs. Though… they appeared like smaller humans, morphed and tortured into a burnt creature… They crawled forward and rushed through the forest. What was all fire and red, became black and covered – by an Endless army of strange monsters…
Tora shot upward and gasped for breath – as if she was under water for ages. Her lungs felt as though it cracked with her breath… but quickly she recovered. She held a hand to her head – it was warm, and sweaty. She had thrashed in her dream and worked up quite the sweat… Tora looked around slowly as she over came her dizziness and confusion. She was in a room… her head turned the other way until she peered upon the Queen. She slowly lowered her head back down, now recognizing where she was.
“What are you doing?” She questioned in her thick accent. “Sitting before me, watching over like a worried lover” she gave a weak chuckle. She reached a hand over and grasped the Queen’s, she held it for a long moment and then let her fingers fall from the woman, to dangle over the side of the bed as she breathed calmly.
“I see Ragnarok every night. Though, every night it is slightly different. I saw your forest aflame, an army filing the valley to the south… the earth cracked apart and these demonic creatures poured out” she shook her head. “I saw the castle in the distance, your castle. I felt this… aching pain in my chest, I’m waiting for it to go away” she smirked and drew her hand back…
“That place.. was beautiful” she spoke softly. She turned her gaze to the drink that was set by her bed side. She slowly sat upward and took the mug into her hands. “Thank you, for um. Everything” she chuckled. “I feel different…I saw” she shut her eyes and shuddered slightly. “I saw Odin – he spoke to me, only me.” She shook her head – tears had swelled up in her eyes. She cleared her throat and pat the Queen’s arm. “You should get to your own bed, my Queen. I am safe and well… Tomorrow – let’s discuss what to do with the two other camps..” she reached into her pocket and handed over a folded parchment. It was the map that the Officer marked with his own blood – of where the two other camps were located. “Good night, my Queen”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 19, 2021 22:31:45 GMT -5
Fluffy white flakes of snow fell lazily from the grey skies. Raenisa stood dressed in black, her eyes puffy from tears. The tears threatened to freeze upon her cheeks.
‘I have taken from you, what you’ve taken from me’ Ezzas’ voice echoed in her mind.
She stood with her hand upon a beautiful grave marker. The earth was still freshly laid over the grave. “Lhoris...” She whispered softly her amber hues looked over the carefully etched stone. “I will not allow you to have died at the hands of them...over their greed...” She closed her eyes as tears rolled down her cheeks. She fell to her knees as she fought to hold back the sobs.
The crunch of the fresh snow was heard behind her. “My queen.” The captain spoke after a long pause. “There is trouble to the South. It seems, as we expected, King Alexander did not receive the death of his guard well. Our southern most ally city has suffered many deaths. They have called for our help, my queen.” Eldrin stood as the queen straightened herself and brushed her own tears away. “You do not have to bear this all alone, my queen.” He spoke as he searched her eyes. “This war is not your fault. King Alexander started it. He knew very well what he was doing.”
Raenisa drew in a long breath as she lifted her amber hues to stare to Eldrin. “This is my fault Eldrin. I did exactly as King Alexander wanted me to do. He wanted a reason to wage war with us and I gave it to him. He played chess strategically. I played like a child might. Reckless.” She began walking back toward the castle from the graveyard the overlooked the city. “We will send two troops of our guard to help aid Ridgeland...do we have any word of how many soldiers were sent?” She questioned as she glanced to the captain.
“The word was sent by messenger pigeon. There is no telling...”
The queen paused her steps as she gazed out over the city. She closed her eyes for a long moment. “Then send scouts ahead of our knights. I do not want to continue playing this game of chess how King Alexander expects me to. He has already killed our King. So I imagine he expected me to be foolish because I am a woman.” She looked to him with a fire in her eyes, “My father was one of the strongest rulers of Armalon. I will follow in his footsteps. I will make this right. For our people and for Lhoris.” She continued forward then.
**
The sudden gasp caused the queen’s eyes to shoot open. She raised her brows, fear in her eyes as she looked to the seer. She sat forward slightly as she searched over the woman. “Tora. It’s alright. You’re safe.” She spoke her voice cut over the loud breathing of the woman. The queen had set her hand upon the bed next to Tora, when the woman grasped her hand she looked down. Her brows raised slightly as she looked to the viking’s hand over her own. “I um...I was worried that...” She looked up to the woman as she’d removed her hand. When Tora spoke of Ragnarok her brows furrowed. The forest aflame? The forest just outside of the city. It caused a pain in her own chest, a fear to grip her as she listened to the Seer’s words.
When Tora spoke of Odin the queen watched the woman’s reaction, the tears. It was overwhelming to see a god. She remembered the fist time she’d seen the goddess Aerdrie. After the interaction it took her nearly a month to feel in balance with herself again. Raenisa looked to Tora’s hand as it pat her arm, breaking her from her thoughts. The queen took the bloody map and looked to it a moment. “Be sure to drink that...it’s an elixir.” She spoke her amber hues look to the woman, an almost confused look on her expression. She stood there for a long moment and looked down to the map once again. “Thank you Tora. We will discuss everything further tomorrow...I am glad that you are well.” She spoke before she turned slightly. “Good night, Seer.” The queen paused a moment before she stepped from the room. She looked to the crumpled map within her hands. She then lifted her eyes, and gazed down the hallway. She made her way through the halls and to her study. The queen stood over the map in her study and marked the other camps carefully. The queen sat over the map, her eyes heavy. She stared to it, her memories ran through her mind as she replayed the years of the war.
Sometime later the queen abruptly awoke to the sound of a loud knock to her office door. She was laying upon the map, her quill still in her hand. The queen blinked her eyes slowly, the sun was warm against her cheeks. Another loud knock. “My queen?” It was Liliana, her servant. “My queen are you alright?” The door pushed open slowly. The young elf stepped into the room and gazed to the queen. “My queen.” She bowed deeply. “Forgive me. I came to your chambers to help you prepare for the morning, you were no there, I searched the library as well as the meditation tower. I found several books out of place there...and I began to worry. Are you alright?” Liliana stepped across the room, she was a small statured elf with dark hair and cool grey eyes. “Did something happen?”
