Sindar and Ymira slowly approached the men sitting around a campfire in a small clearing. Ymira dragged their horse, Diego, behind her, and Sindars hands rested on the handles of his weapons, ready to defend himself. Their clothes were dirty and so were they themselves. They were hungry and tired but hid it well. It had been several days since they had left the battle of Venice when Vandal had fallen.

What they quickly identified as the leader of the group, a tall man with a bronze helmet and a large axe, heaved himself onto his feet. "Who are you? What are you doing here?", he demanded with an accent Sindar could not identify.

"We are running away," he replied. "We're tired to death of the bureaucratic nonsense of the empires and want to live away from it. We do not know the terrain around here and need directions, as well as food and water. Will you help us?"

The man coughed. His face was hidden behind the helm and thus his reactions were hidden. "If that is true, you must learn, sooner or later, that out here, we don't just help anyone. We need to know you can be of assistance to us aswell."

Sindar nodded. That made sense. "I am a skilled hunter, scout, marksman and warrior. Ymira, my love, is a fletcher."
The man nodded visibly. "Good. I guess we can afford some water and food for you now, if we have your word that you will participate in the hunt tomorrow. Then your girl can stay behind and help the men make new arrows."
Sindar lowered his voice. "I am not leaving her with a bunch of big men all alone without precautions. If she is as much as touched, I intend to kill every man, woman and child of your camp. Tell the men that."

"You sound like a warrior. I like that. My name is Seirrn, by the way."
"And mine is Sindar. Pleased to meet you. What is the name of your tribe?"
"My tribe," the man said with proudness in his voice, "are called the Vandals."
Sindar gasped at the strange coincidence, but quickly regained his focus.
"A well chosen name. Bears the strength of a thousand warriors."

Seirrn asked him one final thing; "Are you being followed by anyone?"
Sindar frowned. "If I am, and they have not lost our trail, it is merely a single scout. I can take care of him myself if it is needed",
Sindar replied, not having realized just how interested the scouts of both Vandal the Warlord and the scouts of the Aretanian empire was in him...

Vandal lay on his cot staring up at the ceiling of Venitian Palace. He was still injured, and his daughter, Silvia, wanted him to stay in bed as long as possible. She, Dragano, Cedric, Zekk, and Vandal's sister Jana had all moved into the Venitian Palace. Cedric, who was even more heavily injured than Vandal, lay two rooms away.

Silvia walked through the door way with a bowl of water and some new gauze.
"Hello father." She said. But to Vandal it sounded like singing, he had lost his daught so long ago, and it was like Vandal was with her for the First time.
Vandal smiled and then lifted his arm to her cheek to caress her flawless skin. She smiled and then Jana walked through the door.

"Any news of the Sindar?" He groaned, and he sat up and Silvia took off the old guaze and put new on.

"Nien," She spoke the old language of the Gallow, fleuntly, like Vandal.
Vandal frowned.

"I will go look for him,"She said, Vandal looked at her curiously. "Come on, I was a bounty hunter for Antimidus himself, I think I can find a little kid and his lover." She spoke with the Strong will she always had.

Vandal looked at her and nodded his head yes. "But be careful, ungh , he has learned from me."

She grinned, "So have I."

Ymira woke up. She had heard Sindar yell something. She hurried out of the small tent to find him mad with rage outside. "Darling, what are you yelling for? You'll wake the Vandals", she said. "Don't - even - use that word!" Sindar hissed. He handed the confused Ymira a small parchment. She quickly read it through and shook her head.
"No. That would be impossible. We saw him fall. Vandal can't be alive."
"It's from my brother, Ymira. Diamondeye, the Head of Faith. He does not lie - and certainly not to me in a matter as grave as this."
A small agreeing sound escaped Ymira.
"What do we do then?"
"Well, first thing tomorrow we thank the Vandals for their assistance, and then we leave. We cannot risk their lives. If I know Vandal right, the Gallow Dogs will be on our heels sooner rather than later. Compared to them, the Imperial scouts are but children."
Ymira sighed. "We cannot do anything about it now. Let us go to sleep and pack tomorrow, when it is light out."
Sindar nodded. Then he shook his head.
"They'll find us. Sooner or later. Goddammit. Perhaps it would be the smartest thing to face them in full force. I will talk to Seirrn tomorrow and ask for his assistance."
Ymira nodded, already half-asleep.

Jana armed herself with every weapon known to Arete, and then hopped on her horse. She looked over to see Zekk on a horse behind her. She knew what he wanted to do so she gestured him forward and they were off, each trying to best the others speed. They stopped every so often to ask around, usually with results. At one point they heard they were heading twords a hunters camp.

Jana looked around after dismounting from her horse. She gestured to Zekk to stay. He nodded in approval as she walked through the clearing to find a bunch of men around a fire. She walked over to the fire and said,"I'm looking for some travelers. They go by the names Sindar, and Ymira. They have offended Vandal the Burning himself." Serrin looked twords their tent, and then looked at Jana.

"Never 'eard of 'em. Care to sit." He said and smiled. Jana whistled and Zekk came from the clearing and sat with the group.

"So where ya from?" One man asked.

Zekk spoke this time. "We are from the Gallow, under Cheif Vandal the Burning."

The men looked in awe and then Serrin spoke. "Vandal died in a duel with Fransico Pizzaro."

"No,"Jana grinned,"He lives, and he wants Sindar, for abandoning them at the Battle of Venice, in which, Vandal's son, Cedric, nearly died."

Serrin looked at her for a moment. "What are your names?"

Jana smiled, " Jana, sister of Vandal the Burning."
"And I am Zekk Teunoc, granson of Vandal the Burning." Zekk now was speaking loud and clear.

One of the men pulled an awe from his belt and swung it at Jana. She grabbed the axe blade, and then threw the mand to the ground as she jumed atop him, and then slit his neck with her daggar. Then she rose and pulled blade from her back and waived it at the men. Zekk to sprung from the ground and aimed his longbow at them.

"WHERE ARE THEY?!?!"Jana screamed.

Zeiit!...zeiit!...zeiit!

Jana and Zekk watched as the three men sitting around the fire reached for the own necks, with a slight cringe on their face. One was even quick enough to pull what looked like a small dart out of his neck. But within seconds, they started to fall to the ground, dead to the world.

The sister and granson of Vandal the Burning lowered their weapons slightly and glanced at each other.....

Zeiit!...zeiit!

Now they were twisting slowly as they fell to the ground, just missing their weapons. The camp was still. The only sound came from the crackling wood in the small fire. Oda signaled two men into the camp to check the bodies. Oda turned to his Sargent, "Those men were like their fire. Not very warm and not very bright."

Lord Civius' men had found the camp that morning and had been monitoring it from the woods. Sindar and Ymira were only seen once in the early morning. They had come out of the tent and had gone back in with the leader. Only the four men had come out of the tent. Sindar and his woman must still be inside, probably alive. Dead, they probably would have been removed. The decision had been made to take out the Hunters and leave with the two run-aways. But then the Hounds had to show up. Oda had shook his head and signaled for two more dart guns to be loaded. Oda's men did very good work.