Raenisa pushed herself to stand from the table. “Yes, yes Liliana. Everything is alright. Just...making preparations. I lost track of time.” She lied. “Come, I must prepare myself for the day. Hm?” She walked from the room in her robe and made her way to her living chambers.
Liliana glanced to the queen several times, her eyes worried. Though the young elf drew up a hot bath and set the warm towel next to the bath. She bowed deeply before she slipped from the room. The queen slipped into the steaming hot water and leaned her head back. The scent of essential oils wafted into the air as she drew in a deep breath. It seemed as though she’d just closed her eyes before she heard the door to her room open once again. “My queen are you certain that you are alright?” Liliana had worry in her voice now. She helped the woman from the bath and wrapped the robe around her.
“Yes, yes. Just tired, Liliana.” The queen spoke as she stepped in a dress and pulled it up. It was a beautiful cut with a corset that hugged her body. A deep blue dress with silver lacing that caused her amber hues to look as though they burned with the fire of the sun. She sat upon a stool as Liliana carefully curled and braided her hair before the woman set the beautiful silver crown upon the Queen’s head. “Thank you.” The queen spoke as she stood.
“Of course my queen. The princess was asking of you this morning. You missed breakfast.” Liliana spoke.
Raenisa drew in a breath. It was rare for her to oversleep. But the draw on her body to take Tora to the other plane, and then to offer some of her energy to the woman as well as make the elixir. It took a toll on her. The queen rarely had to exert her energy in such ways, the draw on her magic was taxing to her body. “Of course. Thank you, Liliana. That will be all.” Raenisa spoke as she glanced to the balcony a moment. She stood for a long time in silence after the woman had left her room. Soon the queen made her way through the castle and to her study. She stood upon the balcony and overlooked the city, the mountains. Her eyes looked over everything...her people. The words of the seer haunted her, the forest on fire. She stared to the beautiful evergreen trees that cut through the fresh snow.
**
Amara walked down the hallway dressed in her ranger gear for training. Though she held a pile of items in her hands, furs and the like that belonged to Tora. The items that the viking had taken off in the sitting hall the night before while they were all drinking. She gave a soft knock to the door and pushed it open. “Oh apologies.” She spoke as she walked in. She had expected Tora to be back in her village. Though she saw the woman laying in the bed. Her eyes looked to the mug at the bedside, her mother’s mug. Her brow lifted slightly as she looked to the mug a moment before she looked back to the woman. “You left your leathers and furs in the sitting hall.” She spoke as she set them on the chair that was pulled close to the edge of the bed. Her eyes looked to this a moment before she let out a breath. Her crystal eyes looked to the woman and then she noticed it, Tora’s eye, the golden eye...it was blue. “Tora...your eye...what happened to it?” She questioned curiously as her brows furrowed.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 19, 2021 23:10:09 GMT -5
Tora watched the Queen leave the room… she sat upward and finished the mug off. She sat upward weakly and held her hand forward. As she took a deep breath – she motioned with her hands, a long stretch of her arms. She let it go slowly and shut her eyes. “Align your stars...” she muttered to herself. Her glowed brightly and she fell back into the bed.
There was nothing but blue. Blue that went on for endless days. It came with the taste of fresh crisp air, as pure as could be. There was a feeling about her head, cool wind pulled at her hair and face. As her senses came to – she fought to breath with the pressure of air on her face. Her gut dipped as her vision shifted – she now stared downward, onto the trees and land of earth. It was then that she realized she was flying. Her vision shifted once more and she peered to the beating wings of a huge white dragon. There was no sound though. She imagined loud air, and the thumping of the wings… but nothing. Just as she smiled to the feeling – it faded, the dragon dipped down and they began spinning down towards the ground…
Tora sat upwards swiftly – she gripped the blanket to her chest and heaved. She gathered herself – and then the door opened. “Princess?” Tora questioned with a breathy voice. She groaned and shifted to the edge of the bed – she still wore her tunic and pants, her boots were placed on the floor… the Queen must have taken then off of her. How embarrassing…
Tora cleared her throat and she stood, she adjusted one of her braids and straightened herself. “The Queen took me to the meditation tower, we had an eventful night exploring the Fade, and then after – I was pretty spent… so, a tea to recover...” she stepped to the edge of the bed, where Amara sat the clothes down. She pulled her leather vest on and strapped down several belts. She then clipped her cloak and pulled her boots on. She was ready swiftly…
“It seems Aligning my Stars has unlocked something within me. I’m not sure yet… but I feel different… and so is this” she pointed to her eye. “The Queen has a few tricks up her sleeve eh?” She smirked. “Well, I had a lovely time with you last night. I look forward to my next victory – for another great drink with the finest of company” she bowed deeply. “I must see to my village, but if you are interested in learning more – you should stop by my tent. Perhaps we can practice some more of the mid-field archery techniques?” she smirked and then grasped both of her axes. She nodded and sheathed them on each hip. “Grub first for me though” she nodded and then left the room.
Tora found herself wandering about until she got the Kitchen. She watched a maid put together a plate of food. It was a large plate – and she took extra time placing each piece to a science of perfection on display. “Hey, that for the Queen?” Tora questioned.
Liliana turned her gaze as she fixed the plate and cleared her throat. “No” she spoke with a stiff voice.
“Oh, you are a sad liar” she smirked “Not to worry, I’m the Queen’s Viking Guest… Listen, actually. Let me do you a favor, let me deliver this hm? I’ll tell you something the Queen could use… she could use a vase of fresh flowers…” she looked to her and grasped the plate. Tora reached down and grasped a sliced strawberry and ate it, smirking to the maid.
“I’m..not sure” -
“Ah, it wasn’t really a suggestion” Tora took the plate and lifted the mug of tea. “Off you go” she took the plate and then walked out of the kitchen. “Just trust me, okay?”
Tora made her way to the Queen’s chambers.. she knocked on the door and slowly opened it.. Empty. She pulled her brows together and then sighed. She closed the door and stepped back out into the hallway, plate and steaming tea in hand. She made her way until she came upon the door to the study… she knocked on the door and slowly opened it.
“My Queen” she turned her gaze. Liliana stepped up behind Tora with a beautiful blue vase in hand. In it was a perfect collection of yellow and pink trumpet flowers, with white and blue flowers mixed in. “Oh, perfect.Thank you, now go- go go go” she turned and took the vase and shooed Liliana away, before the Queen might have noticed.
Tora awkwardly walked into the room with the vase squeezed between her arm and side. “Right, figured you missed breakfast” she sat the plate down on the table. She set the mug down as well and then grasped the vase. “And this, too” she sat it down. She looked to the flowers and then plucked a yellow trumpet out.
“To remind you of the beauty of your Kingdom, the Castle in the Sky – the mountains hugging close, a Garden of life – and a forest of ancients...” she held the flower to the Queen. “I vow to protect it, until this day forward” she spoke with a smile. “That is my promise, not as a Seer, not as a Viking, but as Tora Vyarson...” she waited for the Queen to accept the flower.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 19, 2021 23:45:01 GMT -5
Amara looked to the woman as she raised her brow slightly again. “She took you into the Fade?” The princess seemed worried by this statement. She looked once again to the mug, “Ah it wasn’t tea that she gave you.” The princess spoke with a slight smirk. “It all makes sense now.” She nodded slightly. “You’re lucky that you came back out of the Fade. You may be the first human that an elf has taken there. Even the strongest of mages have been lost to the Fade. I do hope that it helped you align yourself...” She searched the woman’s hues as Tora began to speak once again. She watched as Tora fastened the belts and buckles into place.
Amara chuckled lightly to Tora and nodded, “My mother is quite the mage...” She paused after she made the statement. The princess then smiled to Tora as she spoke of the evening before and of learning more from her. “The evening was full of laughter, I thank you for that. My mother never laughs like that. It was truly amazing to see her smile so much...” She then nodded. “I would be interested in learning more of the mid-field techniques. I do believe that our rangers could benefit from it as well. Perhaps we can teach them?” She smirked as she watched the woman grab her axes.
“Grub?” She raised a brow slightly and shook her head. “I do imagine you can find the kitchen. Tell the chefs to make you a plate. Our food isn’t anything like the food that you have down at the village. But it is delicious in its own way. Grab a tea, it’ll warm you up for the day.” She spoke and then shifted. “I have to go train, I’ve a busy day ahead of me.” Amara smirked slightly. “I’ll try to come to the village later?” She questioned as she stepped from the room with a wave over her shoulder.
**
The queen had her arms crossed over her chest as she stared over the city. The knock from the door was like a sound in the back of her mind. It took a moment for her to realize exactly what it was. Raenisa turned her amber hues into the room as she heard the door creak slightly, then she heard Tora’s voice. She stepped in from the balcony and looked to the woman as she awkwardly entered the room. She raised her brows as she looked to the plate of food that was carefully assembled, the mug of tea. But her eyes fell upon the vase of flowers. Her expression softened slightly as she lifted her eyes to meet Tora’s.
Raenisa stared to the single flower that the woman held out to her, she pressed her lips together as she took in a slow breath. She lifted her eyes to look to Tora once again and a soft smile curved up her lips. “Thank you for this, Tora.” She reached forward and took the flower from the woman. She twirled it within her fingertips and gazed to it, a soft laugh came over her lips. “A Tecoma.” She spun the flower within her fingertips. “It’s beautiful isn’t it?” She questioned and then looked to Tora. “This is my favorite flower, it only grows here in Armalon.” She searched the woman’s hues for a long moment before she looked to the vase and the beautiful assortment of flowers.
“Thank you...” She spoke then, it seemed the queen was unsure of what else to say. She continued to stare to the flowers. She carefully set the yellow trumpet flower back in the vase and gazed to it another long moment. The queen looked to the map that was sprawled out on her desk. “I marked the other two campsites, according to the officer. The locations could be off slightly, I did not have a proper map, of course.” She looked to Tora and then back to the map. “I can send word to some of my rangers that are scouts in the field. I am certain they could get us more details on the camps.” She hadn’t touched the food that Tora brought her.
Raenisa looked to the Seer a long moment as she seemed to think. “Your vision...or dream...that you had last night? Of the forest burning...” Her eyes showed the fear that she had. “I cannot allow that to happen...my people have already lost enough...Ezzas...the dragons...” She paused and paced slightly. The queen was a ball of stress today. She lifted the same yellow trumpet flower and twirled it in her fingertips once again. The queen let out a long sigh. “We have to stop this from happening...” She lifted her amber hues to look to the woman as she stood over the map.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 20, 2021 0:42:26 GMT -5
Tora smiled cheekily and watched the Queen twirl the flower. She was delicate with it, and rather charming as she appreciated the scent. “I was going to say… I had never seen such a flower before” she smiled and watched the Queen place the flower back…
Tora cleared her throat and approached the desk. She placed a hand on the edge of the map and leaned over it, studying its features. “Send someone to look here too” she pointed to a mountain peak that seem to be directly in between the two locations. “At the top of the mountain is likely a small camp that mans a large pit signal, in other words.. they might use the fire to communicate between the two camps” she put an X on the map with the feathered pen.
She leaned back as the Queen looked to her, she could feel the womans eye’s studying her. “With each night the dream changes. At first it was the same dream over and over – a Volcano erupting in the air, the ocean boiled, the trees burned… Then after I met you the dreams changed, slowly over time. With each passing day the dream changes, as we change the future as we know it. That is the joys of my visions… there are a million timelines that tell the tale. These visions may be threats… but we are the answer. I see them so that we can make a difference. These visions are only true if we do nothing” she reached a hand and plucked the flower from Raenisa’s finger tips.
She stepped forward to the Queen and smirked. She stood close to the Queen and lifted her hand gracefully. Tora tucked the flower behind the woman’s ear and then smirked “There you go” she gave a gentle laugh. “Don’t take these flowers as an..” she leaned in a little closer. “attempt on you, unless of course – you want it to be” she whispered the last portion. Her lips lingered near the Queen’s cheek as she spoke, directing it to her ear in a alluring manner.
“We have an advantage right now, surprise. He does not expect me” she placed a hand on her shoulder and looked the Queen in her eyes. “This whole… Earth on Fire business? Let me worry about that, I am the Seer, aren’t I? You – focus on the scouting of these locations.” she let her hand fall away and then she stepped away. She adjusted her glove on her hand and cleared her throat. “If we can push him out of the mountains – we can restablish a defense… and then plan how we can cripple him. For now – we take it in strides, one thing a time. Get your land back, cut his legs out from under him, starve his people, and then crush him while he falls..” she grinned.