Oda and the Sargent crossed the camp and went into the Hunter's tent. There, as he lifted the cloth door, were the runaways. Bound and gagged and laying on their bellies, looking up at their rescuers

Sindar looked at the people entering the tent. He had expected Seirrn to enter any minute and finish the job. Who would have known the man would react like that when he heard they were being followed? Anyway, the men entering the tent now were Aretan, he could see that. Sindar hoped they had come to help. He was furious at himself for not being able to protect neither Ymira nor himself.

He looked closer at the men and identified Oda. He tried speaking but the clothes in his mouth muffled the sounds "Ouwa! Weouwe owwr daie!" (Oda! Remove our ties!)
He looked at the two men. He would probably be able to handle one of them in hand to hand combat, but they both had dartguns in their hands. And his sword was still in the other end of the tent. Dammit. There was but to wait.

And wait he would. Oda's men searched the two run-aways as they lay there on the floor of the tent. These were professional mercenaries. They found everything. Oda had them untie the two, but insisted that their hands remain tied behind them. This done, both were stood up and searched again very carefully. No sound was made by either of them, they just watched each other, smiling if something was found. All weapons and anything of importance was removed and placed in a bag.

"We're taking you back to Lord Civius," Oda said to them. "I'm sure he'll turn you over to the King. Your fate is in the King's hands."

Sindar looked for a way out of this dire situation. All immediate plans were tharted by the fact that Ymira was present. That fact was the reason they were now Oda's captives. Earlier, when in the tent, two of the Hunters had pulled Ymira away from Sindar and the other two jumped him. Sindar had handled them well, but when he came up, Ymira had a knife to her throat. And that ended that.

Thwarted by youth and Love again....

"It's quite a walk to the horses, you'd better give them their boots back," Oda said to his man. "They will need their feet to run from Vandal!" The men burst out laughing. As they left the tent, Sindar had to admit running would be futile. One man slipped his hand between Ymira's hands and grabbed the cord binding them. He walked her towards the place where the horses were. Another man just pushed Sindar in the direction he wanted him to go. There was fire in Sindar's eyes. Oda and the sargent followed them, watching the woods, as well as their captives.

Reaching the horses, Sindar saw two extra ponies they had brought along for them. It would be a difficult ride back. Both would be exhausted not being able to use their arms for balance. Sindar spat on the ground.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~

Jana woke up. Her eyes were not open yet, but she was awake. She smelled the old burning wood of the campfire and felt the ground beneath her. She must be camping with her father and brothers in the woods. Breakfast would be ready soon....

She opened her eyes and saw the blue sky framed by the leaves and branches of the trees. Beautiful colors.... She closed her eyes again.

Then she heard the sound of rocks scraping dirt. Her head shot up. Realizing it had been a dream, she turned to find Zekk trying to get up (with not much success). Jana rolled over and stood wobbly, removing a dart from her neck. Helping Zekk stand, Jana removed his dart and they both took notice of their whereabouts peicing together what had happened. The four Hunters were dead. Besides them, the camp was empty. Picking up their weapons, they made for the woods in the direction they had come from. They would halt their search for the two (they had probably just lost their trail) and report back to Vandal.

Sindar knew he was in no position to change anything, but he tried to concentrate on what the two men guarding him said - or not said. He reacted when Vandal was mentioned. "You mean you have taken care of Vandals agents? I suspect they would not have treated us this well. I have to thank you even though it goes against my will."
He spat on the ground.
"And nobody touches Ymira. Understand? I don't care if each of you are carrying a dozen poisonious weapons, lethal to the touch, I'll rip your hearts out if anything happens to her!"
Sindar looked furiously on the others. As they showed no reaction except exchanging looks, Sindar continued. "It seems we have no choice but to follow you. Get us back to the king as fast as possible. My wrists are hurting already and..."
Sindar stopped dead.
"Did you remember the bleak sword? It is... An heirloom. I want it with me, even if I am not allowed to carry it - for now."

As Oda's men with Sindar and Ymira walked through the clearing all of the men stopped, Oda, looked confused, and then he looked forward to see Vandal the Buring sitting on the ground with his legs crossed. He had his eyes closed but then opened them to show his eyes were stone grey, and then he saw Sindar, in which his eyes widened by then he relaxed and then got up.

"Vandal?" Oda still was confused by seeing the Warlord here.

Vandal grinned, "I have come to Take your prisoners Oda, as they have commited personal crimes against me, and the entire clan of the Gallow."

"Get in line!" Oda laughed as did all of his men.
Vandal frowned and spoke again, "I want Sindar and Ymira, now."

"They are imperial-"

"I want my Prinsoners NOW!!!!" Vandal screamed as now several men in women dressed in Stramge clothing gathered to him. "Or Feel the Wrath of The Hounds of Gallow.

Sindar, realizing the seriousness of the situation, stepped out between the two forces.

"Don't fight over me, I'm not worth it. Listen, Oda, take Ymira with you. She's your guarantee that I will return to you. And I will."
He looked at Ymira with tears in his eyes.
"I will go with Vandal and settle this matter. I hope he intends to let me live so that I can come back after Ymira and settle whatever issues between us, Oda."
Sindar walked over to Ymira, kissed her and then walked towards Vandals men, looking directly at Vandal.
"I hope you intend to let me live, Vandal. I thought you were dead. For gods sake, I saw you fall off the cliff, wounded. What was I to do? Surrender to the Aretans? If you had not agreed to the duel I would have fought by your side, if only so because I had promised so."

Vandal went behind Sindar and cut him loose from his rope bonds as the men left Vandal then crossed his arms and waited untill they were totally out of sight then he frowned at Sindar.

"You claim to have learned from me, but you missed one important lesson, my naiive pupil." Vandal began to walked around in a circle around Sindar. Then he stopped before Sindar starring straight into his eyes.

"Never abandon an your forces." Vandal then unsheathed his blade and held it at Sindar's neck.

"Give me one good reason why your head should still be attached to your neck."

Sindar broke into a sweat. Even if he had expected such a thing, Vandals force and intensity was shocking. His mind raced. He might only have one shot at this.
"... Because I can be a valuable asset to you. I have the trust of the Black Hand. Perhaps I still have the trust of the Aretans as well. And I certainly have the trust of my brother, who is well-informed about everything. And I can assist you with this information."
Sindar took a deep breath.
"I suspect the fact that my brother would send forces after you if I was found dead less of a reason as you would certainly escape them and cheat death once again."
His face was running in sweat but he remained in control and looked Vandal into the eyes.
"Now, I am not sure of your relations with the Aretans back there, but it seems smartest if you either get out of here before they have time to catch any of you, or if you killed them off immidiately. I would of course be willing to assist. Should you choose to leave, I can keep them here as long as possible."
He looked at Vandal and waited for the response. He peeked down at the blade at his throat. Vandal was too fast, there was no way Sindar could somehow get away and find a weapon. He had to trust the man.