“I must see to my people… enjoy your breakfast, my lady...” she bowed deeply. She then tilted her head and looked to the woman “Raenisa, I look forward to my next evening with you…” she bowed once more and then left the room…
Liliana stood outside of the room with her arms crossed, she stared to Tora and huffed.
“Oh, come on” Tora placed a hand on her hip and sighed.
“Are you doing what I think you are doing?” she questioned with a raised brow.
“That depends, what is it you are thinking?” Tora questioned, acting surprised.
Liliana scoffed and then pulled her brows together “No funny business”
“I believe that is the Queen’s business, not yours...” Tora laughed then and passed the woman by, her steps leading her out of the castle and towards her village...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 20, 2021 18:37:40 GMT -5
The queen looked to Tora curiously when the woman spoke that she’d never seen the flower before. Of course she hadn’t. But the thought that Tora had plucked this beautiful flower and brought her a boquet of flowers like this...she had a bit of a blush upon her cheeks. Though Raenisa was quick to looked to the map when the Seer began to speak of another lookout point. “That would make sense. To keep communication between them. I will send word and have my rangers discretely scout the area.” She watched as Tora placed the X upon the map.
When Tora began to explain her dreams...the queen was fixated on her, listening intently. The changes that occurred in the visions, it was captivating to Raenisa. How ones vision could change based on the day to day occurrences. How the horrible future that Tora saw in her dream could be changed. It provided her a sense of hope. Then Tora took the flower from her fingertips breaking the queen’s thoughts once more. Raenisa’s amber hues gazed to Tora as the woman stepped closer to her. When Tora reached and tucked the flower behind her ear, the queen found herself gazing to Tora with curious hues. The smirk upon Tora’s lips caused her to return a smile. Then Tora leaned in close, the queen’s breath caught in her chest, her heart began to beat more quickly. She could feel Tora’s breath upon her ear, the volume of the woman’s voice seemed to reverberate within the room, and yet it was soft.
The queen stood, frozen, her cheeks were burning pink. She couldn’t move. Her amber hues were locked on Tora as the woman simply began speaking once again. Tora’s hand upon her shoulder only increased this strange feeling within her. But she was far too focused on the woman’s words that she’d spoken. It was difficult to pay attention to her, nearly impossible to make sense of the tactics that she spoke now. When Tora allowed her hand to fall away and the woman stepped away from her, Raenisa took in a breath that almost shuddered. The queen glanced to her breakfast that Tora brought her and then back to the woman. “Thank you, Tora. I will see you soon.” She spoke her voice felt distant, her eyes looked back to the bouquet of flowers.
A moment later Liliana stepped into the room, “My queen.” She spoke.
Raenisa stood with the mug of tea hugged in her fingertips, her amber hues moved to the woman. “Yes, Liliana?” She questioned as she watched the woman bow.
The young elf stepped forward and looked to the meal that was untouched by the queen. “Is there anything that I may get you?” She questioned as she watched the woman carefully.
The queen drew in a breath, “Tell the captain that I need to speak with him, we have more more to do.” She spoke as she finally took a seat at her desk. “Even if he is still training Amara, I need him to come now. Time is of the essence.”
Liliana watched as the queen plucked one of the flowers and sniffed it, the soft smile upon the queen’s lips was something that the young elf hadn’t seen. “Of course, my queen.” She bowed deeply and stepped from the room.
**
Amara brought her bow into the leg of a knight as she spun and then she brought her elbow into the chest of another. She was quick on her feet as she moved about between three attackers. Soon enough all three lay upon the ground. She grinned as she tossed her bow over her shoulder. “Very well done.” Eldrin spoke as he stepped forward to the princess. “I would like for you to learn more of the tactics that the vikings use in battle. The Seer seems quite fond of teaching you, princess.” Eldrin spoke and gave a nod. “We could use such tactics and you seem to pick up the viking’s teachings rather quickly. It will be good for you to learn from someone else and develop your skills further.” He turned and pulled a wooden sword. “Now.” He spoke and tossed it to her. “Show me how you handle yourself without your trusted bow.” Eldrin smirked to the princess.
Amara caught the sword and stared to it for a moment, “Of course.” She spoke and then she looked to one of the knights that was ready to oppose her. She moved forward swiftly and their blades locked. Amara ducked to the side and used her speed to her advantage. Her brought the sword against the man’s back and then she kicked forward into the side of his leg. He fell to a knee and she placed the blade pointed toward his neck. “Were you even trying?” She taunted him with a smirk.
“Captain.” Liliana spoke. “The queen has requested you in her study.” The young elf glanced to Amara a moment and then she looked back to Eldrin, “At once, captain.”
Eldrin drew in a breath and gave a nod, “We will continue another time, hm?” He looked to Amara. “Don’t forget what I said. It would be good for you to do.” He then walked off.
Amara looked to Liliana as she docked the sword in the rack. “Liliana.” She spoke with a smile. “How is my mother today? She missed breakfast.” The princess spoke with her crystal hues locked on the young elf.
“The queen seems tired today...she was asleep in her study when I found her this morning.” Liliana responded, she fumbled with her hands. “Princess?” She questioned.
Amara raised a brow as she watched the young elf. “Yes?” She questioned. Liliana drew in a breath. She remembered the words of Tora...that it was the Queen’s business and not hers. She bit her lip slightly. Though Amara’s piercing hues seemed to add more gravity to the situation. “Is there something that I should know, Liliana? You look nervous. You’re never nervous.” Amara set her bow down and stepped over to the servant girl. “What happened?” Amara reached forward and placed a hand over Liliana’s hands that were nervously wringing together. “If this concerns my mother, then I need to know. She is under a lot of pressure right now with the war. If there is something that I need to do to help then I must.”
Liliana stared to the princess’ hand that was over her hands a long moment. “You should ask the viking.” She spoke quickly. “The Seer. It...um...she would be able to tell you.” Liliana bit her lip slightly.
Amara furrowed her brows as she crossed her arms over her chest. She stared to the servant. “Why would it concern the Seer?” She questioned.
There was a long pause, Liliana bit her lip once again. “She...um...”
“Liliana! Princess Amara.” Rhys spoke as he walked into the training grounds. He bowed and then smiled as he looked to the princess. He looked back and forth between the two a moment. “Are you doing any training today, Princess?” He questioned. The tension was so thick it could be cut with a blade.
Amara lifted her hues to look to the human, she gave a bit of a smile, “I was planning on heading to the viking camp. Would you like to accompany me?” The princess spoke with a smile, Liliana let out a breath of relief. She then turned her striking crystal hues back to the servant. “If I don’t get my answer. I’ll be looking for you later.” Amara spoke, her voice serious once again. “And you’ll answer my questions in as much detail as possible.” She then looked back to Rhys. “Come along, Rhys.” She spoke as she walked away.
Rhys glanced to Liliana whom bit her lip. “What did you do? I haven’t seen her glare at someone like that before.” He spoke under his breath before he ran to quickly catch up to the princess. “Is everything alright?” He questioned.
Amara looked to Rhys a moment. “I believe so, yes.” She replied in a short tone as she began to tack her horse.
Rhys clicked his tongue as he looked to her, “You know Amara...I know when you’re not telling the truth.” He raised a brow slightly. “We grew up together. I’ve seen you lie. You’re not good at it.” He smirked to her then.
The princess frowned slightly as she climbed upon her horse. “You know Rhys, some things are better left unsaid. I don’t know exactly what is going on. But I am going to find out.” She spoke as she waited for him to mount his horse. “Will you be meeting with your new lady friend?” She smirked to him, changing the subject swiftly.
Rhys blushed and then chuckled, “That’s not fair.” He laughed and shook his head. “I would like to. I drank too much last night to make it to the village.” He grinned as they rode along.
For the rest of the ride they spoke back and forth about the attack. Amara grinned as she listened to him. She loved the stories of the war. She wanted so badly to partake, but she knew she never would...unless things had gone terribly wrong. If that ever happened she was thankful that her mother had at least prepared her for it. As they arrived to the village Amara tied off her horse. “Have fun, Rhys.” She spoke and pat his arm before she walked off and found the white tent. “Hello?” She questioned as she pushed the flap aside and entered.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 20, 2021 19:38:35 GMT -5
Tora made her way from the castle and found the energy to jog through the city and to her village camp. As she entered the village boundaries a group of Viking turned and then cheered. Before she knew it she had a pile of Viking behind her, following her to the village center – there a bonfire burned brightly.
The crowd grew silent as she stood before them. “Has the feast of war ended?” she smirked “The fight at the Bend was beyond perfection. We have spilled blood in the name of viking on these news lands, lands that we will call home – soon. Odin has blessed us with this opportunity...” she cleared her throat after cheering. “We have two more camps just like that one to destroy. We don’t have much time until the King figures out what has happened. So, we will split our forces into two and take them out at the same time. This blood bath is only just beginning.. so keep your axes sharp and be prepared.. within a few days we will move.” she grinned and grasped her axe.
“For now – we make our selves useful here. Hunting teams should assemble, warriors should report to our Captain.. we will train alongside the Elves… We will need to establish a kinship with them, and also how to operate in battle together. We will need to trust them like our own brothers, and they us.. so, see Yvette for your rounds” she clapped her hands and then stepped away..
She made it to her tent and pulled her cloak off, she tossed it onto her bed and sat on the couch before the fire in the center of the tent. She pulled her axes off and set them down on the couch next to her. She leaned back and pulled out a small journal from her pocket – she cracked it open to the first page and squinted her eyes as she read… It was hard to read the writing, and it did not help that her elvish was rusty on paper…
She read of the Elven noble who made his way to her islands. He was actually greeted warmly, the Vikings were kind to his curiousity. So much had changed since those hundreds of years ago. Her people had become destructive and fearful of anything and everything. The vikings this man spoke of were unrecognizable to her…
“Amara” Tora jumped slightly and slapped the book close. She slipped the journal away and stepped towards the woman “Might I offer you some Viking tea?” she questioned. “A bit different than your tea, actually” she grasped a cloth and plucked a hanging metal pot from above the firepit. She stepped over to a table and poured the water into two horns that were crafted into mugs.
“We use some other leaves in there...” she pulled out a tin and scooped some leaves into a infuser. “So I have a very particular tea – I soak the leaves in a very special nectar, then I dry the leaves out over a fire, rather than sun. I burn a very specific pine that gives it this flavor.. oh…” she smirked and offered the mug to her. “It reminds me of the flavor of the rising sun, peaking just over the highest peak. Those colors across the sky..” she smirked and then took a sip of hers. “Believe it or not – we take our tea very seriously. So much that we have our tea times, 11 and 2” she lifted her mug and nodded.
“Our people – we get up early in the morning. Tend to the family or animals, eat breakfast, morning chores, tea time, train, lunch, evening chores and errands, tea time, relax…. Then – beer time!” she laughed and took a sip. “I didn’t expect you to visit so soon” she sat down on the couch once more. “Perhaps you just can’t resist us” she winked “you know… I can’t say that myself, or my people, would be a good influence on you – Princess” she grinned and sipped on her drink. “but I know you, and your people – would be a good influence on me” she spoke with a gentle voice. “but you didnt come to talk about that, hm? What’s on your mind, mlady?”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 20, 2021 20:06:14 GMT -5
Amara looked to Tora as she stepped into the warm tent. It was cozy and inviting in a way, much more than some of the stone rooms of the castle. She gazed to the book that the viking held in her hands. It looked familiar, but she couldn’t place it. She watched as Tora slipped the book away and then she nodded when she was offered tea. “Ah I would love a warm cup of tea, it is a bit cold today. I do believe it will storm tonight. The winter is just setting in.” She stepped over to the fireplace and sat down on the couch as Tora worked on making the tea, explaining their process. “How interesting. Our tea is dried upon a special rack within a dry room that is heated by a fire. It is built from the white fir trees of the mountains. It gives off a special flavor as well, so I can appreciate that.” She smiled as her eyes moved to look to the dancing flames of the fire.