Vandal smiled," Your brother eh?"
He removed the blade from his throat.
"I want constant information." Vandal gestured Sto Sindar to leave, and then He walked away again to check on his family.

Sindar fell to his knees and breathed several times. He opened his mouth wide, took out two small needles caped in leather, removed the capes and held the needles between the fingers in his hand. It wasn't a sword exactly, but if used right he could berieve a man of his sight. Sindar walked back to Oda and his guards. He looked at them. His eyes stopped at Ymira and he smiled at her.
"Vandal has decided to let me live, for now. I hope your judgement is just as fair, Oda. I would hate to spend the next millenia haunting your family."

Out of nowhere a blade was at Oda's neck. Sindar fell back a little and then saw Vandal was the one holding the blade. Vandal then grinned and geustured to Ymira. Sindar ran over too her, realesed her from her bonds and then they ran from the forest. Vandal talked in Oda's ear.

"Can I intrest you in a side misson?"

Sindar stormed through the forest, branches whipping his face and arms, with Ymiras hand clanched in his. He heard her yell: "What about our swords, our horse, our tent?" He swore to himself but answered both her question and his own doubt: "We will have to make due without. If we return, they will kill us."
They stopped once Ymira was out of breath.
"What do we do now?", she cried. Sindar held her tight and whispered into her ear.
"I have promised Vandal to grant him whatever information I can get about the schemes in Aretania. It seems like we are going to return there. I have no doubt my brother will house us."
Ymira looked into his eyes. It struck him how much she had been through since he had first seen her. Her body and skin was somehow hardened from that silken, innocent girl, but he saw the angel shine out through her eyes. They both cried, and Sindar kissed her all over her face to comfort her.