The princess listened to Tora’s explanation of the chores and daily tasks, it was well structured. “It sounds like something easy to follow, that’s for certain, and you seem to celebrate everything.” Amara smirked as she took the horn that was shaped into a mug. She inspected it carefully before she took a sip. Her crystal hues looked to Tora when the woman made the comment about how she couldn’t resist them. A chuckle came over her lips and she shook her head slightly. Though when Tora winked to her the princess raised her brow slightly. She sipped upon her own drink and smirked slightly as Tora continued to speak. “I’m not so certain you are entirely correct in your statement, Seer.” She took a sip from her tea. “My people are a lot more structured, yes. We have our rituals that we follow. But, your people are more free. You thrive in chaos. My people do not. So perhaps there is something that we can gain from one another.”
Amara drew in a breath as she gazed to Tora. The odd actions of Liliana were hovering over her in that moment. “I do have something on my mind that I wish to speak to you about.” She gave a soft smile and then sipped from her tea. “The Captain, Eldrin. The man that came across the seas to lead you back to our city. He has suggested that I train with you, to learn more of your tactics. I imagine our rangers and guard will be able to fight with your warriors much better if we all understand one another. There is much to be gained from both sets of skills. Your warriors are far more skilled in offensive fighting that presses the enemy back...while my warriors are more skilled in stealth. Combining the two...I imagine that would be quite detrimental to King Alexander and his men.” The princess sat back in her seat as she eyed Tora.
She drew in a long breath. “You must tell me...did you make any more sense of what you learned from the Fade?” She was hoping that whatever Liliana was eluding to she could get out of Tora without having to ask her. The princess was watching the Seer carefully, studying her. She’d catch it, if the woman did something, anything at all. “What book were you reading there?” She questioned as she looked to the bag that Tora had placed the journal in. “Anything of interest that may help in the war?”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 20, 2021 20:39:53 GMT -5
Tora grinned and lifted her mug in acceptance of her answer. “Spoken like a true leader” in truth her own statement was a joke. She knew immediately Amara was more tense than she imagined, she lifted a brow and adjusted in her seat. “Of course, speak away” she smiled and took a long sip. She smacked slightly and nodded as Amara spoke of the training.
“I was thinking the same exact thing, actually. If we are to win this war – we need to understand each other, respect, and then work together. You are right, we both bring talents to the board that make for a well rounded army” she smirked “I wouldn’t accept such a deal if I didn’t think we would win.. and win with little casuality, you know” she stood then and approached the fire.
Tora lifted a metal poking rod and shifted the coals around slightly. She leaned down and placed a log over the fire and then she turned her gaze to the Princess. “The Fade?” she questioned softly. “A lot of questions there...” Tora raised a brow and then cleared her throat. “I did say come with them, so I suppose you held me to my word” she chuckled and sat back down on the couch.
She thought for a long moment – her eyes looking to the wooden beams that held her tent up. “The Fade...” she sipped on her drink. “It was like I was breathing air, but not breathing at all. Like I was alive, but also dead. I felt hot and cold, at the same time...” she shook her head. “But it all went away. In an insant. I felt weightless, I felt full of hope and love, like sitting before a fire...” she smiled then and shut her eyes. “I saw Odin, he spoke to me. In riddles, really...” she kept her eyes closed. Slowly she opened them and sighed. “When I came back from the Fade, I felt like my body had been turned into two, I passed out.” she took a sip.
“When I woke – the Queen sat at my bed side. She said that it was risky to take me there… she was worried I wouldn’t wake” she laughed a hefty tone “what would she do then, war ruined over a drunken idea” she smirked. “Aye, but I’m not quitter” she spoke grufly, her Viking mannerisms sneaking into her Elvish.
Tora stood and then lifted the book from her pack and turned it in the air. “A journal” she filled her tea up and offered another cup to Amara… “My people don’t really keep a record of history. Everything is by mouth… we have some texts, tablets and such but...” she shook her head. “Your society values knowledge, tangible knowledge far more than mine” she smirked. “The journal is of a man who ventured to the Viking Islands hundreds of years ago, and his experience with them… its a study of culture. Quite fascinating since… these are my ancestors” she shrugged. “I am learning the true horrible truths” she sighed.
“How my people have changed the words of the Gods, how the Seers before me failed them… We were once… hmm” she shook her head. “I haven’t finished it yet… I wonder though, what happened. How did we go from peaceful and kind, to brutal hermits...” she chuckled “Its hard to lead a nation when the past is buried in shame” she held the book up “It’s the answer to my people, in my hands. Your mother gave this to me… from one leader to another” she slipped the book away. “Soon the Spear of Odin will be complete, and yet one Journal would be more valuable to me still” she shrugged slightly.
“Speaking of Leaders, and the war… let me pick your brain hm?” she sat down on the couch and looked to the woman. “We two known camps of Alexander, Central and East Coast, in between them is a mountain peak – with a burn post on it. I feel certain these camps are there to establish control, meaning – he is working his way towards the castle. We drive his camps back, we drive him back… but how, and what do we do after? What do you think on this?” she questioned while leaning back. She crossed her arms and awaited for the Princess’ thoughts.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 20, 2021 21:13:51 GMT -5
Amara leaned forward in her seat slightly as she listened to Tora, watching the woman closely. “The fade causes a lot more questions usually than it provides answers.” She commented as she continued to listen. The princess raised her brows and nodded, it made sense why her mother would be worried over Tora. If Tora had not awakened...the war would fall to pieces...they would lose just as they were so close to doing now. The princess shifted slightly in the seat. What was Liliana getting at then? It had to be something else. Liliana seemed uncomfortable talking about it, nervous even. What happened that the princess was missing? She sipped from her tea and chuckled slightly. “It is good that you are not a quitter, you could have perished within the world of the Fade if you were. Besides, you had one of the best guides take you to the fade...I do not believe my mother would have allowed you to be lost. She’s been to the Fade many times to seek answers.
The princess tilted her head slightly as Tora brought out the book again. She did recognize it, she smiled as she realized what the book was. “That’s my great grandfather’s journal. He was quite the leader. He explored so much of this world...mother always speaks fondly of him.” She smiled as she finished off her tea and accepted another mug full of tea. “My people write everything down. It’s almost exhausting.” She chuckled lightly. “We have a scribe that notates everything that happens within our kingdom, within our city. Then my mother keeps a journal too, as do I.” She smirked slightly. “But future generations will be able to read of our past. We can share our history, as simply as handing over the book.” She drew in a breath as Tora slipped the book back away. “That is a lot of trust my mother has given you...she’s not one to trust much...I don’t believe she has shared his journal with anyone before outside of our community.” Amara shrugged slightly.