After they had stood like that for what seemed like an eternity, they figured they had to get moving. Sindar looked at the sun, determined which was Arete was, roughly, and they began walking, hand in hand. They steered clear of animal sounds, unarmed as they were.

~~~

Night fell, and they were chilled by the cold air. Ymira shaked, Sindars teeth clapped.
Suddenly he stopped. "What is it?", stammered Ymira.
"We better let my brother know we are coming. I will send him a message."
Ymira was about to ask how, when Sindar took one of the needles he had brought along, pricked a hole in his finger and started writing on the backside of the note Diamondeye had send him, with his own blood. His face was a mask of concentration.
After a minute of intense concentration, he lifted the needle from the parchment.
"There. That'll do fine."
Then he whistled a series of almost unhearable sounds, before calling: "Diamondeye!"
Ymira thought Sindar had gone crazy, when suddenly a small bat flew out of the night and seated itself on Sindars left hand. It streched out one of its claws and took the the note Sindar handed it, before leaving.
"How- How did you do that?"
Ymira asked, amazed.
"I tamed it when it was a baby. I learnt it with ravens from The Blastoid. I perfected it a bit by using bats. They only fly at night but cannot be interrupted by arrows or slings. They are too fast. On top of that, their earshot is fantastic. They can find me several hundred metres away and heed only two voices. This certain bat heeds me and my brother. Now, lets get moving, I am quite sure the yell brought more attention to us than necessarry."

They started walking towards Aretania.

Vandal walked through the woods near his home in the Swamps, he had no doubts that his Ravvjir's were there. He walked out of the clearing to see his pets gather too him. The Alpha male still had a scar on it's face. Odd that it had not healed, Vandal Thought. Then he saw Jana and Zekk come from a clearing near him. His pets growle but stopped when Vandal looked stern at them. Jana looked at the pets, then at Vandal, who was petting the Alpha Male's head. He walked over to them.

"Are you well?"Jana asked.
"Fine."Vandal grinned. Then Zekk looked at the Ravvjirs.
"Ahh, my pets,"Vandal said." I tamed these creatures after an encounter with them near Edorai. They are the last of their Kind, but they breed well."

He looked at them again. "And they can be riden." Jana looked suprised, but then looked at their size and nodded her head.

"Can you please give the good King a message?" He asked Jana. She smiled and nodded as she went over to one of the beasts. After one hour Jana and Zekk were atop their mounts with the message, and speeding of to Arete, while Vandal was off to Venice to check on his council.

Three miles away, a lone traveler was cooking a meal. When he heard Sindar's call to the bat, he decided to go look for the man that made it. Being in the same camp for seven years, he needed to make a friend. He was quick on his feet and knew every inch of the forest. He met up with them quickly.
Sindar, frightened to see someone, reached for his sword, only to remeber that he did not have one. "Who are you?!" he demanded, his voice not shaking; clear and firm. "I am Seute. I have lived here for some time now, and I have not seen any travelers. Why are you here?"
Sindar lowered his voice. "I am Sindar, and this is Ymira." He refrained from telling Seute about them escaping captivity, the man might be of the Gallow. "We are being followed, and are going to Arete." Seute paused, as if to think for a moment. "Ah, Arete. What a glorious place. Once you get over past leadership, violence, and the fact that the nation is divided, it really is wonderful." Seute chuckled. "No one should ever have to live there." Sindar now completely let his guard down, for him and Seute shared ideaologies. "Would you like a guide until you are out of the forest?" Seute asked.

Sindar almost smiled before remembering the graveness of the situation.
"If you will not slow us down I will gladly accept."

Jana and Zekk arrived at the capital three days later with the message. Every one styed clear of them from fear of Vandal's pets. When they reached the Palace King Cyc walked out the door to see the beasts staring him down. Jana dismounted and gave Cyc the letter.

Dear King Cyc,
Hello good King of Arete. This is Vandal the Burning. I feel we have a common enemy in our most recent war, Babylon. I offer you, King Cyc, my Services, as both a master swordsman, and a marksman. Please reply,

Vandal the Burning.

Sindar, Seute and Ymira had reached the outskirts of Arete. Sindar stopped and looked at Seute. "Look, if you think the way I think you do, there are two reasons for you to turn around and go back now. The first is that you are entering the largest city in the empire. you won't like it. The second is that you are travelling with two outlaws. We have crossed the empire and harmed an imperial soldier in action, and we are going to the Palace to sort it out. You better turn around now. We may visit you sometime. Thanks alot for your help."

Sindar looked up and saw a Ravvijir-Vandal staring him down. Sindar fell back, and then regained his balace as he began sweating. Jana looked down at Sindar.

"Hello Boy," Jana smirked."Do you like Vandal's pets? Because you look pretty appitizing to them." She laughed and then gestured to Zekk who came from the rear.

"Do you have information?"Zekk asked.

"No. Why would I have information when I haven't been inside the city?" Sindar replied.

Zekk frowned. "Very well, how do you wish to be prepared, with or without salt?" The Ravvijirs licked their lips.

"Don't kill him." Sindar turned to see Vandal, atop one of his pets in his war armour. "He is still usefull." Vandal then passed them and walked onward to Arete. Jana, and Zekk followed.

OOC: Vandal, you're a bit too controllative here, please don't do that another time. ;)

OOC: Sorry Diamondeye, edited it out.

OOC: Thanks :)

Sindar and Ymira looked at each other and then proceeded to the Palace to face their eventual punishment.

OOC: Cyc, I need some reply from you here ;)

OCC: As do I.

Sorry. I've just finished catching up and my library time is up (almost).

If you'd like, you can right my part, but my log-on time will be very unreliable for at least a week. Sorry I can't keep up.

OOC: Okay, sure thing. I will get started without drawing any conclusions that are too decisive. Later, when I'm home from school

OOC: New Reply so people can see the thread is moving again.

Sindar and Ymira walked hand in hand to the palace. Sindar was confused. He had been forced to return to the bureaucracy he detested so intensely, but he was with Ymira. He did not know whether to be happy or sad, and he did not know what punishment awaited him.

They stopped in front of the palace. Sindar recognized one of the guards, the spearman who had tried to stop him from escaping in the first place. The guard smiled fiercely and walked towards them, spear and shield in hands. "How... Coincidential that we meet again, you barbarian scum", the guard started. Sindar sighed. They had no weapons on them. This was going to be painful. The guard laughed as he approached. He quickly struck out with the blunt end of the spear and hit Sindar below the ribs. Sindar bit his teeth together in agony, but remained standing. Ymira backed away from the guard.

Sindar moved a couple of paces back and focused on the spear. He imagined it to be of iron. Any hit was lethal. He avoided a couple of attacks but the guard did not expose himself to a fistful riposte. Sindar backed even further and felt a wall behind him. The guard raised his spear, point first, and smiled.

The guards smile took a notch when Ymira hit him from behind with a rock, and he fell concussed to the ground. Ymira lifted the rock, ready to smash the face of the guard, when a voice filled with authority blasted through the courtyard:
"Hold it right there, both of you!"
Sindar and Ymira looked up and saw Cyc exit the palace and move towards them.
Great, Sindar thought. This looked like another nail to his coffin.
"I saw it all but did not find it suitable to interfere before now. Leave him there, I will speak with him later. For now you follow me."

Sindar and Ymira dropped their guard and followed Cyc inside...

Cyc climbed the stairs of the Palace with his two young criminals in tow. Once inside, the King had two guards place iron bindings on both their wrists.

"What?" cried Sindar, glancing at Ymira, then back at Cyc. "We have come to you in good faith to try and reconcile the recent mistakes we have made. We come to you unarmed and in peace, and you shackle us like animals?" He looks down at the iron cuffs with widened eyes to emphasize his unhappiness.

"You are in the King's Court, speaking directly to the King. You are escaped rebels who have done petty crimes against the Crown. You were hunted done by Lord Civius' men, who saved your lives. Once released to Vandal, it appears you have chosen to stop running and have come to seek a pardon." Cyc signals the two guards to follow them to a conference room where two other guards already stand stationary. They open the doors for the King. Cyc raises his hand, gesturing that his new guests should enter, which they do, and then signals the following guards to stand inside the conference room doors.