The princess relaxed a bit more now noticeably. She smiled when Tora spoke to her as a leader and asked for her input. “The king is a foolish man.” She spoke first. “He used my mother like a pawn when this war first began. He killed my father to gain the magic from the dragon...and he knew that my mother would attack the remaining humans within the city. She told me most of the humans left the city before she found out about my father’s death...” She pondered for a moment. She glanced around the room and then grasped a piece of parchment. “May I?” She questioned and then grasped a quill. She chuckled lightly as she looked to it. “I’ll have to get you your own journal. Hm? Perhaps you could begin to make accounts of everything. As a Seer that would be your responsibility to carry on the words of your people and the Gods.” She smirked to Tora before she began drawing upon the page.
“Alexander isn’t a well fortified city. My mother has visited it, granted that was over 20 years ago. But the way she has spoken about it to me is this...” She began to draw upon the page. “They have the sea to their east, several docks for small fish boats and cargo ships that will go to the south to other parts of their kingdom to trade goods. King Alexander seeks to conquer everything and everyone...so he does not have many allies.” She seemed to think for a moment as she continued to draw out the city of Alexander. “He does not have the cliffs that we do for protection, nor does he have the mountains. I do believe that this is the only saving grace for my people. We are so well protected...that he cannot full on attack our people. If we had a city such as his I believe my people would have lost the war years ago. Easily within the first year of this...”
Amara shifted slightly and held the drawing toward Tora. “Before the king can bolster his guard I believe if we attack under the cover of night, as winter truly sets in...he will not expect it...we can attack from here.” She leaned closer as she pointed to the docks. “We can also come in from the plains. Alexander is not protected by walls, at least...back then it wasn’t. We will have to perform scouting missions to ensure that our information on the kingdom is still accurate.” She seemed to think a moment. “I’m not a...captain or anything though...I’ve never led a war...do you think that is a good way to attack Tora?” She asked as she looked to the woman. “If we hit hard when he least expects it...we have a better chance...do we not?”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 20, 2021 21:45:49 GMT -5
Tora smirked as the Princess spoke of the Queen – of how she trusted her. “It is nice to know that, I will do my best to maintain that” she leaned back and crossed a leg. As she listened to Amara sketch on the parchment – she listened to the village about her. The wind howled slightly as clouds rolled in.. she heard her people gathering about – hurrying. She listened a little closer – they had brought back a few hogs… she shut her eyes slightly and then focused back in on Amara.
“Aye, the King Is naked on his plains… Instead of walls, or mountains to protect him – just layers of men. His flesh and blood to take the hits” she snarled a little and then and she sighed. Tora listened to the woman explain her strategy, she tilted her head slightly and nodded in approval. “You have the bare bones down, yes… Good idea on coming in from the sea. You mentioned trade ships and small docks – meaning they likely do not have a naval army” she lifted a brow. “No advantage of height… suspended in the plains” she hummed slightly.
“I love your idea of attacking in the night...” she nodded. “but I think you can think outside of the box. Your books give you a sense of nobility and honor” she scoffed “honor wins no battle” she winked and pointed to the docks. “You want to weaken your enemy. Lets see.. dead of winter, he has to rely on his resources stored… winter is always harder… but its a given. If anyone were to strike – it would be in the dead of winter. That is when you bolster the most, this means he Is listening and watching every move.” she pointed to the docks. “So you don’t want to be obvious, you want him to think we’re idle. Now he will assume weakness, since he is winning this war by clear margins. So, if he assumes our weakness – well, that would be his weakness. That is the winter cold. So, he knows – if he were to attack himself.. it would be in the dead of winter” she held a finger up.
“Confusing you yet?” she grinned. “So how do we weaken them?” she questioned. “How can weaken him without him knowing it is an attempt? How do we make it look like we have given up? And how long before he learns the Elves went to such degrees to hire help? How do we put doubt in his mind – so he underestimates us?”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 20, 2021 22:40:41 GMT -5
Amara smiled to Tora’s comment, “I certainly hope so. I do know that many of our people did not agree with my mother. Bringing in a stranger and their people...the last time it was done we suffered tremendously...and we still do. Though, I believe my mother chose well. At least with the events last night, the battle. You and your people alongside our people. It was a well oiled machine. Imagine how much stronger we will become as we work together and learn one another.” The princess was not keen to the sounds outside. Though a strong gust of wind caused her to lift her eyes to the material of the tent as it moved slightly.
The princess then looked to Tora as she began to speak. “King Alexander does not care for his people. Yet they still follow him.” She spoke and shook her head. “I believe he has made them believe it is the only way. Look at Rhys...he lives a happy life. There are only two other humans besides him. They were all young children at the time of the beginning of the war...left behind by their family...” She shook her head slightly. “But we can live among humans and humans among us...we are not so different. Our language may be...but...” She shook her head. “This greed that drives King Alexander is what fuels him...his use of dark blood magics...” She shuddered slightly. “I have heard stories...from those that were captured and were lucky enough to escape...one of the rangers spoke of one of the officers. The man used magic in such a way that he melted the skin off our soldiers. It sounded horrifying. Could you imagine? Watching someone die in such a way.” She shook her head.
As Tora spoke in circles it began to confused Amara. Her brows scrunched together as the woman spoke of the honor that Amara used...her nobility. She sat in silence and stared into the flames for a long moment. She sipped the last bit of her tea. Her crystal hues stayed like this for a long time as she worked through the words in her head. “How do we weaken an enemy that seems to have everything…?” She pondered the idea out loud. After several minutes the princess nodded, “I’ve got it.” She looked to Tora. “Alexander is highly stocked, they keep plenty of grains for the winter to feed their livestock as well as their people. They also rely upon their livestock that they keep. They do not hunt like my people do. Their living is very much full of farming their food. Unlike my people, we gather our food as we need it. We do not stock up in the way that Alexander does. We gain our food from the mountains. We have crop but it is situated within a cavern in the mountains that keeps its heat year round...it is fueled by a natural hot spring. I’ll have to show you sometime.”