"We have come here in peace, but not to seek a pardon, although your forgiveness would be appreciated." Sindar glances at Ymira once again. We wish to propose a deal. We have information that might be useful to the Monarchy. It seems the King's provinces are not as content as one might think. We wish to trade this information for our redemption and passage North."

No one has had a chance to sit in the fine chairs around the oak table yet. Cyc turns and walks slowly towards the two guards at the door. He looks at the guards eyes. Both are staring straight forward, trying to appear as though they are not listening. Turning toward the two in chains, he asks "Can you be a little more specific?"

Sindar lifted his gaze to meet Cycs. He was a natural at this. He looked intensely at the king before looking around. "You might want to send some of those guards outside. Every person with this kind of info could be liability. And it's not like we're dangerous or anything, with these nice little armlets you've bought us."
Sindar looked at Ymira, who nodded. They awaited the kings answer.

OCC: Sorry I have not posted in a while on this thread.



Cedric arrived at Arete after treking from Vandal's home for days. His hair was now completely Black, and his eyes had changed from a green color to a blood Red. He walked into the city with both his blades unsheathed searching for Diamondeye. It was time for a change of plans.

Cedrics presence had not gone unnoticed. His uncommon looks had catched the attention of the guard, and before long, Diamondeye's personal guards had heard. Diamondeye and his guards mobilized themselves and exited into the streets.

They met Cedric out in public, on the main street. He was dangerously looking but Diamondeye was surrounded by dozens of guards heavily armed each and every one. A chief of the Gallow could only mean trouble. Diamondeye himself was dressed in a very long and finely woven robe. Once the guards had halted in front of Cedric, Diamondeye adressed him:

"Cedric, it has been a long time since I last saw you! By the looks of you, I assume you have not returned for a simple chat. Why do you seek the Enlightened?"

Cyc looked at Sindar with a slight smirk. "Come Sindar. Let's stop playing games. A foolish request at best. I would need to have you both strip searched in front of me to allow that to happen." He said walking towards the guards. Once there, he raised his hand in front of one of the guards face, thumb touching middle finger. "Besides, both of these guards are...", snapping his finger loudly in the gaurds face, "stone deaf." The guard did not flinch a muscle. "So, let's remember where you are and to whom you are speaking, and present your proposal. Or I'll have you escorted to your room immediately."

Cedric looked up at Diamondeye. "My father has died. I am here to accuire the information he was promised in return for Sindar's life."

He looked at his blades. "Or the deal will have to be Terminated. "

OOC: Okay, here we go. Double reply. Can we make it extra interesting? :p

Sindar looked at Cyc. "Fine. You have proven your point. I will now state mine."
He swallowed and looked at Ymira before looking into the eyes of Cyc again.
"The unhappiness I am talking of is provoked by several issues.
First of all, there is the Tao-Hindu conflict. The northern cities are the most influenced by tao culture and philosophy, and the hindu extremists are regularly ambushing taos. There is a sect of these extremists called the Cult of the Firevulture. They are led by a mysterious prophet mythed to origin from the ancient city of Giruvegan. This is causing unrest among the taos and some of the... less orthodox hinduists.

Secondly, the city of Kassite is an unhealthy mess of small, crowded livings. The health situation there is critical and the populace is annoyed at the government and the governor for this lack of attention. Rumours have spread that this overpopulation will be controlled by enslaving some of the populace - you can imagine the effect this has on the mood of the population.

Will that information do that for you?"

---

Diamondeye looked at Cedric. The young man was brave and clever, that was for sure. He was a son of the gallow and not to be meddled with. But he needed to be reminded of who he was talking to.

"I admire your courage, Son of the Gallow, and I mourn your loss. How strange it may seem, Vandal was a personal friend of mine. But I need to inform you that your threatening approach, while extremely Gallowish, does not work optimally here. I am sure that you have noticed my guards. And I am sure that they are able to cut you down -" Diamondeye snaps his fingers and points at one of the guards. Several of the other guards fire their bows and the man falls to the ground, strutting with arrowshafts. "If I ask them to. There is something you must understand. I am The Enlightened. The Gods speak to our civilization through me. They use me to pick their kings and enemies. I have the loyalty of a large and extremely devout block of Aretania. You are alone in here while I have friends everywhere. You are in no position to threaten me."
A smirky smile wavers over Diamondeyes face before disappearing. His seriousity returns.

"Nevertheless, I have no hostile intentions. The House of Gallows could be a valuable ally. What info do you need to let Sindar and Ymira off their oaths?"

"Not really, Sindar. The Kassite information is virtually useless. Prince Cedric is in control of that city and complaints would be handled by him. I am already aware of the problems, such as the slavery, and that situation has been stopped. Kassite has vastly improved with new construction and new policies," the King said as he circled the two. Smiling at Ymira, Cyc was reminded of youthful times, of love and adventure. But this did not alter the fact that he was in negotiations.

"Your first offering could lead us to an agreement, though. The Cult of the Firevulture. Interesting. A mysterious prophet. Even more interesting. I believe it would be best if I gave you some time to elaborate on these subjects. I'll need to know specifics, such as what cities this cult is working in, which city they are based in. But more importantly, I'll need to know all about the mysterious prophet including the identity of his underlings. You will remain under arrest until we can somehow verify your information. I'll not keep you two in the dungeon, but in the tower. There is no ecape from the tower, in case the thought just crossed your mind. You can only leave under heavy guard or feet first. We shall talk more tomorrow." With that Cyc signaled the guards to remove the two and escort them to their semi-furnished room in the tower.

As he watched them leave, the King thought to himself, "A prophet with a following.... I need to be on top of this."

Cedric looked into Diamondeye's eyes. Cedric's brows turned downwards and he frowned, his temple throbbing.

"NO force in Heaven or Earth will make me forgive their oaths. My father was given no mercy, I will give none." Cedric cut his arm with his fathers blade. "And this scar will be a reminder to never give mercy. Never." Cedric looked around upon seeing Sindar, Ymira and Cyc.

Cedric moved past Diamondeye and his guards. "Now if you will excuse me my buisiness is needed elsewhere."

Diamondeye almost choked on a small outburst of laughter once Cedric was out of hearing distance. "What a tough young man", he thought to himself. "Even Vandal was not that hot-headed."

Then, he notices the guards with Sindar and Ymira on their way to the tower. He approaches, and hears Sindar mubmling at him: "The guards are deaf. You can't stop them, they heed king Cyc. Please talk to him and convince him to let me go."
Diamondeye nods but approached even more, still surrounded by his guard. The deaf guards turn around, hands on weapons, before identifiying the approaching man. They quickly kneel before continuing their escort of Sindar and Ymira.

Before he is dragged too far from his brother, Sindar says this to Diamondeye:
"Cyc will let us go if we give away The Prophet. I trust your judgement."

Diamondeye nods and storms toward the palace with his guards around him. "I need to discuss this with Cyc! How can he even assume that we have a connection with these... Fanatics?"

Cedric stopped when he heared the slight echo of a laugh, whom he identified as Diamondeye. He turned with utter rage. He ran over too Diamondeye with great speed until reaching him in which he swung at Diamondeye only to be caught by his guards. He pushed with his greatest strength.

"You must Die!"

OOC: I have desided that I can't go without Vandal the Burning, so I have desided to revive him. Instead of dieing from poison he fell into a coma. Sorry Sindar, you are off yet. ;)

Vandal opened his eyes abrubtly and he sat up gasping. He looked around, the world was blury but he could see he was surrounded by corpses. When the world refocused he noticed he was in his front yard. He stood up feeling woozy he waddled into his house. He entered it and then turned to see his floor was covered with red water, not blood. Vandal frowned, What Happened. He walked out of his house and walked into the clearing wandering untill he regained his senses.

Diamondeye turned around as he heard the footsteps. He trusted his guards and they did their job well. Cedric was hanging in their arms, bursting with rage. Diamondeye looked into his eyes. "I pity you, Cedric. I pity your destiny and that of your father. I understand you have had the hardest of times, but why should this affect me? I have been more than reasonable with you..." Diamondeye unsheathed a katana from within his robes and pointed it at Cedric. "If you threaten me one more time, I will have to hit back. Please be reasonable and try to control your anger. Like your father would have done. That was what made him such a great man. I speak sincerely. Go now and hide that anger until it is needed. For it will be."
Diamondeye lowered the sword.
"Now, if you will excuse me, I have business with the king to attend to. Godspeed, Son of the Gallow."

Cyc moves to the window of the conference room. He knows Sindar will only see daylight from the tower windows. The exterior walls can not be scaled and there is nothing long enough in his room to use as rope. Even if he tied them together. The lack of free movement should persuade him to fork over more information...

Looking out the window the King runs through all the things on his agenda. Some of which are the Coronation, which is being delayed by Diamondeye, and the official ceremony to commerate Lord Civius service to the Kingdom. Cyc still hasn't been able to get out and see Sylvia in Venice. The work out on his distant coastal properties has had to be overseen by Hito and others because Cyc has not been there.

What's this?.....

Diamondeye and Cedric in the Courtyard,...arguing. Cedric glances to the window in which Cyc stands. Ah, good. They have split up... Diamondeye appears to be talking with Sindar. No wait, Cedric is running back in anger, Diamoneye must have insulted him.. such a pity. Grown men... :rolleyes:

"Anyway," the King says, stretching out his arms,"I have lots to do with little time to do it."

Sindar and Ymira walked between the guards heads down. Ymira looked nerveously at Sindar. "Will we be alright?" Sindars face showed no sign of the doubt that crossed him. "Yes we will. I trust Diamondeye to get us out. Although he is a bit overzealous, he is clever and has power. We will get off the hook. But it'll take some time."
Ymira nodded. "I love you." Sindar smiled. "I love you too. We will stand through this."

---

King Cycs line of thoughts were broken by the knock on the door. One of his own guards entered: "There is a man out here, he looks like a guard. He says that The Enlightened seeks an audience with the King as soon as possible."

After wandering for a few hours Vandal regained total conciecness. He looked at his hands. No blade, odd, he thought to himself. As he passed through one more pair of trees he finally realized that he was before the city of Arete. Vandal cracked his neck and walked foreward. Then he saw Cedric walk out of the city, with Vandal's blade! Vandal ran up to him, and without Cedric noticing, Vandal tackled him to the ground.

"Hey." Vandal remarked and snatched up his blade. Cedric smiled and as they gt up Cedric hugged him. Vandal looked at him with disgust and supprise and pushed him away.

"You're alive!" Cedric screamed.

"Yes, so? I was asleep." Vandal shrugged.

"How did you get here it took me days to get to Arete from you home?" Cedric asked.

"I walked straight." Vandal laughed. Cedric smiled then Vandal cracked his neck and walked foreward.

"So, have you gotten information from Sindar?" Vandal asked cheerfully as they entered the city.

"No, I was in a sate of fury and depression." Cedric frowned. Then Vandal looked Foreward and saw Sindar with Ymira, along with Diamondeye and his guards. He first walked up to Sindar who was talking to his lover.


Vandal placed a hand on Sindar's shoulder, "So," He asked. "Where is my information?"

Sindar turned around and looked into the eyes of Vandal. He felt his heart sink as he noticed the maliciousness in the mans voice. "I am on my way to imprisonment in the Kings chambers. What info I may have will be kept with me in there. You need to talk to Diamondeye or the King if you want the informations or want to speak with me."
He looked beggingly at Vandal.
"Please, for the sake of the gods, don't kill me or Ymira. I'm tired of this! Suddenly, because I do one little mistake, the entire empire and the house of the gallow is on my tail, and then im being chased across the continent, almost killed, then one of my hunters die, the other is King, then he isnt, then you arent dead, then you are, and now you stand before my eyes again. I am confused and desperate! Get me out of this hellhole of a world! I don't care if you have to kill off the entire city of Arete to do it. I want my freedom, now!"
Ymira and Vandal both looked at the broken young man, then Ymira replied.
"Thank the gods the guards are deaf." She turned to Vandal. "We will get you your information as soon as possible." They got pushed on by the guards.

Before Sindar leaves Vandal smiles.

"If freedom is what you wish," He began, "freedom is what you shall recive." Sindar turned to look at Vandal and sindar, but saw that they were gone.

EDIT: I just realised I reached 1,000 posts, woot!

Mid-stretch there was a knock on the door. Cyc rolls his eyes. "Figures." he says under his breath.

"Come in." The door to the conference room opens and one of the guards leans in, saying, "There is a man out here, he looks like a guard. He says that The Enlightened seeks an audience with the King as soon as possible."

"Thank you. Tell the guard I'll see him now. Bring "The Enlightened One" to me." The guard left and closed the door. The King smiled. Diamondeye went by "The Enlightened One" now. What will they think of next...

Diamondeye entered the Kings chambers, his guards stayed outside of respect. And besides, they werent deaf.

"King Cyc, I believe we have matters to discuss... Most of all concerning my brother. I understand he has promised you some kind of information in return for his freedom. But first of all, would you outline to me what he has done wrong?"

"Diamondeye, your brother has turned into a little rebel. He was part of the Venice Rebellion, running with the likes of our dear deceased Vandal the Burning. Although he tried to escape the battle with his woman, when he encountered own of my troops, he refused to cooperate and wounded, nay nearly crippled him without cause," Here Cyc paused for effect.
"He then fled North on a stolen horse making us chase after him. He was taken prisoner by some bandits, but our men rescued him and his woman, saving their lives. But at the first opportunity, he fled captivity. Now he's come back and I am holding him for as long as I see fit."

Diamondeye had that deadpan look on his face as usual. He wasn't interested in what his brother had done wrong. He just wanted to know what kind of power play he had to work to end this problem. But the King continued, "So right there you have treason against the Monarchy, assaulting one of the King's Elite troops, Horse thief, and escaped prisoner. And I might consider locking you up for killing that man in my Courtyard. How can you call yourself a religious leader when you kill your own devoted people on a whim?"

"I am not killing anyone. One of my men showed his devotion to the gods. May they take good care of him. I realize that what my brother have done may not be forgiven easily, but I intend to try. What information is it you seek to let him go? I may be able to help you. Remember, it has to count in his favor that he returned to face justice. I heard you needed info on the Cult of the Fire Vulture, but I may be of assistance otherwise as well."

"Yes, let's start with the Cult of the Fire Vulture. Who are they and what do they represent? Where are they based? Who is their leader and how strong are they? I want to know everything you know about this mysterious prophet."

The Cult has two head base of operations, one located somewhere here, in Arete, and the other hidden in Babylon. I believe they are also establishing some sort of foothold in New Giruvegan. I am doing what I can to prevent the devoted citizens not to be charmed by them, but they are slowly growing in numbers. I have no idea where the hideouts in New Giruvegan nor Babylon are, but I have some suspicions about the capitol. I deem it best if you purge them. Despite their overzealous wrongdoing, my interference may be considered inappropriate by the loyal and orthodox Hinduists. We can discuss that later."
Diamondeye breathed a couple of times before continuing.
"The Prophet is most certainly residing in Babylon. He is a mysterious figure who says he origins from the ancient city of Giruvegan. His skills in the arts of rethorics and organization are impressive. I have not yet been able to identify him, but from my informers I know that it is indeed a male character and that he is not old. Perhaps younger than me.

On the assessment of the Cult, I would say that they represent the overzealous hinduist movements who cannot cope with the thought of other religions than their own. Their leader is this mysterious prophet figure... And their strength? Well, I guess they have a core of about fifty, perhaps hundred, devoted operatives. Their arming is random, mostly ranging melee weapons or medieval bows. Perhaps a few gunpowder weapons stolen from guard stores. I guess that if they mobilized completely in one city, they would still easily be defeated by the local guards. Which is why they act in the dark of night, I guess.