The princess leaned forward slightly looking to Tora with a smirk upon her lips. “My people are stealthy and we have something that Alexander does not. We have the NightBloom. We can poison their ale, grains, their livestock. It will cripple his troops and he will have no idea whom to blame it on. We could go as far as reaching out to the dwarves to the East...he has killed many of their people...they may be keen to start a little battle with him to distract his men...” She pondered a bit more. “You mentioned the mountain...as a way to communicate between the two camps?” She questioned and then smirked slightly. “What if we send signal that the other camp that we’ve attacked is in trouble. Tell them to rally their men. We’ve hidden the bodies and cleaned the camp up by now. When they leave to aid the other camp we can destroy their food stores and poison their supplies. They wouldn’t even make it back to Alexander to warn them of the attack...” She seemed to think a bit more. The princess had a smile upon her lips. “What would you do?” She questioned curiously. “I have to admit...you did confuse me a bit.” She chuckled and then looked to her empty mug of tea.
The princess then looked to Tora a long moment, it seemed she was thinking something. As if she wanted to ask a question. But the words never came from her lips. She simply lifted the mug and smiled, “Your tea is quite good.” She commented and then she looked to Tora once again. What exactly was Liliana getting at? What happened between Tora and her mother? Her smile faded slightly as the questions ran through her mind. “Shall we train?” She questioned as she set the mug down and stood. “Is it about that time?” She smirked slightly.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 20, 2021 22:58:27 GMT -5
Tora winced at the idea of skin melting off of bodies. “Hmm… that is...” she shuddered and was happy when Amara changed the subject. She thought for a moment as Amara pondered her question of the plan. She thought of what Amara said – they could live together. If anything.. right now was a statement to it. Though… her people were not integrated in.. she knew they wouldn’t mesh well.. not right away at least. Baby steps… she wondered then, what if they did? No.. her people wouldn’t ever…
Tora turned her head to Amara as she spoke of their supplies, and her several ideas that came with ease. Tora smiled and nodded “All very very good. Actually – the diversion of the beacon camp is something we are doing… The poisoning of their supplies – perfect” she smirked and held a hand up.
“So, you poison their supplies.. I like it. We watch their routes, sneak it into their water and grains. Infiltrate – you have those snazzy sneaky skills, hm?” she smirked
“Oh yes – I love that. Yes, pin two enemies against each other. I love it...” she grinned “I may not have thought of that, but consider it part of the plan. Yes, divert his attention from the land. Split his forces up. Split his rations up. Oh it hits every need” she clapped.
“That’s it then. You will lead that effort, you will come up with a plan to pin a second war. You figure out the plan, how it will be executed, what group could do it, everything from when they leave here to the exact path they take… plan it out and come back to me with it.” she placed a hand on her shoulder and gave her a pat. “Alright, let’s kick some ass” she cheered. Her energy was happier now – like the Princess inspired her.
They came to the field and Tora lifted up an axe and tossed it Amara. “Before we get into your bow.. lets see you with a real weapon” she nodded and grinned. “The Axe is far more superior, it follows the body and is the weapon of the gods. The weight makes for seamless movements where the force of the earth guides you. The crushing power behind it can split any armor, slice any bone… See, a sword you can survive a nick. Get hit by an axe? It’s over, no returning.” she grinned and she spun her axe. “Come forward then” she nodded.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 20, 2021 23:21:22 GMT -5
Amara grinned as Tora seemed to light up to the ideas that she threw forward. “You were? You really were going to do something like that?” She had a cheeky grin on her lips, proud that she’d thought of something that Tora had already planned. “Wait...you want me to lead it?” She seemed surprised, a laugh came over her lips. “Tora...I’m not a war master like yourself.” She shook her head. “I read about poisoning supplies...from an old book in the library.” She furrowed her brows. “I’m not so sure...” She bit her lip and then shook her head. “I’ll write it all up, and then I’ll show it to you.” She sounded more confident now. The pat on her shoulder seemed to help quite a bit.
The princess stood and grinned, “Perhaps it will be the best plan you’ve seen.” She chuckled as she followed Tora from the tent and out onto the practice field. When Tora lifted up the axe the princess raised a brow. She’d never used an axe. She held it in her hand and felt the weight of it. She ran her fingertip along the back of the axe. Visions of Tora fighting the previous night flashed through her mind. The way that the woman moved, how easy she made it seem.
Amara lifted her crystal hues to look to Tora. She stepped forward, “Like this?” She looked awkward holding the axe. She stepped carefully, she held it lightly. Amara hesitated slightly and winced as she attacked. It was clear that she wasn’t used to this style of fighting. A dagger, yes, a short sword, yes...but an axe? Axes were for splitting wood which was something that a princess did not do. Amara stumbled a bit at the beginning, thrown off by the weapon. She eventually seemed to start to get the hang of it as she moved about. A chuckle came over her lips as she blocked an attack. Though the next moment she was on her back on the ground, the princess stared up with wide eyes. She wasn’t used to being bested. She was used to owning the practice field. This was good for her though, to see that she was not as skilled as she thought she was.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 20, 2021 23:29:38 GMT -5
Tora laughed as she stood over Amara. “Alright alright, now for you to best me, eh?” she grinned and helped the woman up. “I want to see that Elven archery” she spoked and lead her to a wooden platform. “I have this idea for a war technique” she pointed to a metal bowl before them, made of woven steel. “A fire next to you.. and flame arrows” she mimiced as if she held a bow in her hand. “Now we throw orbs of oil, the fat of sea cows.. very flammable, also great in a stew” she smirked and nodded. “So we throw the orbs over the army and my keened eye Elves shoot with precision!” she let go of the pretend arrow in her hands.
“What do you think, lets see” she held a hand up and shouted a Viking word. The brazier before them lit aflame and someone held a quiver forward – of dipped arrows.
“Ready?” She questioned. “Fire!” She shouted. In the far distance – 50 feet or so, a glass orb was launched into the air by some mechanism they built. It flew in the sky with a perfect arch. “Now!” she shouted to Amara. She stepped back and watched with anticipation...
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