Also, they seem only to target Taoists. Since none of these are among the higher ranks of the populace, mayors or the like, their danger to the Monarchy is very limited. They threaten mostly the order of small local societies. I believe that is what I know about the Cult, and as far as I know, it is more than Sindar would ever know."

Cyc stood and rubbed his chin. He looked Diamondeye square in the eyes, "Yes, I agree. Far more than Sindar would have known. I'm glad you stepped in to take over for Sindar. Well done on the information sharing. But..." Cyc pointed his index finger into the air above him. "...there are a few more things I will require from you, now that you're here. First, I've heard from my Advisors that you have pulled your workers from the fields and mines as a protest against my decision not to let you sell the Monarchy's gold reserves."

Diamondeye shifted in his chair and cleared his throat before nodding. "Yes, that true. But Sindar was not involved in that decision. Why has this come up?"

The King extended his open hand towards Diamondeye, "Because you are the Governor of New Giruvegan, sir. The people who live there are under your care. The well being of your city depends largely on your actions. In return, New Giruvegan is a city in my Kingdom. Therefore it is my responsibility to ensure the city you care for is done so properly. Abandoning the fields and mines is not how one does this. I will require written correspondance to the Ministry of the High Steward immeadiately stating that you have reversed your orders so that these citizens can return to work."

Provoshogun came into the room, heavily donned in Samurai Infantry Armor, with a Provozuki Rifle hanging over his shining bracelet. Caught between two eras, he was moving on into unknown territory, yet clinging onto the dark past. A pistol was hanging in a wire outside his mail coat, ominously hanging there with its ivory shaft, ridden with marks from dead Babylonians, tagged as they were gutted.

I will be blunt. We have been invaded. The Kings gold is not the Kings gold. The Protectors gold is not the Protectors gold. We need the draftees to fend off the Mayans, and these men want to be paid in gold. There will be no jewelry for the nobility either, if anyone got that in mind. I say we should guard the King in his palace of Arete against the external threat of maritime landings, as well as guarding the Paragon Pontifex of NG from Mayan spies in his temple. We are now ushering into an era of Nationalism, and we need to stand united, and protect key figures of our nation!

Provoshogun XIII gave the signal, and his guard put the King and the Paragon Pontifex under guard, against external Mayan threats.

Honored King, revered Paragon, come along, we have much to do, and you must remain secure.

The distraught audience was furthermore attacked by outsiders when one of Cycs general guards entered the room bearing a note. He was met with uneasy stares from everyone present. The man knew he had no position in the room, so he spoke quickly.

"I have a message from the High Steward Nate IV in Seville County, Your Highness," He said.

Cyc nodded Provoshogun XIII's elite guard aside and accepted the letter, to which the man hastily exited the room. The letter, clearly marked by an unmistakable family crest in blue ink, was raised and opened by the King.

"To His Highness, King Cyc,

Sir, while prospecting my familys' Gem Mines in Seville County, I heard word of an Armada of the coast of the Cordobian Peninsula. I do not wish to insult you intelligence, Your highness, as I am sure you are aware of this, so I will point out that this letter is direction of my titles as High Steward, Unaligned Representative of the Estates General Assembly, and Governor of Venice.

Please put my first born son, Kiron, down as the bearer of these titles, as well as owner of all of my current land, real-estate, and business holdings. he can be found at my family's home in West Venice.

As for me, Your Highness; I have formed a small group of townsfolk in the neighboring villages into a Resistance Team that will attempt to loosen the Armada's control on any coast they may land on. I am well equipped, your highness, with the most accurate Royal Arms Rifle, as well as the people of New Arkadia.

I do however, wish to make a request.

I request the blood of the man that saved my family's city, Provoshogun XIII, be commander of any professional force sent to aid New Arkadia against the Mayans.

Your Loyal Servent,
High Steward Nate IV "

King Cyc put down the letter.

Diamondeye looked around, confused.

"It seems we will have to discuss the matter later, My King."
With these words he turns to the High Marshal.
"Provoshogun, I have my own personal guard and will make it to New Giruvegan just fine. I suggest you stay here and protect the King, or leave for the front immidiately. If I understand you right, we are now at war with both the Babylonians and the Mayans - this leaves no room for internal feuds. I will speak with You again later, highness," he adresses the King before leaving the room, hastily surrounded by his guards, headed straight for the city gates.

"That's fine, Diamondeye, run. Your brother will probably be hung by the neck before you find time to return." The King was furious. He turned to Provolution.

"Provolution, what the hell are we doing at war? Not just at war with the Babs, which you had no authorization to declare, but war with the Mayans! You didn't see them off our coast. What kind of Military Leader are you? You're lucky I don't have you busted to a private. Now get your troops out of my Castle! The King's guard are well armed and well trained. We do not need your ground troops in here mucking things up."

The King throws his hands up into the air and let's out an exssaperated yell. "This is not a Monarchy! This is Anarchy! Leave me, now!"

Provoshogun XIII, and his men, dismayed by the negative response of his dear King, was somehow surprised, but also saddened, as he had witnessed the long periods of which the King and his family has locked the outside world away for some secret doings inside Arete Castle. No one really knew what was going on in there.

King Cyc, I hereby tender my resignation and we are all heading back to Edorai, where we will hold counsel on what to do next. Indeed, it is anarchy, and these two concurrent wars would have happened anyways. We planned to attack Babylon right after their construction of Versailles, and we did exactly that, with minimal losses. I, however, find the lack of faith onto your loyal conservative followers disconcerting, and has decided to go back to Edorai and hold counsel with the various branches of the Provoshogun family, Provozuki family, the old Provochon family, the Provolutti family and finally the Provonotte and Provoluzione families.

Diamondeye stops in the door on the way out.
"If that is your intentions, King Cyc, I hereby declare the independance of the Protectors of Faith. I can have no business with a man as selfish and bureaucratic as this. I will return to New Giruvegan immidiately. If my brother is hang every Aretan will be shot in the gates.

And to solve your problem of the lack of Monarchy, I hereby declare my unfaltering support to Provoshogun XIII and his forces. I believe what we need now is someone with the knowhow and elbowgrease to lead us to war. And you are not that person, King Cyc!"

Bursting with rage, Diamondeye storms away, followed by an almost as angry personal guard. Nobody dares to go in their way.

Vandal was outside of the palace as everyone left, save King Cyc. He walked into the Palace to find Cyc at his desk with his face buried in his hands. Vandal smiled and sat down in the cair before the desk. After a few moments of silence looked up at Vandal.

"The world is falling apart." Vandal said very quitely. He then got up and stood behind his chair looking at some of the Kings books. "We need a solid government, one not ruled by a single individual. One where a we have several leaders." Vandal then unsheathed a blade from one of his many sheathes and placed it before the King.

"The Blade off the Gallow was crafted from multiple layers of iron and bronze shaved down into one sleek blade with a curved end. It took twelve Gallow smiths to make blade, working as one to create one blade," Vandal was now skimming threw the History of Madrid, written by Cedric, Grand historian of Spain," Why can't government work the same as making a blade?" Vandal put the book back and then grabbed his blade and walked through the doorway. Then he stopped in the middle saying," Think about it, Cyc." And Vandal walked out of the palace to find Cedric with all of Vandal's Aretean opratives.

"Come with me, and Cedric send a message to everyone of our operatives in the entire nation, tell them to return to HQ, I have a message." Vandal and his operative then left the city, he was going to set off the big one.

(ooc) Sorry. Didn't happen that way. {reference to the game Prince of Persia II}

As a matter of standard operating procedure, Top Sargent for the Palace brought in enough troops to match and/or defeat any and all troops who entered the Palace. These troops filled the Hallways, the stairs, the entrance, and flowed out into the town square leading to the gate. The minute Provolution resigned, the King instructed his men to disarm any person not in the King's guard of gunpowder weapons. All soldiers knew of Provolutions resignation in a matter of minutes. No one was allowed to leave. The disarmorment began outside of the entrance way. One by one, Provo's men and Diamondeye's men were stripped of the gunpowder weapons before being allowed to leave the Castle. They were able to keep the long bows and crossbows and swords as a matter of protection on their way home. But the rifles would only be issued to loyal soldiers from here on in. Provo and Diamondeye were not happy at all, but they had rifles pointed at their heads. The King ordered messagers out immeadiately to inform all field commanders of Provo's resignation. That he was returning home with Diamondeye to plot against the King. As most field commanders were not happy fighting two wars, the first of which was declared by Provolution, no less, they remained loyal to the King and awaited new orders from him alone. Provolution and Diamondeye were now shunned by most of the military, even the small amount who claimed to be religious. Nation-wide, troops dug in and awaited the King's word.

OOC: Extremely bold, Cyc, declaring that most of the nation is with you. I would go as far as to say that you are going too far. It's not well-seen from here, acting like you own Aretania. This is a Democracy game, not a dictaturate, yet.

OOC: Extremely bold, Cyc, declaring that most of the nation is with you. I would go as far as to say that you are going too far. It's not well-seen from here, acting like you own Aretania. This is a Democracy game, not a dictaturate, yet.

Hopefully never. :p

See, Diamondeye, that's where you have it wrong. I am the King. This PF is a Monarchy. A Monarchy that chose to listen to it's citizens. The King rules the nation. That was not looked at in those days as a dictatorship. The King and his family were royalty. This had deep roots with the citizens. The citizens loved the royalty up to a point.

This Monarcy takes good care of it's citizens, always (except when our computers go down). All of the King's guard were chosen because of their loyalty to the King. Not to you. My men bow to you as a matter of protocol. It's their job to show you respect by my order. The common citizens wish they could be part of the King's guard, so they might serve in that capacity. In their eyes, you have abandoned the King, and have started plotting against them. You are now the proverbial babe in the woods, who must regroup and plan your plans. All of your guard has now lost all of their rifles. The King's guard has sent re-inforcements to your city. Most of the food the King supplies to your city now goes to them. Your people are becoming hungry and unhappy. Soon you will command scared skinny people with your God-like manner. But I guess that's ok with you. They are all prepared to die at your whim, right. You don't care who dies, as long as you can walk with the word of your God tucked away in your coat.

OOC - One cannot simply write someone out of the action, that is the future votes to decide :) (Nothing personal but this game needs an election :) )

However, Provolution had only given King Cyc blanks, useless arms, and they had more than enough arms and munitions in Edorai, their sworn stronghold, and the shipments of iron and other equipment needed to run and maintain a war, was being held firmly by the opposition to the more and more despotic King cyc. His men being well fed by horseflesh and pork.

That family of inbreds have gone too far, the nobility claimed. We are not nobles anymore, but we are officers. Thankfully, we operate all of the iron mines, which are now put heavily under guard. King Cyc may have thought the military to be loyal, but it was not that simple. King Cycs hold on his men had abated long ago, due to his long hunting trips, insanity in the family, and other reasons that the nation has been plunged into chaos. King Cyc had been a benevolent ruler, but everyone remembered how his line had usurped the original Playa El Civ Dynasty. In fact, the line of Cyc was questioned, the nation could now choose a new direction, and all pieces was now on the table, assumed power or not.


It seems like the nation is split like this:

Venice - The First Republic
Edorai - The Military Aretanian Directorate
Arete - Cycles of Arete
Kassite - City States of Venice

More Like:

Kassite-Venitian Republic (oddly)

( The Christian Cities may also be with Kassite )

Edorai, Warfire, Blastoid,- MAD

Arkadia and New Giv.- Neutral

Arete, other cities- Cycles

Vandal

You forgot the TCN faction "First Republic..." based out of Venice.

It would be easier if you named it "Kassite Republic", for all of us :)

Also, New Giruvegan, and likely the Babylonian provinces are all heavily under religious doctrine and military dominance, unfree countries.

So I would see it this way:

COA: Arete, Arkadia,
MAD: Edorai, Blastoid, Warfire, Babylon, New Giruvegan
ROV: Kassite, Cordoba, Seville,
FRA: Venice, Vandal Valley, Seidrik

The rest of the cities are to be decided. I would say we split the cities evenly among active (proven active) players.

The rest is to be figured out, I would say

Actually the base of the Republic of Venice is in Venice, but Kassite was a city governed by me.


And tcn said he wanted no part in civil war, which is why he was not included.

Well, I plan to set up a 1685 Civil War Scenario, based on this save for later, anyone interested (I suggest we play this main one out as a normal demogame).

I'm up for the save too, but it would be cool to see something like this played if only for a short period.

This is too weird.

King Cyc and his Elite Guard Move about 1 million Y onto the Fast Frigate in port. After taking what they need, they sail off in the ded of night for new lands. Must have been the insanity in the family thing. But they are happy now in a far away land, living on the beach and drinking margauritas.

I've left this thread, in other words.

Ok, I would like to say that everything past my last RP is invalid as you three (Diamondeye, Cyc, and Provo) went insane.

Seems like we are all "running away"...

Haha. Nice point Provolution. I would like to see how the save turned out as well.

Oh and Cyc, my point was that it looks as if this is the coup de grace to the monarchy, so perhaps the people had lost some of their trust in the king.

Very well, since Cyc has left I assume the people has gotten the final proof of the royal family lines insanity. We need a new government, able to handle the war ahead. But we need to unlock the civic first - what do we do?

We call it a national unified front, and call in Lord Civius as the strong man on the white horse, the De Gaulle of Aretania brought in from exile!!!

I concur, Lord Civius is the most qualified neutral player we have. I believe he should play until we have unlocked Representation and Police State.

Sindar and Ymira sat in the tower. Sindar sat looking out the small, barred window, trying to see the bat that had left them just a few seconds ago, but it was gone. He opened the letter from his brother.

"Dear Brother. It is with much sadness I must admit that I could not convince the king to let you go. He has sworn that you shall both be hung at sunrise. I did my very best and I present you with this alternative to the humiliating death that an official hanging would be. I hope the gods take good care of you in the next life and that the world on the other side will fit your "skewed" existance better. Wait for me there, for I think my time is running out as well."

Sindar handed Ymira the letter and looked at the two small objects that had been wrapped in the paper. He recognized it as two small, poisoned needles.

He looked at Ymira and waited until she had read it. He handed her one of the needles and looked into her eyes. They were both crying , tears running down their cheeks. Ymira nodded at him. They pushed their needles into their necks, along the main bloodvein, and spilled a small ray of blood from the wounds. They embraced each other and sat down in the farthest corner of the room.

Sindar felt a stinging feeling behind his eyes as the poison started to work. He held Ymira tighter and whispered inarticulate expressions of his love into her ear. She shivered and whispered: "I... Feel so... Cold."
Sindar whispered, struggling to hold his eyes open. "I am here with you. You are not going to freeze. I love you." She smiled at him. "I love you too."

Then, they died.

Hadn't read this thread in a while. I wish you guys would have laid the case for civil war out with some of the details. So sad was the tragedy of Sindar and Ymira.

Really great ending, Diamondeye. :goodjob:

What Sindar and Ymira kick the bucket!?!?!?!?! Now who is Vandal going to get out of Prison!?!?!??!?!?!

Thanks for the feedback. I was beginning to like them, but noone lives forever. I will continue to contribute to the RPG although it will be without Sindar and Ymira.